SPEEDBEAD.

Use the PM function.... I foresee the delete button coming any time now....

Do you seal the wood before the paint and topcoat? I have heard the slammer has a sealer that is soaked into the wood so the paint or topcoat coming off wouldn't affect it much at all. I dont know if the Slammer wood is sealed, but I know it's not a very good seal if any... Mine has had water get to the wood. No doubt...

Careful, you said the "arguments" word..... :-X Shiny, happy people holding hands!!!!!!!!!

To me, its not the finish that is really important on this type of bait. The really important thing is keeping the bait waterproof. Water and wood baits don't mix well together and these things will soak up water when the finish comes off. I realize that wood baits take a little extra care once the wear becomes noticeable, but something more resistant to chipping away would be nice. Resin baits, I like 'em with the paint busted up. Wood baits, not so much...

Obviously, he doesnt get it. Looks like he was on this morning and didnt change anything....

Nice one Paul. Seems that the Catch 22 is holding up so far. When does Em get her first swimbait stick?

Chris, what is the purpose of the sturgies jumping (if there is one you know of)? Nice fish, BTW.

"you break my record, now I break you" LOL....Dim Mak = Death Touch. Brick no hit back!!!

Dave made that, muddy. Bizz, you're a funny dude. ;D

Gotcha. I wasnt sure if you were trying to use the saltwater hooks to match the belly or not...

Nice looking baits. Question for you on the "fit and finish," have you considered using some Gammies or Owners for the hooks?

I wouldnt, based soley on the fact you mentioned the Hard Gill as the chosen swimbait. The way I fish the bluegill, a 5.X:1 reel feels like I am getting worn out. Soft plastic baits are another story altogether though.... I still think that either the Cardiff or Curado would be perfect. Probably wouldnt do bad with the Winch, but I dont own one so can't really comment. You can find a 300 Curado D or E for under 200. Both reels have the HEG, which is a nice feature.

I think you will be just fine in camo boxers and your Miss Piggy slippers. Dont shave your back, instant sweater!!!

Shimano 300/301 Cardiff Shimano 300/301 Curado Both will handle lures under 2 oz effortlessly.

Dont laugh, but I didnt catch a fish on mine until it looked beat up. I like them so much, I have three now. Somehow, I broke off one of the pectoral fins and chipped up the paint a little bit around the joints (like you mentioned). Still swims perfectly and still catching fish. A thin layer of epoxy shouldnt do anything to the bait. Good luck and keep throwing that thing.

I didnt like the Rat. Treble hook is too small, bait sits too high in the water (yet still gets hung more :-?) I tried them for a couple outings, but switched back to my Bronzeye Frog soon after.

There are a couple, each serving a different purpose for me. I like my 3:16 Wake Jr's/Baby wake for clearer water and when a more subtle approach seems warranted. I like the 9" Slammer for fishing at night or in stained up water. Those things push some serious water. If I had to pick just one for all around use, it would likely be the Mattlures Hard Bluegill. Swims nice, looks just like the real thing and it gets bit. BTW, still waiting......

I realize there is another boat there, as someone is taking the pics from the side. That arm looks like it's in his boat to me though...

Chris, in your pic you posted I notice another person's arm there. I thought you only went fishing by yourself? Just an observation...

There are quite a few stories around here from Raystown. Small dogs jumping off docks and their tags flashing in the water attracts a big musky. Ducks swimming along the shoreline being picked off. A guy with a Med-Alert bracelet swimming had one come up and nip his hand. Seems to be like FF15 said. Thrashing around or "flashy" things attract muskies. Look at the big bucktails and topwaters people throw for them. They do the same exact thing.

Good Lord, please tell me you are kidding with this? If the above statement is meant as a poke, then it's hilarious. If not, I genuinely feel bad for you.

Green Trout is a regional name for the Largemouth.

We call the ladder game " toss" ;D

The 5/16th Booyah Baby Boo is the jig I throw the majority of the time. I like the lighter gauge hook as it seems to penetrate and hold much better than the larger flipping jigs.

A great inanimate role model would be "Hooked on Phonics."