Fishin Dad

Wait, what? Are you saying to dip it in the water right away and it cures it? I have it and always wait for it to dry before putting it in water.

I agree with this instance, but I have had way too many items cancelled to continue doing business with them. I just find it sad that a company this size cannot figure out inventory control on a website.

I think I have gotten too comfortable with that darn productive Senko. I need to/will fish the old ribbon tail, speed tail, rage tail, ______tail worm again next time I fish, which will be Sunday.........Amen

I have had this happen too many times as well. Sent emails showing my displeasure and they could care less. It is sad to see this. I used to get excited as a kid to get the catalogs and have spent a ton of money at both Cabela’s and Bass Pro in the PAST! Just sad to see these companies move to this. I am done!

I live in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and now 10,000,000 fisherman. Geeeez. This has been nuts.

It matters just as much WHERE you are fishing. I catch 6 lb. smallmouth on a ML spinning rod in open water with rocky bottom, but catch 2 lb. largemouth on a 7’6” heavy casting rod in the weeds. A lot variables in between as well. For a good all around rod that will work in more situations, the guys above nailed it with a 7’ MH Fast action casting rod.

For those with way more time on the water than me, I have a question on line tension on a falling jig. I mostly fish jigs (1/4 - 1/2 oz.) in water 6’ or less. I often get bit on the fall. I think I have heard and assume I should fish jigs on a Semi-slack line? I feel if I have pressure on the jig, it will pendulum back towards me and not fall where I placed it (ie- next to cover or structure). If I let it fall on a slack line, I am certain I am missing bites. Can someone help describe this to try to get me something to practice correctly. I always have a jig tied on, and have been successful with it and have some confidence, but have a long way to go. I know there is no substitute for time on the water, but I want my time on the water practicing the correct method. Thanks a lot everyone!!

No worries. I was just wondering if there was actually an HD that stood for heavy duty or something. I like my Fuego enough that if there was another that was a little different, I would look into it. There are so many reels out there now, and a bunch from Japan, that I can't keep up. Good fishing to you.

The Fuego LT has an XH that is a 6 speed. You have me curious about the HD. I have not seen one of these before.

I always tie the FG while at home adding leaders and also in the boat if it is convenient. This know was tricky to tie at first, but it sure gets easier, just like every knot. There are also some variations that individuals have come up with to try. If I am in a hurry or in poor conditions, I will tie the Crazy Alberto knot. On both knots I have experimented and adjust the wraps according to the line size I am using. I have not seen a knot smaller than the FG yet.

I have combined these two for the best of both worlds. I always have a hoodie on, have a beard, and only put sunscreen on my nose and cheeks. The hoodie works really well for covering your neck and ears, stays cool, isn't tight, and breaths really well. I DESPISE sunscreen!! My wife has had numerous skin cancer (melanoma) surgeries so we are very careful now. I have 4 pair of fishing pants, 7 hooded fishing shirts, numerous hats and buffs, as well as gloves for my hands now. I can tolerate just a little sunscreen on my nose and cheeks to make her happy and me safe!!! Once I found out how serious Melanoma is (doctors say it is very serious), I really regret all my sun in my first 50 years!! Hope you find something that works for you.

I would really switch to braid and/or braid to leader. It will be cheaper (both in price and long lasting). Braid will last 3 or more years (if you don't backlash it), is crazy sensitive, is awesome on spinning reels, and allows you to use a leader if you need/want to. I would suggest that first. I have liked Suffix 832 which can be found for $12.99 a spool regularly. I have paid $9.99 at times. Good luck.

Would both of you be willing to post a review once you have a chance to use them. I would love to know what you think and why. Thanks!!

I agree. We call them “feeding windows”. While I don’t know everything that goes into Figuring our when and why they happen, I do know they happen. Open water and ice fishing. I am finally going to keep a log this year (really wish I had been doing this for years) to see if I find something I can use.

I am almost 6’3” and still like a somewhat shorter rod when skipping. It just helps your accuracy and control. I use a 6’10” mh Tatula and a 7’ mh Villain 2.0 for my main skipping rods. I do also have a 7’1” m and a 7’3”H I often have a jig tied to I use to skip as well when the cast calls for it. I am just not as accurate, especially with the 7’3” heavy. The other factor that has an effect on skipping is the power and action of the rod and tip section. A rod with a softer tip is easier to cast and propel the jig. Not a mushy tip, but with some movement. Ideally, that softer tip loads into a solid backbone to get bass moving away from cover. I am still alwAys looking for a great jig rod, so I will be watching this thread to look for any specific suggestions. I am looking at a Kistler Helium 3 to try next. Good luck in your search!

Jaybird, In order to help you, more information would be helpful. Which rod (power, action, etc,), what line (braid, mono, fluoro), what hook (style, size). You will get help here for sure, just fill in the blanks Fishin Dad

As much as I would rather power fish (chatterbait, jig, Texas rig, frog, etc.), I always have a couple spinning set ups in the boat. These have not only saved the day a number of times just catching lethargic bass, but we have won some money with big fish in tournaments on them as well. A senko, as cliche as it is, is a bait I will ALWAYS have tied on. I use it as a finesse bait, a follow up bait, Weedless, wacky, everything bait. So, I would grab a 6’6”-7’0” spinning rod with 10-15 lb. braid and fluoro leader and add another new element to your fishing.

If you hit the little 3 bars menu in the top left of the page, go to jigs, and they are on page 3. They even have some blemishes for $2.50 which is $.85 off normal price.

Hey TriState, I absolutely love the dredge dock rocker jigs and they may work fine this time of year or anytime for that matter. Siebert has a finesse jig called the Sniper which would work great if you are looking to downsize. I haven’t found a firm rule that a finesse jig is always best in Spring. I always have a couple different jigs tied on to see what the fish want. Often times a finesse jig works best. Often times they work best in summer or fall as well. Either way, Sieberts makes great jigs. Good luck!!

Very interesting read. We sure owe a lot to the legends of fishing who selflessly experimented and shared ideas for the love of fishing. What a great group of guys. Thanks for sharing!!

This is actually very interesting and good to hear. I always see pros re-spooling it seems like after each tournament of more. That would get insanely expensive for the average guy. Obviously they have sponsors to help with this. I fish 3-4 days per week in the summer (Minnesota weather kills much of the season of course) and at least 1-2/week in spring and fall. I try to make my fluoro last all season, but always felt I was pushing it when pros are changing after 3-4 days. I check line frequently and don’t get many breaks. It would be even better to get 2 years and maybe I will keep some on to try after this season.

Thanks, your responses definitely answered some of those questions AND gave me great resources to check out. Much appreciated.

I have looked at some of these sites and they confuse the heck out of me. How do you learn about the different rods that we hear nothing about and can’t see or feel? I searched earlier today and looked at known brands quick (Daiwa, Shimano, Abu) and had no idea what most of them were except Exprides Zodias and Fantasista. Thanks for the help. I really do find this interesting and opening up some fun possibilities.

Most of these sites are reliable and legitimate that I have seen on here? I have seen Japan Tackle, Digitaka, Japan lure shop. Any favorites you all have?

I am not trying to hijack here, but have always wondered about buying from Japan. Quick question: What does someone gain from buying there? Better/ different products, cheaper prices, newer releases, etc? Thanks.