rtwvumtneer6

I still read the articles and watch the special they did on Dottie. It makes me emotional. On a lighter note, you guys are catching multiple fish on one lure, I'm out there like...

Just read through this at light speed, so sorry if I'm repeating... But has anyone mentioned a Carolina rig? Seems to be a forgotten technique in my area, but it covers water and gets bit. Good luck this weekend!

I watch a lot of YouTube and then pretend like I'm really smart and I'm spending that time on the water. Really, I'm on my couch where I have pretty good luck with swedish fish. Bass Baitcast 80% Spin 20% I have a fly rod that was a gift, and only use it when I fish with the buddy who got it for me. Once in a while I'll get some chicken livers and head to a private farm pond and catfish with the ole ugly stick. One in a blue moon I'll throw some powerbait on the bottom and gut hook some trout for lunch.

I picked up the newest Revo X that claims 18# of drag. This is the only reel in my lineup that I do not lock down. I'll thumb my spool, but somewhere along the line I have to think with that much drag, something's got to give. Curado K tests at just over 11# of drag and does great for me with 50# braid, and the 8.5:1 at 36 IPT helps out once I stick 'em. It's a little over your budget but we'll worth it IMO.

I carry a BC for cranking, a BC for jigs and Texas rigs, and another BC that doubles as a pool cue if the fish aren't biting. But, I almost always have a drop shot tied on to a spinning reel. And, it's saved me from getting skunked more times than I'd like to admit. I like the golf analogy... Every club has a purpose. I just prefer to go for broke and play in the thick stuff!!

Not sure if this was mentioned, but if you die or dip your baits in color or scent it can do a number on others in the bag. I left a paca chunk trailer that was covered in liquid mayhem on the back of a black and blue jig. The next time I pulled it out I had some purple and red mixed in on the skirt. That bait (RIP) also caught my 7.62# PB. Had to brag ? But I agree, a day trip should be fine, just avoid baking them in the sun or leaving them together for too long.

Not exactly on topic, but maybe it will help. I'm using Z-Man Elaztech Split Tail Trailerz on my traditional chatterbaits, and I have trouble getting the material over the bait keeper... Which got me thinking... 1.) I don't think a trailer is necessary on the Picasso FX shock blade. It has a lot going on out of the package. JMO. 2.) If you wanted to add something for a little extra color/flash the z-man split tail is very slender and may not get in the way of the buck tail/feather as much. 3.) Be careful of #2. The elaztech has some weird chemical reactions with certain materials. 4.) I'm surprised if Aaron martens put his name on these, they aren't sporting a gamakatsu (I don't keep my packages, but I'm pretty sure it's a mustad) Oh, the product of being stuck at work at 7pm on a Friday. Have a good weekend!

Thank you @Gundog for sharing that story. I've got 45 minutes of work left, and that gave me a laugh that will get me through the night.

Hey, guys! I'm going to a farm pond this weekend that has bass, koi, bluegill and catfish. I'll be bass fishing, but dragging a Carolina rig to see what the bottom is all about. I've been told there are some decent catfish in the pond, and was curious of the chances that they would eat a soft plastic? Most likely a lizard or brush hog style bait. Also, I usullay use a circle hook when targeting cats, but I'll have a 3/0 or 4/0 EWG tied on. I'm sure the hook up ratio is less, but is that a "safe" hook to use for catfish? It's all catch and release, and I don't want to harm any fish. Thanks!!!

It was unintentional, but it works!

If I had a dollar for every time I said that... Seriously, check back this time next year and let me know how that works out!

Many lakes in my area (PA) have adopted this program with success over the last few years. Typical minimum size to harvest was 12" and they are aiming to protect the spawn. However, the majority of resources seem to cater to trout fishing. Too young to tell you about anything too far back.

I throw my confidence baits in waves... But I always keep them stocked up. I.e. I'm on a really good baby brush hog Carolina rig bite right now, and I'll fish the heck out of that until it doesn't work anymore. But, as long as new lures, colors and techniques pop up, I'll never stop trying new things during the times when the bite is more difficult. Makes packing a day box quite challenging...

