Just_Old_Fisherman

Been using 14# Gamma copoly for about 2 years on baitcasters with no problems. Low memory and no abrasion problems I have seen. I also use KVD Line & Lure which helps with the memory.

If you can find them, Walmarts maybe, the LFT Swimbait hook is the the best for the LFT Magic Shad and most hollow belly swimbaits like the Bass Magic's. Next best is the Mr Blitz swimbait hook. You want at least the 5/0 LFT hook for the 4.5" Magic Shad. They also have a 7/0 and 10/0 for larger baits.

Have several All-Star rods and like them. I get mine at Academy and if you have a problem, take it back and get another. I use any rod/reel Academy sells because I know if I have a problem or just don't like it, take it back and they say "get another one".

Like Redtail, I like the Gamakatsu Skip Gap hooks. Seem to hold the bait better than regular offset.

On the question of Graphite or Fiberglass. I started with fiberglass rods many years ago. Even made most of my rods. Then I switched to graphite rods soon after they got popular---few years ago also. Kept hearing how good the fiberglass rods were for cranking. So I dropped back in time and bought a David Fritts Cranking Rod---American Rodsmiths I believe. Used it for a while and returned it. Too heavy too whippy, just never felt right. JMHO

Use the 6" Green Pumpkin with tail dipped in Chartreuse Spike-it, Had good luck with them Texas rigged with 4/0 Gamakatsu Skip-Gap hook. The Skip-Gap seems to stay in place better than regular offset on tube type baits.

For me, the H2O beats the Garmin simply because I can download the Lowrance FREE Enhanced Lake Maps that cover most of my local lakes. To check it out, download the H2O or H2OC Emulator from the Lowrance website then download some of the Free Lake Maps if available for your local lake to see what you get.

I switched from Gamakatsu to Triple Grips about a year ago for my cranks. No problems so far.

If using a spear type keeper simlar to what is on the LFT Swimbait hooks or any other hook other than those with spring type keepers. It is easier to measure where the hook point should enter the body and thread the hook through the bait, then insert the keeper in the nose. This is also what LFT recommends when rigging the LFT Magic Shad. I also put a little super glue on the keeper before I insert it in the nose, really needed for the hollow tube baits. You can go to the LFT website (www.lftlures.com) and there is a link to a good video that shows how to rig their bait. Works good for the hollow swimbaits too.

Like others, I am not going to spend $3/bait for the Berkleys when I know they aren't 3x better than the Bass Magics.

I am lucky that my primary lake is 5 mi from my driveway. I also don't run around on the lake as much as I used to. LBH---Maybe if you would be more intrusive to the residents they might just ask you in and save having to tote that camping stuff.

Still there and going strong, just changed website names. Here is the new one: http://www.lftlures.com/

Not sure if you have them there, but local Academy usually has decent prices on Owner hooks. Of course, decent is still pretty high for Owner's.

Used to use Glycerin + Anise. Keeps them libricated plus adds a scent.

Makes a good wacky rig bait.

I think you want more than Anise if you are looking to make your baits "slick". Back in the old days we made a scent for baits by mixing a little Anise with some Glycerin. The glycerin is what lubricates and the anise adds the scent.

They finally got them at our local Academy. Personally I just can't justify that they are 3x better than the Bass Magic's. The Berkley were like $9+ for 3 vs $7 for 5 pack of Bass Magic. May be proven wrong, but haven't seen lots of people raving/throwing the Berkley baits.

There was a very good article in Bass Times about a year ago on Catch & Release. Bottom line was that in many places we have gone too far with it to the point it is hurting our fisheries. It stressed that keeping some of the smaller fish within size and number limits was BENEFICIAL. Let the biologist that set the limits and KNOW what they are doing be the experts----cause they are. So from my perspective, looking down on people that keep/kill some of their catch within limits is somewhat short sighted. Sometimes we bass fishermen should climb down off the pedestal/soap box we have placed ourself on.

I have had good luck with both P-Line CX Premium and Gamma Co-Poly.

Found these bags at local Harbor Freight Tools store for $10 for both. One is 12" and one is 14" long, both are about 5"x5". Hold lots of soft plastics in their original bags. http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/texastooltotes_1993_7006871 You can see the brand in the picture, just search on that.

Rob--I am already sold on the L&L, I order 4 bottles at a time, but would probably order 20 of the 1 oz bottles! Set it up---lol.

Tend to start the year with the Baby Brush Hog then move to the Brush Hog about mid-summer. Always T-Rig casting and flipping. For my local lake it is always Green Pumpkin with tail dipped in Chartreuse Spike-it.

I have been using the KVD for about a year. There is no comparison of what it does for line versus one of the silicone products. This is especially important to me since my "light" line is 14# test copoly and my heavy line is 20# mono (other than braid). My lake has very heavy cover so I need Heavy line. Without the KVD I was changing line very often, mostly due to memory. With KVD, I spray my lines before I load the rigs in the boat and they are good to go by the time I get to the lake. Also, I now change lines when it gets low on the spool due to retieing, breakoff and such. You would be surprised how long a bottle last. I treat 6-7 rigs, 3-4 days a week and a bottle last me 4 months. I also treat new line as I spool it up. I also found the best way to get it is to order direct and get either the 2 bottle or for bottle specials for $15.95 and $24.95 respectively. http://cleverinnovations.net/details/category/4/prodid/5/ I also have no skin in this deal, this is just my experience/opinion.

Went to Lake Fork Tackle and could not find the hooks. Can you provide a link? Barlows website is: http://www.barlowstackle.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&Product_ID=2980&CATID=111 Barlow's only shows the 7/0 and 10/0. I got mine by calling LFT direct: Call 800 408-2028 ext. 13 to place an order.

Hope it helps someone. It has worked for me.