rtwvumtneer6

Dobyns hook keepers.

I've been thinking about buying a travel rod to keep in my vehicle, or for times when I fly and can't take a Bazuka. I've found some real cheap-o's and some that are very high end, then I discovered the Daiwa Ardito... Curious what $130 gets you in a travel rod?

Haven't thought of it that way. My boxes are by bait style, weight, depth, etc. As long as you can efficiently find what you need, when you need it, do whatever works for you!

I threw bladed jigs for a while before even considering skipping them. The blade on the head didn't make sense to me. Heard about it and tried it and IMO one of the easiest baits to skip. The lakes I fish have a lot of overhanging trees. The pitch skip with a jig comes in handy. Still working on that one.

Had a guide that was a marshal on Rojas' boat. Said the videos are cool but don't do it justice. He couldn't believe what he was seeing in person.

Zoom Speed Worm Zoom Ol Monster Zoom Mag II Zoom Finesse Worm Yum Mag Finesse Worm Gambler Burner Worm BPS Stik-O Zman Zinkerz BBB Kriet Tail Zoom Trick Worm Zoom Meathead

Horizontally for me as there seems to be a magnet in my ceiling that attracts rod tips.

Are we going to fire this one back up during the natty tonight?

Everytime I fall into this trap, this early, I end up buying something else. So, for now, I'm going to stay away from this one...

Spinnerbait is a staple in the bass fishing world. Although you can certainly manipulate your presentation, it will catch fish on a straight retrieve to start. My "standard" spinnerbait is a War Eagle 3/8oz double willow in Spot Remover. YMMV.

Good luck!

^^^Hard to beat the price/jig here.

Start another box, and then fill it up ? Seriously though, I store my jigs in the 6 compartment 3600 rustrictor boxes by head style, weight and color. For example, flippin jigs have a dedicated box (left to right): 3/8 black/blue/purple, 3/8 brown/green pumpkin, 1/2 black/blue/purple, 1/2 brown/green pumpkin, 3/4 black/blue/purple, 3/4 brown/green pumpkin. Finesse and football heads are the same, by weight and color left to right. You get the idea. At a minimum, any plastics with salt need to come off. I also check any banded skirts as they will wear out over time. Frustrating to thread on your favorite plastic and then cast off the skirt.

If I were to simplify my approach it would look something like this: 50# braid - frogs and flippin/pitching 17-20# fluoro - single hook lures 10-12# mono/fluoro/copoly for trebles 15# braid and 8# fluoro leader for spinning reels

When you get into a quality flippin or superline hook, not often. I'd also be curious to hear from folks who regularly wrestle with fish that are bigger and angrier than the typical fish I'm around. This year, I can think of one TK130 that I opened up, but I was hung up and really leaned on it. Side note, aside from a quick shock, 50# PP is hard to break. Also important to suggest that heat treat (I've seen a gammy superline snap) or QC issues (multiple failures in a given batch) can exist. That's a lot of rambling and didn't really answer your question, but I like talking fishing ??

@A-Jay nailed it. I've had trips that I took my own gear and never used it, had my own gear and that's mostly all I used, and I've traveled with zero rods and used the guides equipment. All three scenarios worked fine. As many have mentioned, call the guide and have a chat. Ask questions. I had one guide that sent me a questionnaire ahead of time. Could I throw a baitcaster? Right/left hand retrieve? Favorite style or technique to fish? Etc. It makes it more comfortable when you establish some sort of relationship before you spend a day on a boat with him/her. *Make sure you hash out whether you want to use artificial or shiners. That's a big thing in Florida. I'd also be sure it is clear who is responsible for water, Gatorade, etc.

My early buying decisions were often influenced by a wide variety of marketing efforts, and frugality. I suppose that was a combination of ignorance and inexperience. Not all decisions were bad, but I certainly learned a few lessons. A pros equipment or sponsorship deal may lead to my interest or expose me to a new product, but it's certainly not the deciding factor if I make that purchase. I still shop within my budget and means, but I do more research. I value the opinions and knowledge on this forum, and I do believe the TacticalBassin boat holds water. Time on the water has exposed me to a wider range of product and been one of the strongest influencers of my buying choices. I am fortunate to have enough gear that I rarely have to buy out of necessity, thus allowing time to make those decisions.

Historically Black Friday is the only one I can think of that's 20% on almost everything. Please correct me if I'm wrong...

Matt Campbell is no slouch. The double edge sword there is the noise and distraction that comes when any coaching position of significance opens up.

Can we agree that an Alabama vs Georgia National Championship pairs the best 2 teams (maybe by far) in college football this year? I guess what I'm saying is if we replaced Cincy or Michigan with any team of your choice, the result is the same.

How did I not see this topic until now?! First and foremost, I'm a West Virginia Alumnus, May '09. Moving on... I'm in a pick'em pool. We are not counting any games that have been altered, and if Georgia holds on my record after tonight will be a mere 17-13. On Jan 10 I'll be cheering for the Dawgs. P.S. Horns Down.

All the usual suspects listed above. I caught a trout on a chatterbait. I'm not talking about snagging it, I'm saying he bent my rod in half and had a 5/0 hook between his eyes. Also thought I had a PB largemouth and it turned out to be a carp that ate my Pit Boss.

Bladed jig. @Siebert Outdoors Fogy. 3/8oz with a blade minnow. She was a big old bluegill eater for sure!

The guide I hire on Okeechobee uses these... Though that is my only experience with these rods, they will take a beating. The Dobyns 735 will frog, flip/pitch. You may find this to be more versatile in a 3 rod arsenal. On sale right now on TW for $90. As @Bigassbass mentioned, the Falcon Lowrider is worth a look. I use the 7'4 Heavy Cover Jig model for the duties you mentioned. In my area of PA I have little need for a true "flippin stick" and if you get into a 7'11 XH kind of rod you are really limited to that one technique for that rod. That model is also available in the BuCoo SR. If I were to buy a $100 price point reel I feel I could get more value from a Shimano or Daiwa.

Very true... not sure how I missed that one ??‍♂️