SPEEDBEAD.

Would it suck? Absolutely. If I could still chuck a swimbait, would it suck less? Absolutely.

You won't be sorry.

Ummm......no.

That's part of the problem down there. This type of stuff is not built into local budgets so snow/ice removal becomes a VERY big deal. I have friends and family that live in TN and while I like to joke with them that an inch of snow shuts everything down, it's actually pretty accurate. They just dont typically have to deal with it and such, money is not allocated for it.

Welcome. Plenty of good info to help you in your quest.

I catch them unintentionally in the spring time around here on Pointer 78s. For some reason, perch patterns seem to get bit the most for me.

I think it will get bit but I'll caution you about that tail. No ifs, ands or buts about it.....that tail is going to break off the bait when you cast it and it hits the water. Trust me. If it makes it through a few casts and gets bit by anything with some size, it's going to break then. I just don't want to see you go out with a bait you made and break it the first trip. Past similar designed baits have had the same problem.

LOL

Wait....you're going to make resin baits from this? Man, you are ambitious. I'll give you that. Are you going to fish the wooden one or just use it as the master?

Doesn't it always?

Three Mile Island on the Susquehanna would be my guess. Probably caught that thing on whatever you catch drums with. LOL!

I don't think anyone will doubt what my response to this question is going to be....Mattlures, 100% all day, everyday when talking about the best bluegill imitating bait on the market. Perfect example (in my mind anyway) is the fish in my avatar. The area the fish came from was absolutely POUNDED by a guy for an hour or so before I made it over there. I sat and watched him anchor up, let the area settle and methodically pick it apart from different angles and with different baits. Obviously, the guy knew what he was doing. He finally motored away and left the area, coming by me to say "Hey." I asked if he saw anything there and he said they were set up like they typically are in this particular area. I've caught some good fish exactly where he was sitting, so I knew what he meant. Well, he left for another area and I slowly crept in where the fish have been in the past. I essentially did the same thing he was doing, sitting stationary and making specific casts that counted. Both fish on the Hardgill after the guy had left the area. Funny enough, he was cool enough to come over and snap the pictures after he saw me set the hook on both of them. Matt's a good dude who makes THE BEST BLUEGILL BAIT on the market. Ever. Slone, if you want to get rid of that Hardgill just shoot me a message.

I'd say 6+ is where you start getting into the "rare" fish north of the Mason-Dixon line. There are some guys that target them and there are some big fish to be had, but you gotta put in the work and effort. Sometimes it happens with luck but more often it will happen by knowing your water, seasonal patterns and baitfish locations.

How is the tail attached and are you using that exact design? Is the tail going to be exactly as pictured, wooden?

Like Mark said, it's gonna depend on a few things including what specific baits you are likely to throw and what your budget is. You also said 5"+ baits. I can tell you that there is a HUGE jump in weights from 5" to say 7" or 8". We need more specifics to help you out.

Maine, I think the scariest part of your season is the fact that all those fish are without eggs in them. You need to hook up with those fine ladies in the spring.

You are a curmudgeonly old fart, kudos to your wife for staying through all that. Seriously, congrats to you and the Mrs. That is very, very cool man.

Ever since that trip I've looked for them for you using every obscure connection I have. No dice, still. The ones I've found aren't the older ones you have I believe.

LOL, good enough.

Oh snap! He mentioned the Matzuo by name!

LOL, please let these folks know that you are joking. I don't trash anyone.

Kent, at least answer the kid's question. The sponsors you mentioned are great and I know they "keep the lights on around here" and all, but at least throw the dude a bone with some info. Gall, rule of thumb is less action in colder and more in warmer. Funny thing about fish is they don't know how to read so that logic often doesn't apply to them. I'd take something like a Ragetail and something like a tube. Hop, drag, drift the deeper sections this time of year until you find active fish or you're so cold that your fingers are ready to fall off. I went out last weekend and the water temps were low 40's at best. It was a slow day for smallmouth for sure.

First and foremost, thankful for a wife that doesn't have a problem with me fishing. I've got some friends that have a bit less luck in that department. I'm also thankful for the good friends I've made in the past through fishing. Met some pretty cool people along the journey and it just seems to get better each year.

LOL, man I never said trash your idea. I suggested you get better at making your idea a reality. Then I wished you "good luck" as I still do....

Nah, I paid what the guys at the show paid (plus shipping obviously). The prices people are willing to pay still amaze me sometimes.