Drew03cmc

The article, from In Fisherman, by Ned Kehde on the Dark Sleeper, is an example of people taking things too far. The way it is written, it is a 3 page dissertation on the design of this bait, including SAE measurements of the fins, body, etc. Do I care that the front fin on the small bait is 11/16" tall? No. I care that it works. The writing is awful. It made me unsubscribe from the mailing list and the relentless analyses of weather, pressure, water temp, etc. Sorry, I am all for monitoring these things as they can all pertain to fishing, but dang. These guys take it much too far. Sorry for the rant, but it just annoyed me enough that I had to ask if I was alond.

Jim, Damiki Air Frogs have an air pocket in them so they float and they require a 6/0 Beast. They're massive, but they garner massive strikes. I'd love to see a Meramec smallie engulf one.

When upside down, they can pull the points out and pull weeds back to you. I don't know if my 3/32oz Twistlock Lights will handle 50lb braid and a Heavy rod.

Those weights are very slim and stay close to the hook, so they do great. I have some smaller drop dead hooks.

His is THE world record to me. I'm sorry, the Perry fish is bulls. There is no info or anything. Thr "picture" can't be verified and it wouldn't even get laughed at before tossed in the trash today. Dottie passes all of the tests, but because of California's rule about being hooked outside the mouth, it was disallowed. I believe in that 25-01 more than 22-04.

Anywhere in particular to find them?

Jesus guys. My son was pretty interested in him after reading Sowbelly. I just told him and it's like an OJ fan after the Nicole and Ron Goldman murders. I'm wondering how it took so long to put it all together. It makes Weakley, Kurita, etc that much more incredible to me.

I'd like to try the Ricos and Splash Its, but for now, I'm pleased with my Pop Xs.

The rod I've been using is a M baitcaster with 8 or 10lb test copoly.

I'll have to try again I guess...maybe a 5/0 EWG and an 1/8oz weight? I just don't know where to fish them. I don't toss a lot of worms anywhere honestly.

I have 2 Uptons 13" worms, but am a little hesitant to toss them. How would you use them in waters that the average fish is 12" and a big one is 5lb?

The PopMax is a killer bait too, but I'm normally more finesse oriented in summer where water is clearer.

May try the 4/0 Beast hooks I already have.

I am looking for some input on hooks to toss my Horny Toads, Noisy Flappers, Rage Toads, etc on. I was just out with the Ribbit hook, which I keel weighted with lead wire and I caught 1 out of probably 25 to 30 strikes. Some of these were me just missing or striking early. Some had the hook and plenty of time, but did not drive into the fish. How do you rig them? I am using a 7'3 H Ethos with an older Okuma VS200 (new ceramics, carbontex, cleaned and serviced) on it with 50# Berkley X5.

I'm using 8# Hi seas on my 1600 on a 6'6" M right now. It's nice, but I may have to grab a ML casting rod for it, since it would mostly toss weightless plastics, poppers up to 1/3oz max, 1/8oz chatterbaits and 1/8oz buzzbaits.

I need to just fish it more. Tonight is a dusk attempt, black toads, Plopper 130, big black buzzbait, but tomorrow or Thursday will be a Pop X fished over shallow structure.

Thank you. These discussions over the nuances of certain baits versus others are what I love.

What is your favorite?

I've used it on a spinning rod, see above, but my spinning rod has braid and I move the bait too far, so I think I prefer the little casting reel a little more. I may get a ML casting rod for it though.

Anyone else have any success on the Pop X? I've been using one in PM Raigyo recently and have gotten some killer strikes. Caught fish on the pause, in between pops and walking it. I'm using a Pro Max 1600 on an Ethos 6'6 M. Any advice on how or where to use these baits? This one bait has made me buy several more.

Wasn't it the ROF 5 gills that swam sideways? The 12s I've had are great.

The only bait of his that I LOVE is the Huddgill. It's really a killer bait for weed flats and flipping.

You mean no one has gotten their Hudd Walkers yet? Hahahaha. I can't stand Ken or how he runs things. Again, never buy a backordered bait. This is what happens. Also, never buy from them directly. There is somewhere they are currently available.

Largemouth, no question. I can find no record of spotted/largemouth intergrades. Spots and smallies, yes, but not the other way. The jaw extends beyond the eye, that is all you need to see.

On LOZ, you'll also find smallies.