The 6.8” Keitech Fat Swing Impact has 3 baits per blister pack. This “New” editions to the Fat Swing product line fill a gap for those Trophy hunters who have been waiting patiently. Salt water anglers will find this size appealing due to its size and durability. An individual 6.8 weighs 1.2 oz. The 7.8” Keitech Fat Swing Impact has 2 baits per blister pack. This “New” editions to the Fat Swing is the “Gran-Daddy” of swimbaits. Weighing in at over 1.9 oz. of Salt & Squid infused plastic. This giant size swimbait still maintains the “Perfect” Keitech swimming action. Their words, not mine lol

They are quite large, and funny shaped. 5/8oz throws a mile. Solid hooks. Very unique wobble. Knock, not a rattle. Paint jobs are cool, but I think that's more of a selling point for us since. They only dive a few feet and rise to the surface pretty quick on a pause. Good shallow water bait. Not going to dig a trench, that's for sure. Better suited for deflecting than diving. I bought one... And then 3 more. Crush 50 is a solid, more traditional square bill. Might want to look into those, too. One thing to be aware of, check TW and 6th sense site to make sure colors are consistent. I've ordered some and what I received is not what I expected... Although I haven't got a paint job I didn't like. For me, Shad Sense on the movement is killer.

It's challenging, and humbling. Once you think you have it figured out, its time to go back to the drawing board because they moved, conditions changed or they just don't want what you're throwing. For me, the fishing starts before I even pick up a rod and reel, and the rewards of the time and effort for it to all come together is what keeps me coming back.

If I experience this repeatedly, with no fish to show for it, I'll often reach for a dropshot. Most of the time they will hit again, but now with a smaller hook my chances of sticking the fish increase, and I don't have to use such a violent hook set. Most of the time that "machine gun" bite is a panfish, but once in a while it is a bass. Side note: the majority of my bigger bass, let's call that over 3#, tend to be a much more subtle bite, where the smaller bass are more aggressive. That is, assuming it is not a reaction style bait. I'll either see my line move, or feel weight, but never feel a tap or thump. Anyone else experience this?

The ones that bent on me were brand new... Browsed some of the comments on the gama's on TW and seems like they have had a lot of issues lately. Unfortunate because I've sworn by them for a long time. I picked up some owners dirt cheap when my local gander closed but never used them. Dug through my stash and found them in a spare terminal box last night. Out of original package but they look similar. Offset and gap look to be the same. Could write my name in my fingernail with the point. Have one tied on so I'll check back when I find some fish and beat it up.

Good heads up! Any particular model? I see 3 or 4 on TW. Some look as beefy as my flipping hooks

I'm looking for your favorite 3/0 or 4/0 EWG hook to use with straight braid? I'm running 50# on a baitcaster on a MH/F rod for Texas rigs with 3/8oz tungsten pegged. I've been using this set up for a while and all of the sudden, I've bent out 3 hooks in 2 days (on fish that are 2# if I exaggerated). Same gamakatsu EWG I had on previously that caught 25-30 fish with no issues. I only changed it out because it was a bit dull. Can't recall if they are superline or not... Anyway, maybe I'm just into a bad batch, or maybe it's time for a change. What would y'all throw on that setup?

Same here... 9/10 the answer is, "No, but you can go if you want." Even if I could live with the lie, the yellow stained fingers and lingering scent of garlic would give it away. She's still sensitive to the smells of fishing. I tell her it takes me a day of hard work on the water to smell that good!

I'm sure this is going to get a lot of thumbs down... So here goes. 7'4 H/F. 7.5:1 with 15# FC. I can fish it through thicker grass and rip it out as needed. I rarely burn it back or straight retrieve. I'll move the lure with the rod and let it fall. The blades tell me all I need to know. I don't set the hook hard, either. A smooth sweeping set does the trick. It's unorthodox, but for me it works. They usually smack it pretty good, or hit it on semi slack line during the fall/pause. Open water I like a MH/F, same gear ratio and line. I've thrown them on a M with mono and had success, too, but I don't like the feel. Just a personal thing. There ya go. A bit of a different approach.

I'm looking at the Bucoo Sr casting, 7'3 MH. I believe they call it "moderate fast" action. It looks good on paper, but since there is no standard on power and action, I want to see the rod in person. But... I CANT FIND THEM! Who has the insider info on a place that carries Falcon and actually have them on stock? Struck out at field and stream and gander. It's 75 miles to Cabela's (online says that location is out of stock anyway) and BPS is 3 hours+. Zip code is 15601 of anyone has any suggestions.

God grant me the Serenity to accept the size of the fish I catch, The Courage not to fib about it, And the Wisdom to know that no one would believe me anyway.

Smoked 7 on the baby brush hog again today, but I promise I thought about the chatterbait and had a few in my day bag