Craw

Fishing days are shorter each day now. How long are you guys getting to fish each time on average? On the days I'm able to go I try to be on the water by 11am and fish till about 5:30pm.

The Bass Pro Shops Shimano Citica/Extreme XPS Combo has been mentioned quite a bit on this site. It's now on sale for $139.98. That's $30.00 off regular price. Personally I think this is one of the finest combos that they offer. Here's the link if any one's interested. http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74456&hvarTarget=search&hvarAID=&cmCat=3400115

Hey guys. I got into a conversation with a guy about fishing and we were trading ideas about different baits, color schemes, techniques, etc. when he explained that one of his most productive baits was a black crankbait. He said the Bandit series in all black was a killer for him. Any thoughts on using a black crankbait? This has really got me curious because of all the other baits I use in that color. Why not black for a crankbait? The Bandit series cranks are really popular and they make a good looking one in black that has red eyes. Anyone have any experience with this particular bait?

Aaron, these two rods that you mentioned are such high end models that you will have to handle each(preferably side by side) so that you(and only you) can make that decision. Either way you go you are going to have some of the best gear available. I'm jealous!

For question #2 I'll leave you this link... http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=58581&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=5&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse I own 2 of each model RC and and really like them for stained shallow water/heavy cover situations. I fish them on 17lb. test just like a spinnerbait. These baits are ideal for an alternative to spinnerbait fishing. They are extremely durable and deflect well off of wood and rock. On 17lb. or 20lb. test they do run approx. 4'. Heavy line does not have to much effect on the action of these baits like it does on most cranks.

Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz. in chrome w/ blue or black back. I typically burn the bait when I first begin to fish and then slow down to fish different depths. Two other techniques I use with it are a "slow roll" along the bottom and a "yo-yo" retrieve at different depths. This bait has accounted for lots of bass but I've also caught walleye, white bass, hybrids and stripers on it. I've experienced some wicked hard strikes on the Rat-L-Trap.

Muddy-visibility from 0-1' Stained-1'-4' Clear-4' and deeper

Lately the jerkbait bite has been really good, so I have to go with the X-Rap.

I agree with senile1. Kevin VanDam's Bass Strategies is a great read. Amazon has it for $12.50.

Avid, years ago I read Kevin VanDam's first book, "Bass Strategies". At the time I found it an excellent read and would recommend it to anyone. In the book he praised using silicone spray on freshly spooled reels(spinning and casting) to aid in line management. I have used this technique now for a long time and I've been very impressed with how manageable the line becomes when treated with silicone. It's very good with casting reels but absolutely super on spinning. Anyway..monofilament is all I ever use and the silicone will make any brand I've ever used perform very well. I even like to overspool my spinning reels and once the silicone is applied, the line will not jump off the spool upon opening the bail.

Welcome! Couldn't tell where you were from on your profile but it would help to know if you're fishing reservoirs, natural lakes, ponds, rivers, etc...Also if you're in a highland, lowland or flatland area. Myself, I fish highland rivers and river run reservoirs exclusively. Lots of guys here fish ponds and strip pits so there's lots of helpful tips to be had if you care to be more specific as to what type of water you will be fishing. Anyway...Welcome! Don't forget to read up on all the great tips in the "fishing articles" section of this site.

My dad has a whole fleet of Calcuttas and believe me, they are sweet. Smooooottth! This reel is a huge step up from the older Abu Garcia you mentioned so take comfort in the investment you've made. Congratulations on getting a great deal on it.

I'm not looking to step on anyone's toes here, having said that...I prefer Trilene in XT or Big Game. The XL has not been good to me and I find that it is less resistant to abrasion than any line I've ever used. It does however, handle beautifully on spinning gear. The XT and Big Game are for my baitcasting equipment only and I wouldn't recommend them for spinning. If the friend in question does have a problem with his tip guide then he will continue to have problem after problem until this is remedied. I would check each guide with the Q-Tip test. Also, He might want to check the reels line guide on the level wind for nicks and abrasions, this also can cause similar problems.

I guess I'll be the one oddball who hooks the chunk. I'm a die-hard pork guy, however I do use the plastic chunks sometimes. When I do use plastic I try and keep the same profile I get with pork. I think you guys are right about it just boiling down to the setup each of us has our own confidence in. Good thread you started jomatty. I'm always up for different ideas. I'm really surprised that so many guys are threading the chunks. Something for me to think about.

Really nice bass and a great picture. I'm jealous! The night bite here in Va. has tapered off quickly so I'm forced to fish in the daytime now.

Good job! What lures/techniques got you some bites?

Not sure how much truth there is to it but it's my understanding that WalMart is phasing out their display case reels as well as their line up of firearms. The information I received from WalMart employees was that they will continue to sell only the reels that are hanging on the racks. The WalMarts in my area have all marked down the display models, which include Quantum Accurist, Shimano Citica, Team Daiwa Advantage and Daiwa Procasters. Also saw several Abu Garcia models marked down. Might be a good idea to check around with different WalMarts if any of these reels interest you. They won't last long at the marked down prices.

Anyone use these? BPS catalog says they're "made to appeal more to smallmouth fishermen." I've been using pointer 78s and 100s and I'd be interested in trying some of the slender 97s. If anyone is familiar with pointers and slender pointers I would appreciate some comparisons.

TackleTour reviews the Citica 200D in case you missed it...http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200d.html I know you're in the market for a 100 series and here it is...http://www.anglersworkshop.com/cgi/aw/CITICA-CAST.html Only difference I see is a lower bearing count. Hope these links help. By the way, I have a Curado 100D and I'm thoroughly impressed with it.

Real nice bass Man! Congratulations. Wild looking stickbait, who turned you on to that color?

Wow! The colors on those fish are breath taking. Makes the bass I catch look sick!

I really love some of the Daiwa models, also I own several and I don't think you will have much of a problem. Go for it, they're great reels!

Lately I've been catching the majority of my fish on Lucky Craft Pointers and boy has it been fun. What a great way to catch fish! I've been using 78s and 100s. Which model Pointer do you guys like? Which colors are producing for you?

Thanks so much for all the kind words fellas. I showed Paula all the great feedback about her and I could tell it made her feel really good. She spent the day today with me out on the river. She didn't get any bass on this trip but she netted a striper for me. It was like she'd been doing it for years! I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a cool girlfriend. Anyway...thanks again guys!

Been having lots of fun as of late with jerkbaits. Namely the Lucky Craft Pointer and the Rapala X-Rap. I know that the Rapala Husky Jerk has a loyal following and I was wondering when in particular these baits really shine over other jerkbaits. One thing in particular that I've noticed about the Husky Jerk is it's more subtle action when compared to the other two I mentioned. Seems to me like this would be favorable during extreme fish inactivity or extremely cold water. Just an educated guess mind you but am I on the right track? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.