S. Sass

I prefer the NetBait Paca Craw over the Berkley Chigger Craw for a slower action craw. I like the Strike King Rage Tail Craw when I want a faster action. I would go with black/blue, green pumpkin, and watermelon

Ive used palomar knot with mono no issues. I refuse to believe I need fluorocarbon for anything as far as catching fish.

really nice looking ride.

I do it with 12lb mono. Dont see anything wrong with 15lb fluorocarbon.

I'd do this ^^^ not seeing what conditions were .

I use the Berkley Trilene Big Game 12lb but I dont usually crank deeper than 10-12ft. So it works great for me.

Not sure what your budget is but as for bang for your buck the BPQ and Lews Tournament or LFS series reels are excellent reels for the $. Each of these I have purchased used in the $50 to $70 off this very forum. As far as upgrades It would be just a personal preference if you wanted a different handle or some aftermarket bearings etc as all these reels work excellent as shipped. A good cleaning/servicing should make a great reel.

I have a SeaArk ZX180 18' aluminum boat and don't think it would be any problem fishing tournaments out of it. It is bulletproof as far as rubbing stumps etc. and very low maintenance. I think for a first boat it is a excellent choice. You can learn all the dos and don'ts about boating, its light weight to haul, plenty of storage, and roomy enough for 2 to fish off of all day without bumping into each other. I agree with Junk Fisherman a 18' aluminum bass boat would be ideal for a starter.

From what I have seen the smaller tackle shops that survive are the ones with alternate sources of income. They were not the source of any income for many years as the company built a reputation and a customer base. I know one shop that has thrived and it was a husband wife thing. The husband works at a real job that had the benefits, and a regular pay check for the family to survive on. The wife and kids who had no income was free labor so to speak and kept the tackle shop running. Another shop actually had a family thing going where everyone helped out that didn't have a job(retired) or was not at their regular job. Along with that they did boat maintenance and repair to supplement the income. I know availability will be key. The one huge plus side to a brick and mortar store that a online store cant compete with is the now factor. So it is imperative that your location be where the fish are because that is where the anglers will be. All the small shops that have done well I know of are at the lakes or dang close. When you need or want that last minute item as your out fishing and your in Alabama. TW could give you the baits for free but you aren't getting them that day. Also once you get them in your store the tackle monkey will inevitable get you a few sales. Nothing like being able to hold the bait and actually see the one you are purchasing. One other note is baits. Getting people to believe in your baits would be a great help. Something that would make return customers and drive new customers to your door opening up potential sales of other items. Seems the industry is about copying a successful bait and attempting to make a new and improved version. Getting the info out with all the trendy social media might help although its so flooded with bs its like a broken record. So possibly that is a way in. Dont be discouraged. Be smart do your research and thoroughly go over the numbers as it seems you have done some of. Making sure there is a big enough demand is crucial. Make sure to offer the proper baits for what the anglers are fishing for. Etc. etc. Its like fishing you cant catch fish if there are none and the same goes for selling bait. If there are no buyers you wont be selling.

I never use a trailer hook, and only on occasion a trailer on spinnerbaits.

As most answers here show its a owner preference. Spinnerbaits I don't generally cut. Some Jigs and Chatter baits if I feel they are to much I trim. Only as already stated right past the hook or depending on the type of skirt, or material maybe, if that is the look I want. But heck the fish might say different I just do it because in my mind it is better.

This is what I meant ^^^ They have worked quite well for me. Have to find the sweet spot on how fast/slow to work them but they swim nice for me.

1. Of what you listed 20lb thinner easier to get distance 2. Back off every brake and tension knob normal lubrication also a clean reel. You could always go aftermarket bearings but you didn't want to teardown. And I don't know what you have for a reel so it may have great bearings. DVT is a great idea as mentioned.

One large 24 series for cranking and 2 smaller for all else on my boat. I run my live wells and 2 small finders TM and what ever else all day on 2 hot batteries. I have heard of the cranking battery no being able to keep itself charged off just the motor bass fishing. A bunch of starting and short runs to another spot doesn't give time to charge back what it took to crank.

Id like some the same color as YUM brand Tequila Sunrise. I never had any stick bait that color but in a standard worm bait over the years Tequila Sunrise has been a go to color. Ill probably go with a Green pumpkin and another color I dont have a ton of since im just experimenting. Thanks My apologies OP didnt mean to derail the thread.

Hey Bluebasser86 What color are those flakes in the Sassy Stick Green Pumpkin Magic? Looks black and gold maybe? I'm going to try a pack or two just haven't decided what colors.

Oh I have police in the family and I hear the stories. Yeah I see the keeping it professional but there is a middle ground, many seem to go full tilt a hole.

Something about police and judges having a lack of sense of humor. Seems all of them have their underpants climbing more often than not.

Lived here all my life and I just want to warn you August and Texas is hot for you guys that come to visit from the northern parts. Make sure your prepared. Light clothes sun block etc As far as places to visit I'm no event planner and really don't get into visiting stuff. But here are a few Fish Lake Fork home of the record LMB caught by Barry StClair. Fish or just admire Caddo Lake pretty cool lake. Watch for gaters. Visit Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas and the Kimbell addition in Fort Worth. Pretty good list here http://keranews.org/post/here-are-39-things-you-should-do-texas-you-die

I only got one with my boat as well. My local boat repair shop had mine in stock for less than $10. I'd try some local shops.

Don't drive your car.

I have some of their baits and have no real complaints. The 3 1/2" swim baits need the rear hook treatment though.

Why not just have them pull one out and check it right there in store? I mean they just saw 2 identical issues they may have a bad batch they need to send back to save others the grief. I never owned a Tatula but their reputation is way better than that. I cant imagine this is normal. Also I am almost certain Daiwa would want to know.

I agree Cat seems like everything else these days. One person says catch n release save the world and it hits social media and becomes some sort of law. Seems everyone got stupid over night and forgot people have been eating fish for ever. Not saying possibly some lake or ponds don't need that type of program but geez. At least check into it a little. Maybe just maybe your particular fishing spot needs fish removed. Blanket across the board save every bass isn't necessarily going to make everywhere have abundant nice size bass.

Nothing is beyond being copied. I've seen everything from Fram oil filters, iPhones, to crank baits counterfeit. There is no reason to believe a fairly nice reel couldn't be copied. All you can do is research and use common sense. One word of advice from a fairly old experienced guy. If your mental alarm.is sounding that something seems fishy. Like the price way below the going rate. It has a good chance of being a scam of some sort. If you can't afford to take the 100% loss don't gamble.