Oklahoma Mike

Love these. Their bluegill colored one is my favorite. Also really like the Siebert Foggy - they have the best colors hands down in my opinion.

I'm surprised at the number of comments in here regarding the difficulty of tying a snell knot. I find it one of the easiest and fastest knots to tie, second only to a palomar but not by much. I'm also surprised that people are so passionate about this topic; I'd have never guessed this would have turned into such a spirited debate! I've seen plenty of responses from those like myself championing the snell and laying out the benefits. I've seen plenty of responses on here from posters who are using a palomar (or whatever other knot) with no problems and as such are not inclined to make a change. And that's cool - everyone should find his own preference and do what makes him comfortable. What I haven't heard in this thread is the disadvantages of the snell knot. So for those who feel so strongly about not snelling, I'd be very interested to hear what you think are the cons.

Lipless cranks, spinnerbaits, poppers, and buzzbaits would be my recommendations. For these baits the inexpensive versions tend to work just as well as the higher end ones.

Very cool. How did you attach the rings?

I spooled up two of my spinning reels with it at the start of this season - one with 18# and one with 24# Gliss. I finally stripped it all off last week in a fit of rage after it just snapped in a random spot while I was making a cast. I did see a notable improvement in casting distance, but overall it just became a constant source of frustration for me. The line is very limp - even more so than braid - so wind bow and wind knots are a constant issue. It also has virtually zero abrasion resistance. You will not want to use it on any techniques that call for fishing baits slack or semi-slack line. It is just way too limp for this IMO. Works okay on things like cranks, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, and other baits that employ a steady retrieve.

^^^Just wanted to add a couple more to the many experts already on this thread

Great idea! I was honestly just thinking the other day that we needed this thread on here.

There is room there for your snell knot. It all happens between the eye and the top of the bait-keeper.

Weightless senkos - I used to fish them braid with a leader but have now gone to using straight FC.

The Trokar "Monster" hook? There should be plenty of room there for tying a snell knot between the bait-keeper and the eye. If not, can you post a pic of the hook you're using? I disagree with Catt - I do believe that using a snell knot here will improve your hookup ratio.

Sure, why not? Give it a try and decide for yourself if you like it. I'm someone who isn't married to any one particular type of line. I use braid, mono, flouro, and co-poly. I think each has its application and I've developed a personal preference for what line I feel works best for me with different techniques. Experiment and decide for yourself what you like, but yes, braid is certainly worth trying.

For mono I prefer the improved clinch or San Diego jam knot.

I like the 130 size. For colors I'd say keep it simple and go with one dark color and one light color so you'll be set for both sunny and overcast days. Not sure who has the cheapest price... I think I saw them in cabelas the other day for around $13.

I have two words for you, OP: Reverse Mortgage.

Thanks for the info, guys... I think I'll give them a shot. If I decide I like them I'll make another thread asking what to buy with al the extra money I'll have saved on senkos

The more of the rod tip that's gone, the more the action will be affected. You will still have a serviceable rod, but as already pointed out above, the action will vary from what's stated on the rod. Not sure where you're buying these from or what you're paying, but you should know that you can buy such rods directly from St. Croix for $30 each. They won't have a warranty obviously.

I've never fished them. I see them in there for $10 for a pack of 30 and I guess I've just always turned up my nose at them. Anyone use them? Are they worth buying?

This is what I love about this bait. I can retrieve it at as fast or as slow as I want, and I can pause it in the strike zone, give it a few jerks in there if I want, etc. Very versatile topwater bait.

Without a doubt the best line for deep cranks is FC. Tatsu is the best FC on the market IMO, so I'd recommend 12# Tatsu. If you're one of those people who just despise FC, go with a copoly like YZH, as that will likely be a second best option.

One very important thing that I don't think has been mentioned yet - use a snell knot on your flipping hook. This will drastically increase your hookup ratio.

Use the lightest weight you can get away with - whatever will punch through the vegetation you're fishing. 65lb braid (min) on a rig with enough backbone to hoist them out of the muck. D-Bombs, Rage Structure Bug, Pit Boss are my favorite baits, but I'll try just about anything that I can get through there.

http://stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/avid-pearl 6'-8" MXF

One more vote for the Boomerang.

I'm partial to St Croix - they make a great rod and have what I feel is the best warranty/customer service. That said, when I'm looking for a new rod, I will go with what I think is the best rod at the best value for whatever specific length/action I'm looking for. I see no reason to limit myself to a single manufacturer if there is something out there that is a better tool for the job or is a better overall value.

Makes no difference to me so long as they have a sharp point. If the color of the hooks on the bait you're throwing will make a difference in whether or not you get a hookup, you should probably just throw a different bait.