Angry John

In your area I would be running braid to leader with 80 or 100 lb. I don't fish swim baits on braid but in shark infested waters I want some chance of getting the bait back.

But do you own a mask and snorkel because no way am I leaving that bait behind.

Some lures require skill to operate and some require zero input from the angler. Some baits can be rigged a 100 different ways and some only one way. It's a lot more complicated than just which bait.

That phoney is sweeeeet.

Swim baits are just a different tool to acomplish the goal of catching fish. No one way of catching them is better or worse than another. I find it refreshing to have so many choices in how we chase our little green friends. I like all ways of fishing. This type of discussion comes up now and again and the flavor is the same. Why 400 dollar rods. Why 600 dollar reels. No one can justify to another value and worth. Fish what you want and don't fish what you don't want.

I have the champion I would call Gary to see if there any different.

The 168 is on the light end for the 806. It's less than 2 Oz but you can use it. The 6 inch hudds are no issue but I have not used the 8 so got nothing there. The deps 175 weighs 3 Oz and is a great casting bait on that rod. They can be found used around 50.

Value and cost and performance are not all directly related in swimbaits. There are some garage baits like a hinkle shad and trout, or phoney that I would say are worth the asking price and the value you getting is quality products that work. Each bait is hand crafted and individual paint jobs are applied with great care. Then you have the deps 250. It is a nice bait it works but it's just mass manufacturered plastic. These are premium baits there is zero question about if there good or not. My money goes mostly to hand crafted baits, to support the sport, grow the Hobbie and give appreciation to their hard work. The value is always in the eyes of the buyer. The good guys like Matt servant design and test for years and improve their product over time. I know where I stand but ask questions and gain knowledge before judgment. No and no. There are kids less than 18 that are fishing mothers. They got money and good for them. Please don't make statements about baits that are just not true. It's not for everyone, just like megabass products are not everyone''s cup of tea. Get in where you fit in and don't assume.

I use the gammy 1/0 weedless on 4 and 5 inch worms. I use the dean rojas cane thumpers and it works well for both.

This is exactly what I fish on my 806 champion. I run 20lb yhb for line and a lunar 253 reel. Very happy with it.

Lake Wolford has boats for rent and is decent. If he is stationed at pendleton it's about an hour away. There is lake O'Neil on base that rents small craft as well depending on how much time you have.

3 setups 2 casting 1 spinning. Bring 2 spare spools for the casting reel with line ready to go. I will bring the same if I am shore fishing or from my yak. My last trip to Texas I had 74hf, 610mxf and a mlxf spinning rod. I used the heavy the least but I had no real feel for all the condition's I would face so I tried to cover most situations.

8" trash fish swaiver 200 trash fish gills. Tons of good baits that don't break the bank. The 7.8 Keitech is another good choice.

St Croix 610 mlxf sc5. For the cost of a custom a megabas xxx might be worth a look. This is what I am considering next. http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1066_2694_2696&products_id=12666

My braid use is solely for casting performance and line twist management. I still get line twist in braid but it's not the end of the day like mono.

My all around general purpose line is 10 pound yo-zuri hybrid for casting setups. I also use 12 and 15 depending what rod it's on. For spinning braid to leader is first choice and Berkeley xl in 6 or 8 is second choice depending on cover and rod. For leaders I use 6 or 10 lb yhb, for the spinning setups.

6.3:1. From steez to ryoga it's a great speed.

Line I use is 12-20 lb yo-zuri hybrid. 15 on 168 waivers 20 on lures over 3 Oz. I have been using 12 on a deps 175 and it seems to be doing great. A lot of people like l-line cxx, and if you desire flourocarbon abrazeX has a lot of fans. On big baits like the hinkle shad most people run 20 or 25. Knots I use a palomar, and my fishing partner uses a uni.

Can't say there is a best length but I enjoy 7-2 through 7-4 the best. Longer seems more difficult to work the frog shorter seems like I don't get the hook set and lifting power I like.

My dobyns 764 has a 9" handle and I hate it. If shipping was not crazy I might consider having it extended but at shipping costs it just does not seem worth it.

I know exactly what your talking about. I measure that handle from the but cap to the beginning of the reel seat and I want 12" of handle. My builder thought I was crazy at first, but it's amazing. My megabass white python and lamiglas excel 735 both have 11" handles. They are good but that last inch of handle is wonderful. The older white python slant bridge might be the best cranking rod made ever. It has a perfect length and shape to tuck up under your arm. I got a chance to fish one for an hour playing with 8 and 10xds, and it was amazing. For me this is an area where a custom build really is worth the money.

The trawling motor needs two deep cycle dedicated batteries. Spend some time learning about the difference between deep cycle and starting batteries to save you a bunch of heart ache. Getting the biggest batteries that will fit will give you more power and make them last longer. 31 group is what I would recommend, especially if you also plan to run your sonar off of them. Lead acid batteries have the highest power density but requires maintenance. A lot of guys are going to agm because they don't want to deal with measuring water levels. Your cranking battery can be tiny if all your running is the starter, and small running lights.

Welcome and make sure to check out the Memphis pond hoppers thread.

I have and use the 74HF sc3. It is a very powerful bada$$ blank. I use mine for a lot more than frogs, but mine is a custom build and I would buy another with out a doubt. I have small guides, not micro because I don't use leaders. 15 lb yhb for swim baits and 50 braid for frogs and punching. A frog rod IMO does not need to be sensitive but this blank is. Even if your only plan is to keep a frog tied on its great for small glides before and after frog season.

Are you seeing any beds? Might be shutting down for the spawn here in two days but I been fishing mostly bigger waters and have not seen any yet. Big waters like Kentucky lake and beech lake are mid fifties.