fishballer06

The DT10 is my bread and butter, but balsa baits do not mix well with bridge pillars...

That new Shimano Crucial deep cranker would be ideal for 10xd's. Check it out. It was just released at iCast. In my opinion, a different setup is required for a 6XD than with a 10xd.

I have no experience with Nanobraid, but I know a few guys who swear by it for dropshot. As for 832, this is my go to braid. I use it on spinning and casting gear, in various different sizes. I've tried almost all the various braids on the market, including some of the higher end one's, and I still go back to 832. The only other braid I would recommend would be the Pline TCB X Braid (8 carrier).

One nice thing about rain is it keeps the pleasure boaters at home.

Yup, Curado 300.

I can't stand those little hammer handles...

I already ordered the new DT and Shad Rap colors... I'll be getting some Rk Stars too.

They work well. They hold up fairly well. They're fairly cheap. They come in great colors. 3/0-4/0 wide gap worm hook.

DT10 3/8oz. Chatterbait Honorable mention: Cavitron

Yes, there's quite a few shad colors already in the lineup.

I don't know if anyone else has seen this yet, but Rapala is releasing their HD colors on a bunch of their baits at iCast today. The DT is my go to crank, so I found this interesting. Just thought I'd share.

Largemouth (US): 5.1 pounds - DT10 custom painted craw Smallmouth (US): 20" (no weight) - Tube Largemouth (CAD): 22" (no weight) - chart/white spinnerbait Smallmouth (CAD): 21.75" (no weight) - Skitter Pop frog I like to count Canada as totally different because the fishing up there is totally different from the heavily pressured waters around here in western PA.

I agree. I live in Pittsburgh, so any water that is public and easily accessible from shore gets pounded hard. The chances of catching fish from those lakes is tough. The catch percentages that the OP posted about are about the same here. To add to the "educated" fish part.. The one thing that I think makes catching fish in these ponds even tougher is the fact that they're basically fed daily with nightcrawlers and minnows from all the shoreline bobber fishermen.

As with any crankbait, buy one that you have confidence in that fits your range, in the 4 standard colors: Bluegill, Chartruese, Craw, Shad. From there, experiment with what the fish like.

I'm not sure where you saw the Fenwick HMX getting praise... The HMG however, is a great rod and well worth the $10 extra over the X.

I've had no issues with P-Line 15lb on my spinnerbait rod. Like suggested earlier, try using the San Diego Jam knot. I personally like to dip the line into the water whenever I'm cinching it down.

Purchased myself a new rod last night for a deal I couldn't pass up. Local store had an Abu Garcia Veracity 7'11" H-Winch on clearance for $99. All clearance was an additional 40% off. I also had a $10 off a $50+ purchase. I walked out the door with a brand new deep cranking rod for $50, that retails for $150.

Before you go throwing a crank that big, you'll have to make sure you have the right equipment.

The Lunker frog you posted in great in more open water. In heavier cover, I like most of the one's posted here like the Booyah Pad Crasher and Spro Bronzeye.

As am I. I've been searching for a dedicated chatterbait rod.

I've found that anything in the 10+ ft. range really is tough to crank in even on a 6:1 reel. I can't even imagine the strain it would take to bring in something like that on a 7:1.

Dobyns makes the best cranking rods out there (that I have found/used). I personally own a 765CB and a 684CB. Take advantage of this sale if you have the cash to spend and get yourself something nice that will last you a very long time.

Yes, they work very well. They come in all the standard fish catching colors. Use whichever works well for you and the situation.

First one is definitely a Norman DD. Second looks like a Bagley to me.

The Bluegill color produced my largest bass last season.