Brian-S

I seem to agree as well, I think the "every fish counts" idea is good but maybe raising the standard of what a scoreable bass is will change things up a bit. So yes its not a 5 bass limit but it must be 14" to score would change it a lot i feel

Awesome Mike! Nice job!

hey buzzed bait i have not tried or fished the SK ones but from the weight perspective the 1/2oz label is the size of the head. So the head is 1/2 oz but yes with the head, hook, swivel, and blade included in the overall weight that probably where you are getting to the 20g

Ive been very happy with them, but as mentioned they get to about 10-12' not 15' but knowing that its still a really good crank and has its place for sure. With that said I only have used the red craw color Think its worth giving a shot! Brian

As many mentioned, shaky head, crank bait like wiggle warts rock crawler etc, a jig too when fishing docks also and obviously in cold water the A rig as well

What I can tell you from a design perspective, yes they seem similar but different applications really. Yea sure you can flip both of them but what makes a Beaver good is that it is a good glide bait (minimal action) but gets bit. The structure bug has much more action making it good for applications that the beaver can't fulfill and vice versa Brian

We've used orings and heat shrink pretty well, I also like the eco pro weight wacky harnesses too! There are some good options to help with the wacky durability Hope thats helps a bit for ya Brian

I don't add before into the bags but I sure do love my megastrike! Maybe I will try it in the bags before hand as others have mentioned. To help with other questions Ive seen, Dont add coffee grounds it may alter the color. As others have said too do NOT use water based scents.. letting them sit in that will absolutely ruin your baits. It will only take about 24hrs hope this helps a bit! Brian

Like many have chimed in on, definitely the texas rig. It will help you gain that confidence and then you can venture out from there! As far as bait suggestions.... I might be a little bias In terms of styles, try a weightless stick bait or some good craw imitator for a 1/8-1/4oz weight pegged to it!

Rapala DT 6 hands down

Never thought of this but thats a good idea! Keep the ones you use most often stocked and loaded in a box but less frequent in the bags Good idea!

I use tungsten for all weights that are added to the baits ( texas rigs, etc ) but for jigs, shaky heads etc still stick with lead due to the options! Brian

The argument can be made both ways just like scent... I believe anything that can help you catch more fish is great! Brian

Typically use Black and Blue... but maybe just by popularity.. no rhyme or reason LOL. Now, I love Black and Blue Laminate!! Try both when one is working and try to see which you have more confidence in Brian

Another vote for megastrike

As others have mentioned a good soft plastic stick bait can slither in and out of pockets very well in those situations! Another good "peg" is bobber stoppers, they're normally $.99 a pack and slide them on to peg the weight Brian

Great point! x2! Dont slap the water with them. You WILL break the bill off

My go to color in the DT6 for greenish stained water is HANDS DOWN Hot Mustard. Wow what a game changer and confidence color for me! I probably own 10 of them in Hot mustard, and the others I have... i wish were in hot mustard LOL Brian

Tend to lean towards more in the natural realm. Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin, Smokes, etc. Brian

For the smaller sizes you can't go wrong on a jig head or on a shakey head! You will catch a lot of fish that way! Brian

Can't go wrong with a few plastics, sticks are easy to start out with! Couple colors like Green Pumpkin, watermelon red, or Black and blue and go from there! A small jig with a craw as a trailer and as many said a frog. You'll learn a lot and grown your arsenal from there Good Luck! Brian

We're in the same neck of the woods! But as many have said so many options of soft plastics and styles to use! Gain some confidence in a style and then keep expanding your horizon. In your area in clearer water I tend to lean towards your green pumpkins if it gets darker i switch to Black and Blue like this one: Or This is Green Pumpkin Red!

Or if you have any friends or family with a UPS business account, They will get much cheaper rates (sometimes 30%+ off) to ship it. Something to keep in mind and to help you if you're shipping a rod. -Brian

We will be at the Tinley Show as well! Hope to see many of you there!