HoosierHawgs

For punching, flippin, throwing magnum crankbaits, stroking huge jigs or fishing giant spoons it pays off to have a powerful reel. A Lew's SuperDuty comes to mind. They have oversized handles, large, sturdy gears, and it does make a difference. It gives you more torque against those large baits, and to get BIG fish out of HEAVY cover. I think it does make a difference. Can you go w/out it... Yes.. Will you boat more fish with it.. I would have to say yes, it will help you boat more fish.

I will say, that if you are interested in Ice Fishing, then go for it, but it takes a different mindset than regular fishing does for sure. Just sitting over a small hole jigging a spoon in the bitter cold for hours on end just doesn't stimulate everyone the way actively targeting bass does.. Maybe something else to consume your time... Are you into hunting? Obviously not everyone is, and if you'd rather fish go for it... They are both more passive then bassing is, but maybe one is more for you than the other.

What do you mean by that?

So that's the reel that Jimmy Houston used to use on his show! I couldn't figure it out because they didn't look like any reel on the market today... He's since moved on to Shimano... I don't see anyone buying US reel then, they must be years behind the rest of the fishing industry... They're casting reels like like something that was made 20-30 years ago..

Color change can be a bigger factor than most people think. This along with a change in cadence like mentioned above can definitely help. BTW, love the avatar picture.

These look good... I foresee some of these going in my box along with Berkely Flicker and Strike King Lucky Shads.. I really love my Bagley's stuff as well. I still have two old Fat Cats that come in handy when I'm looking to catch a kicker fish. They are a true big fish bait.

They look really nice. I oughtta pick some up to go along with some of my Storm Rattlin Flat Warts for winter crankbaits.

I this a private pond? Or is it public water? I know it doesn't sound relevant, but in terms of fish size, you may be able to help with that depending on whose water it is....

This may be a good thing. They're Apex series of reels are made in China and are head and shoulders above their American made models.

This is a good question.. I really like the look of the 7' walleye angler rods from BPS and thought they would work good for casting crankbaits.. Like I said, good question

Maybe it was panfish? Most bass will hit from the front.. But, they could be really finicky fish, and you may have to fish them with an exposed hook like a Ned Rig.

I like the no practice, small boat, specific area format. I wish they did all Pro Tournaments w/out practice to make it more interesting...

I use Lew's and they are good reels. If you want something to compare to your Shimano, I would go with a Lew's Team Lite or higher model.

I prefer Xcalibur XR50 rattlebaits. They run straighter and look really good. Hooks are good too. I fish them on 6'6" or 7' medium power rod w/a6.4:1 reel w/12# Berkley XL monofilament line.

This is what I do!

Cool set up! That's a nice rod bend you've got going there in that last photo!

Yes it is my friend.. But I can confidently say that BBB Trick Sticks are extremely similar plastic to a GYCB Senko, and their Hula Grub shape is quite similar as well. It's more affordable, and I really like them. That's a "1 2 Punch" for me so to speak.

Haha.. Didn't Mike McClelland used tos be signed w/Lucky Craft?

I wear shorts and sandals in 34 degree weather!

I also like the XCalibur real craw pattern baits.. They are a good bait as well

Wow that's nuts!

Quit your whining. It was -13 on Wednesday

Whre is this Walmart at? The Walmarts by me have a terrible outdoors selection...

I like the larger size Grass Pig for my swim jigs. Havoc makes some pretty good quality stuff

My dad really enjoyed his ProCaster reels as well.