dcmclassic

I used to pitch/flip them into heavy cover a lot and really loved them. I use the Zoom Z Hog more now mostly just because it lasts a little longer with a 5/0 straight shank flipping hook. But overall I think the pit boss is great, it works really well on a local highly pressured muddy water lake.

73 is smoking in an 18ft! Nice ride.

Since you'll be in the east TX region you should stop by Lake O' the Pines, just north of Longview TX. Lots of quality fish there and in early spring the boat traffic won't be too bad. Caddo can be hit or miss but is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen.

I'm happy with Falcon rods. But: Reels: want to try Okuma, Plueger and Pinnacle Lures/Presentations: Finesse fishing- drop shot, wacky worms. I've never been very efficient in these areas, so 2016 I will focus hard on this.

I could see that. It's hard for me to pass up a good sale. I carry extra rods in the boat also. Spare MF, HF and MH. Just in case one of my Falcons break.

My latest is something I have been looking for used for over a year. Just happen to email Falcon and they had one left on the shelf. Haven't fished with it yet but I'm excited to get into some close up hand to hand combat with some bucket mouths with this one. It's a Falcon Cara T7 6' MH. They sold it to me for what a Bucoo micro would have cost. Untitled by Dustin, on Flickr

All the rods are Falcon except two, one isn't shown and one is a 20yr old Castaway. All the reels are Shimano except for two and two spares. I will be going back to all Lews or may try a couple Pfluegers. Most of the time I have more braid on but I haven't fished much since my Arkansas trip. Untitled by Dustin, on Flickr Untitled by Dustin, on Flickr Untitled by Dustin, on Flickr Untitled by Dustin, on Flickr

I carry two extra baitcasters that were leftover from upgrading. One is just a spare to have a spare, the other is a spare with 20lb flouro to change out on my fliiping rod if I need it vs braid. Extra spools for spinning reels that come with them. Would I buy a reel just to be a spare? Nope

T-rig with Culprit Fat Max blue fleck shad.

I'll try any whiskey at least once. But my favorite is Yellow Rose. Either their Bourbon or "Blended" whiskey.

I use a 7' HF for pitching jigs into/around cover and 7' a MHF if I'm casting into open water(deep points, ditches etc).

I use all braid on my spinning combos, mainly because I never could learn to manage flouro on a spinning reel. Tried to spool it every way possible. My baitcasting combos are mostly Suffix or Big Game, I like the Suffix better as a line but the Big Game is super budget friendly. Vicious flouro on T-rig and deep crankbait. Power Pro Silk on pretty much everything else.

Falcon for me. I do have a couple of older US made Castaways that I still use because I've spent some money getting new guides put on. Never broke a Falcon and the one or two little issues I've ever had with a rod they repaired without hassle. Also I've been able to get a couple of discontinued Caras for a great price directly through them.

Depends on location, pressure and activity of the fish. I use rattling the most though, usually in very stained water. Clearer water I'll start with noise but if I don't get bit I'll go silent.

How many of you guys fish those treble hook swimbaits in stump fields? I've wanted to get one but too afraid to hang it up.

Maybe it's an addiction? 20150922_102658 by Dustin, on Flickr

My wife says I have a problem. I call it a healthy hobby. The bargain bin at Gander Mountain almost always produces. I may have to go back and get more of the Xcalibur squarebills, I really like the way they swam in the pool. $4.00 for each lure except $1.50 for the Bandit. 20150921_144011 by Dustin, on Flickr

A Falcon Lowrider20 would be right at you budget. Super light and sensitive. The 6'6" MH "Herm" would be a good all around rod.

My wife showed me that on FB. It's pretty cool. I've caught and catch white ones or almost white due to muddy water and lack of vegetation. That color is awesome though.

It really is tough driving by Academy on the way home from work every day. Stopped by there Friday, then the flea market on Saturday. 20150917_165613 by Dustin, on Flickr Flea market pick up. 3 Rogers Deep Jim(old style hook hangers), 3 Rattlin Chug Bugs, 1- Magnum pre-rap Wiggle Wart, and a pratically brand new Yellow Magic. Not bad for $15 20150919_185714 by Dustin, on Flickr

My favorite setup is my Falcon Lowrider20 6'8" AOY with a Curado 200 I and 15 Vicious flouro. It's the T-rig setup for me, and I throw it all year round in any conditions, any cover and depths between 1' to 20'.

I have twin 8ft PP Blades on my boat and I love them. Probably the single best thing I've done for my boat. They do great holding the boat, but I wouldn't say that they will actually hold in 7ft plus. My next boat will have Talons just so I can compare the two.

Would there be an option for white? An all white jig is killer in Texas during warmer months and flipping jigs are hard to find in white.

Mine may be a little different as my local lake is shallow and stained/muddy most of the year. Bill Lewis RatLtrap, not many people fish them year round, I always have one tied on, mostly craw patterned. Baby paca craw on a 1/8oz shaky head, I know it sounds odd but it flat catches fish for me 1/2oz jig in junebug/purple T-rigged 4" white tube

I was using Plano 3700s. Got to where I really like Flambeau boxes better.