woolleyfooley

The ballistix boxes have piqued my interest as well. I’m especially interested in the hangr deep box.

I agree with both of you. One thing that really changed my outlook on bass fishing was when I was young and tried a zoom brush hog for the first time. I said to myself “no way a fish would eat this crazy thing.” To my surprise, the fish loved it! From then on I’ve always thought in most situations it’s more about throwing something that looks edible and elicits a response vs mimicking a specific prey type. I do still believe there are some occasions where matching the hatch are appropriate, which is the point of my question in the original post since it seems that these bass are more interested in beavers then craws. Just something I found interesting. Since the beaver and craw are quite similar, could they be different enough to be imitating different prey?

Any chance you could give the clif notes as to what was said on the podcast? I’d really appreciate it!

Specifically speaking about working a jig on the bottom, not swim jigs. In south Florida, I’ve noticed the bodies of water I fish most frequently don’t seem to have any crawfish. What’s more, the bass in these bodies of water often won’t bite jigs with craw trailers like the rage craw. Even Texas rigs with craw baits don’t seem to get bit. On the other hand, beaver baits used as jig trailers or Texas rigs catch and them like crazy. What I’m wondering is what type of prey am I mimicking when using a jig with a beaver dragging/hopping across the bottom? Or even using a T-rigged beaver? Also, is it possible there are craws in these bodies of water and I just don’t see them? These ponds just don’t seem to be good habitat for craws. Lots of vegetation and no rocks. So, what am I trying to mimic while using a jig/T-rig beaver on the bottom in ponds with no craws? Instead of the standard craw colors, what are some colors I should focus on more?

I wonder if that’s to due with tariffs or…? Edit- Rods are made in China. This comes from their New Zealand website: Where are Okuma products made? Okuma is unique in that it manufacturers the majority of its products in its own factories. From its high tech machining workshop in Taiwan to its state of the art rod factory in China all of its factories work on the same principles of innovating and developing the highest quality product.

Any chance he could bring me back a steez a2? Seriously. 😁

The de minimis rule still applies to all countries except China and Hong Kong. So even if/when the reciprocal tariffs go into effect, as long as you keep your orders from Japan under $800 you should be good. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

I love when baits come in a clamshell so they don’t get bent. I leave them in.

So apparently a good frog reel has a fast levelwind? How do I tell which reels have fast levelwinds? I have a Lew’s team lite that I use as a frog reel and it works fine. Apologies to the OP as I don’t mean to hijack the thread.

Anyone have the Okuma x series 7’5mh? Edit - Just noticed Okuma raised the price on the x series. @Glenn are these made in China? Please don’t take that the wrong way. I’m not trying to be political or make any criticism, I just want to know.

Why would they do that? Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. 😕 Apparently some items are being outright discontinued as it stands right now.

That’s a cool skirt. Living rubber and silicone, right? What brand jig? Ohhh I like this! And the superbug d bomb is my favorite beaver! Match made in heaven.

How does a free rig do in vegetation? What are some good brands of weights to start with? I normally use a flipping hook for T-rigs, should I use a different hook for the free rig?

De minimis is still in place and the tariffs on Japan (and all countries bar China/Hong Kong) are paused until July 9th or 10th. Prices on rods, tackle etc made in China will be going up substantially between May 27th and June 1st. Most tackle, rods etc. are made in China. Unless something changes, this hobby is about to become significantly more expensive.

I really need to try this. I usually fish a 3/8oz tungsten t-rig, what weights should I start with for a free rig?

@WRBdo you have any of the Okuma x series rods? If so I’d love to know which models and what they’re like!

I’m curious what hooks you all use on flukes and fluke style baits. I normally use ewg but I’ve been experimenting with owner twistlocks and like them quite a bit.

Never use a chunk is south Florida. Water never gets cold enough. I will use a beaver when I want less action though.

Yep. If my understanding is correct, they’re going to see how it works on China and HK and see if it’s feasible to remove it globally. Hopefully they decide it’s not feasible.

This. I love the black and blue/green pumpkin mix.

The problem is there is so little information on the power/taper of these rods. I’m debating between a Dobyn’s champ extreme hp 744 vs an Okuma x series 7’5 MH for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. I’m trying to figure out how they compare as far as power/taper/castability/sensitivity etc. Not to mention tackle warehouse has the specs wrong. They list the 7’5mh as 1/4-1/2oz lures while Okuma says 1/4-3/4 for the same rod.

That sucks. How much would duties be on something like a 350 dollar reel?

I spoke to a rep at Okuma. Apparently tackle warehouse has it listed wrong. The 7’5 mh is 1/4-3/4oz NOT 1/4-1/2oz. The rep told me the 7’3 heavy wouldn’t be a good rod for 3/8-1/2oz chatterbaits and spinnerbaits and that the 7’5 mh would be a good choice for those baits. So… does anyone have the 7’5 mh? 😁 I’m hoping it will work well with 3/8-1/2oz chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. I’m really curious how the taper is.

Anyone have the 7’3 heavy fast? I’m wondering how it would work for 3/8-1/2oz chatterbaits, spinnerbaits etc.

I should have said “rigged which ways?” 😁