fishballer06

I'm in. Thanks for doing this!

To the countless jerkbaits that have fallen victim to a pike that I've never even felt...

Lots of good knowledge in here. I like suspending jerkbaits, blade baits, and fish head spins (under spins) myself. A simple jighead and twister tail grub can be good as well.

I see FD hasn't been online since mid-September. I'm really hoping we can do Fishmas again this year. Has anyone spoke with FD recently?

Like others have said, the original doesn't have much of a scent, but the craw scent is much stronger.

What size swarming hornet are you straightening the hook out on?

Looks like a BPS lure to me as well.

My thoughts exactly. You're not going to want to pay for a photographers time to stand there and wait for you to MAYBE catch a fish.

Don't be afraid to throw a weedless fish head spin and a small swimbait.

Indeed. The bluegill around here love to peck at your split shots.

If you have Facebook, PM me. I can give you the name of some guys I use.

The difference in the 843 and 845 is the power of the rod. What size cranks are you looking to throw?

I've only been there once for a 3 day trip in the middle of August, so it wasn't the best time to fish, but I know that guys pull 5-7 pounders out of there regularly. The occasional 8 or 9 is a possibility too.

Here's what I'm throwing my lightweight cranks on: Shimano Stile 5.8:1 Shimano Crucial 7' M-Mod 12 Sniper FC I have no problem throwing lightweight cranks like a #6 Shad Rap on this setup.

You should try *** (if you haven't already). Lots of higher end bass boats on there.

Dobyn's 705CB or 765CB with a 5:1 reel. You'll be able to crank all day.

I love Stonewall. Welcome!

Nah, definitely looks like some super top secret, prototype Gamakatsus.

Wow! How did that ever pass QC?

I have always had issues with braid wrapping around the hooks while using jerkbaits. And I certainly wouldn't recommend 6# ever for casting gear. Personally, I use 10 or 12# Sniper FC.

If you have used braid for years and have never used FC/Mono, I'm sure that is the part that feels weird, not the reel. I made that transition a few years ago myself. Now, I only use braid for topwater reels.

BassResource.com

I've never seen any modern rod that doesn't have the blank going clear to the butt of the rod...

I can't speak for the Smoke, but I can say that my Tour MG that I picked up this fall has treated me nicely. However, it is more than $100. As for the Chronarch, it's a Shimano so you know it's quality and that it will last. I love the Chronarch E series and the ci4's aren't too bad either. However, I'm not sure where you're finding either of those reels for ~$100.

Topwater bite can be tough once it gets below 55* for me. In the 55-60* range it's hit and miss. 60-68* seems to be the golden ticket.