Fishin Dad

I have been watching a lot of the tournament action this year. The thing I have noticed is it seems a lot of the pros seem to be using moderate action rods? Am I just seeing things? As I understand it (as a general rule) moderate or moderate fast rods are good cranking, flipping, and some top water. Is that about correct? The other reason I ask is, I have a glass cranking rod and one for chatterbaits and love them! Easy to cast and nice for fighting fish. I understand it might be harder to drive a bigger hook in, but they were using them for pitching and Flippin I thought. It appeared some were using these for other techniques. What are your thoughts on using moderate to moderate fast rods? Thanks

I read somewhere about boxes that are not petroleum based. I went online and purchased a couple. They are hard and clear plastic. I do use them with my rigged and pre used Elaztech and they work well. Can’t remember what they are called. It seems they might break easily, but so far so good.

No worries. Glad we were on the same page!

The Zman are made of Elaztech. They do not play nice with any other plastics. You are best to leave them in their original package. They will even react to and warp a tackle box tray if left in there long enough.

Thanks Primetime. I seem to be seeing more prop baits being used by the pros as well lately. I may have to see what I can pick up and try getting them going more on the surface.

Scaleface, buzzbaits and frogs are my confidence topwaters. I am going to try to expand this summer. Hopefully I figure out the correct formula (thanks to all the info here) and gain some confidence and more arsenal. If not, top water is just plain fun to fish. FC Phil, Interesting observation. One I will certainly take into account this year. I may have given up too early some days on top water. I like it enough that as my water gets dirty, I will keep the top water Rippin. Thanks

I just checked out the chug bug and the reviews on Tackle Warehouse are amazing. Got em on the list. Thanks!!

Thanks All, great stuff to think about and use to base my decision. Exactly what I was hoping for. You guys are awesome.

Waymont, I just checked, it looks War Eagle is the only brand they took off the sale. Spinnerbaits were under $3 too during the sale. Sorry I find the hook up to be fine. I do add a bait keeper as I like to skip them. That is an easy fix though. I would prefer a Seiberts and absolutely love them, but couldn’t pass up this deal. Hey Catt, which grass jig from Seiberts do you like? Is it the grass n swim jig?

Thanks Clayton! That was a perfect read. I have to learn to use the search better. Thanks for linking for me. Always love your posts as well!

Thanks guys. I am definitely going to give these a try. It is becoming a goal now. You guys are working your magic. I really am going to work these. Top water strikes are awesome, I can imagine the spook and popper strikes are wild as well.

Outlet Bait and Tackle has War Eagle jigs with a rattle and wire tied for $1.55 each right now. I ordered 30 of them. Other than that deal, Seibert dredge dock jigs are my fav.

Thanks Mobasser. I will check out the storm chug bug. And I do have 4 or 5 Zara Spooks. I will have to try a popper next to cover. Makes sense. Work it slow with noise to lure them out and bite. Thanks. Thanks Hank! That is why I was wondering. It seems like a fun bait that I have tried only a few times and gave up going with a more confidence bait. I am going to get some on walking bait this year for sure. Good fishing to ya!

Hey all, I am trying to figure out my top water Arsenal for the Year. As I look through my containers, I am trying to figure out how to decide when to use a buzz bait (I used a lot last year successfully), a popper, whopper plopper, spook type bait, kicking frog, etc. I understand cover dictates a lot of it. A specific question related to this is, why use a walking spook type bait instead of the others. It seems slower to cover water and a lot of work. I really haven’t used a popper much either. I just don’t use them much even though I have a half dozen of each. Help get me excited about these. Thanks!

I love my Rapala touchscreen tournament scale. It records the weight of each fish in a “box” on the touch screen. When you cull a fish, you just move that new weight into that box. It keeps track of your total weight and shows the weight of each fish in numbered boxes. Those numbered boxes correspond to the numbered non-puncture lip tags. The lip tags are so-so, by tbthebidea is awesome. The scale is very accurate as well.

Catt, i completely agree and have had some ah-ha moments with rate of fall. Do you determine rate of fall through trial and error or do you have a “system” of sorts? Thanks

Thanks gimruis! I saw that was coming. Have to attend my daughters activities this weekend. Bad timing for me. Thanks for the heads up!

A-Jay, That boat is SICK!! Man did you set that up well. A lot of great tweaks and upgrades. That would be amazing to fish out of. I am jealous. Thanks for posting that. Great way to get a feel for the Lund. Much appreciated!! Fishin Dad

Fry dog and Ajay, i have looked into into this more, and this seems like a great compromise and kind of a hybrid design between a glass bass and tin multi species. Fry dog, I may have to take you up on checking that out in the metro some day. You guys got me thinking! You got any help for convincing my wife of this great idea? Fishin Dad

OC, I busted out laughing out loud when I read that! Classic!

Wow! A lot of great points and a lot to think about. I appreciate it guys. Many things I didnt think of! Hey Frydog, you are correct. I hope your baitcast skipping is going well. That was our last correspondence. A guy that fishes our leagues around here purchased a Lund Bass. Sweet boat. The more I read and hear in this thread, the more I may have to look that way. I remember now that I had seen you and AJay running those. That sheds some light on the "Why" now. Thanks!!

I hear you. I get my butt kicked going 45 mph at take off. I do lose spots that way. Is it a lot easier to cast from the deck of a bass boat being low to the water like that? It seems like it would be easier without the height of my gunwales. I also hate my windshield for casting, But like to stay dry and/or keep bugs out of my teeth.? I am just contemplating trading for a glass bass boat and just need to hear these opinions. It’s obviously an advantage or the tourneys around the country would not be full of them. Thanks fellas.

Hey guys, i have fished all my life from all boats, except a bass boat. I consider myself a multi species fisherman, but have gotten waaay more serious about bass and am fishing some tournaments. Equipment (graphs, talons, etc.) aside, how important is a true bass boat? What advantages does it offer or how does it fish different? Thanks!

Why use a baitcaster? For me, I get off way more casts with a baitcaster. I also find fighting a fish much easier (especially for my hands/fingers) and I get a lot more power to control fish. Topwater frog in slop on spinning.........yuck and ouch! i am not a professional, but here are a couple insights. I find it way easier and more accurate for me to use a lighter power rod (M and/or glass instead of MH Or especially H). A more aerodynamic, heavier lure (1/2 oz). And do NOT learn to cast a baitcaster in the wind. Wind will frustrate the heck out of you. I really couldn't fish the same without a Baitcaster. I think you will find it very worth it and rewarding once you do. Like everyone said, it can be frustrating, but as many people as have learned to do it, you got this!!!

^^^^^^That is classic funny up there. I also love the Sieberts dredge dock rocker jig. Fantastic jigs.