Fishin' Fool

You can find comparable baits with Strike King Red Eye shad. I agree with the above post if you are stuck on XCalibur the 50 or 75 size is more appropriate.

Personally I would consider an 852 or 853 if they make one or a 872 or 873. But I like a little longer rod myself.

Yep, I've used the Tacklewarehouse boxes in the past.

I've bought them based on @roadwarrior posts but i have not caught a bass on them yet which is almost unbelievable so i just keep on throwing senkos and keep catching bass. You got any tips on how to fish them?

I am late to the party but great job everyone looking into history of Michigan's record bass. Forget about a 10 pounder I'd just like to catch a 6 pounder one day.

I'm fishing out of a kayak and throwing alot of senkos right now too. I use 16 pound braid to a 7 pound fluorocarbon leader. You either got a bad spool of line or have your drag too tight as 10 pound mono is more than enough unless fishing in heavy cover as others have mentioned.

I used to fish Lk St Clair alot and Lk Erie occasionally. Tubes and drop shots are worth having tied on. For baits for drop shots Erie Darters, Shad shape worms, roboworms, etc. You can't go wrong with top water in the morning. Good luck and report back.

I use a 7' medium fast spinning rod with a slow and steady retrieve and have caught some good smallies on the underspin.

Try drop shotting some larger roboworms or Neko rigging. Lots of posts describing those techniques lately if you're not familiar.

Wacky rigged senko

2005 to 2019- watermelon or green pumpkin senko, still works

If you can't get bit on a senko there are no fish to be caught

Another good fish out of the yak this morning. He tried to take me into the weeds as you can see the salad on his head.

It may be easier to start with a spinning rod.

Fluoro would be fine, in fact it would sink better just more expensive if you have to respool.

1st time skipping and you want to try it with braid. I think your asking to be changing your spool. Personally I think you're better off skipping with mono. Better chance of picking out your backlash when it happens.

Love the sounds a jitterbug makes!

Hydrilla gorilla out of the kayak this morning.

I don't about swim jigs for smallies but I know hair jigs are popular.

Maybe a heavier weight and/or peg your weight would probably prevent a spiraling fall. I'm assuming you're fishing this on spinning gear. Are you using a braid to fluoro leader? Otherwise line twist is inherent in mono or fluoro lines with spinning reels.

Make it look natural. Usually a steady cadence over the pads but kill it in an area where the pads might open up. Some days you can't do anything wrong and they eat it however. Envision a fish under the pads trying to eat the frog as your retrieve it.

Bury the hook point back into your plastics the best you can. This will help make regular plastics mostly weedless.

Stradic 2500 FK because the 3000 is too big for the 803.

Pitch a crawfish bait (Nemesis bullet craw or Strike King Rage Craw) at the emergent weeds and lily pads.

Spinning gear. 6 to 8 pound fluorocarbon. Small Keitechs swing impact fat either 2.8" or 3.3". Slow and steady retrieve.