river-rat

I've used the Strike King Denny Brauer Flippin' tube with a 5/0 Mustad Ultra Point Big Mouth Tube Hook for years with good success. Can't go wrong with that set up.

In greenish or brown water, I tend to use a silver blade in front of a gold blade. In muddy water, I've had more success on a red front blade with a copper blade on the back.

This. I've also been known to cut a small piece of mesh off of a cap and super glue it on both sides of the chunk. I then use a small drill bit to punch a hole through the mesh and insert the hook through the hole. I don't really take the time to do this anymore but I can assure you it works extremely well if you want to take the time to do this.

Although I usually try to match the trailer to the jig, it's not always necessary. I've done extremely well on a black and brown jig with a Larew Salt Craw in butterscotch in some of the Mississippi River oxbow lakes I fish. Also, I've had times where a Salt Craw in pumpkin pepper green glitter has produced on a black and blue jig. In the end, just use what you have the most confidence in and you will probably catch more fish.

I fish the Atchafalaya Basin and the freshwater marshes below Morgan City, LA which is a vast area. I always leave a float plan at home with a map of the area I plan to fish that day that my wife can use to call law enforcement if I don't call home by a certain time. I also have another copy I put in a ziploc bag and tape inside the tire well of my truck parked at the landing. I also keep a couple of MRE's in the boat in case I end up spending the night and need to have something to eat. Luckily I have never had to spend the night out in the swamp, but I don't want to take any chances in my old age.

I'm partial to the following: Larew Biffle Bug Strike King Denny Brauer Flipping Tube Zoom Brush Hog Larew Salt Craw

I've been using Oldham's Jigs for at least 20 years and see no reason to change. Quality is first rate and they have a great hook. You can order them by calling directly. Oldham's Jigs - http://www.oldhamjigs.com/index.html

Larew Salt Craw, Snagless Sally, and last but not least a Johnson Silver MInnow with a trailer.

I basically use these 3 and use either 14# or 17# monofilament Heddon Baby Torpedo Smithwick Devil's Horse H.C Baits Hubs Chub

I've been using them and catching fish for 50 years. See no reason to stop now.

I've still got quite a few Brush Baby's and still have success on them. Comes through heavy cover really good.

Or in heavily stained or muddy water either.

I usually double the skirts during the late winter/pre-spawn period and for night fishing during the summer.

I've been using a Johnson Silver Minnow since the early 60's and it's still one of my main baits for using in heavy cover or vegetation.

Have to admit I'm partial to theGene Larew 4" Salt Craw, Hawg Craw and Biffle Craw. When I want more action, I'll go to a Zoom Speed Craw or Rage Craw. I use all of these either T-Rigged or as a jig trailer.

#1 - Black, Blue, and Orange #1A - Black, Blue, and Purple With these I'll use either a Flippin' Blue Super Chunk/Big Salty Chunk or a Sapphire Blue Rage Craw or Super Speed Craw Also have success with these Black and Brown skirt with a Butterscotch Gene Larew Salt Craw Brown-Orange Glitter, Pumpkin-Green Glitter, and Orange skirt with a Rootbeer Green Super Chunk/Big Salty Chunk or an Amber Green/Black Rage Craw

If your in Jasper, TX you shouldn't have any problems finding Oldham Jigs locally. They are actually located in Wimberley, TX. I fish a jig at least 50% of the time (some days even more). I've been using them for almost 20 years. They are a quality product. And priced very reasonably also. If you can't find them locally, you can order them directly from Oldham Jigs. You won't be disappointed. Link to site provided below. http://www.oldhamjigs.com/

The only time I have success with a buzzbait in water temps that low is when there has been a warming trend of at least 4-5 days.

7 lbs. 6 oz. on Spro Frog in Rainforest Black

Blades #3 red coloirado in front of a #5 copper colorado Singe #5 colorado Shirts white/yellow/chartreuse with a 4" twister tail grub in yellow or silk chartreuse Solid Purple with a Zoom Fat Albert Grub in Junebug

Since I fish the Atchafalaya Basin most of the time, muddy water is something I'm used to. I mainly rely on the following when face with this condition 1/2 spinnerbait - tandem Colorado Blades (#3 red in front with a #5 copper) 1/2 oz.spinnerbait sinlge spin #5 Colorado blade in copper skirt colors - white/yellow/chartruese with a 4" twister tail grub in yellow or solid purple 1/2 oz. jig (with rattles) with black/yellow or black/chartreuse skirt - use a Larew Biffle Craw in Black Neon/Chartreuse Claw for a trailer 6" Gator Tail type worm - black with pearl blue tail (Texas Rigged)

I have good success fishing a spinnerbait behind someone using a buzz bait. Throw to the same place your partner did and follow the same path the biuzz bait took.

Full size Brush Hog Gene Larew Hawg Craw (cut down to 4 1/2 inches) Net Bait Kick-n-B Uncle Josh Spring Lizard Pup and Big Daddy Frog

Everything mentioned will work, but don't ever underestimate a Johnson Silver Minnow. I've been using them for over 50 years in these types of areas and I can assure you they still work.

Absolutely. I still have quite a few Wee R's and Deep Wee R's that I bought many years ago.. It's one of my favorite crank baits in the Atchafalaya Basin.