jimmyjoe

Yeah, I have used the Bandits. Great lures. I just was looking around for something bigger and heavier. jj

I like 1/2-3/4 oz. shallow cranks and squarebills around riprap because it catches fish. Some crankbaits have bills that shatter easily. This last year I broke Bill Lewis Echo and some Norman cranks ( I can't remember the model) on rocks. It seems that circuit board lips take abuse better, but they don't catch fish as well. So I like the clear lips. Black Friday is coming up, and I'd like to try some new cranks and squarebills. Anyone got a good word to put in for any brand in this weight of shallow cranks that have durable lips? As always, your help is appreciated. jj EDIT: The rod I'm using is the 7'-02" H/M fiberglass "Rip-n-Chatter" from St. Croix. It's rated 1/2 ounce to 1 and 3/4 ounce lure weights.

And we shorecasters add, "AMEN, BROTHER!" ? ? jj

I know people's opinions differ, but I have both the neon lime and the yellow, and I like the yellow better. Better all-around visibility. I use 50 lb. and 40 lb. and I initially worried more about bleeding than fading. It turns out that neither are an issue. jj

^^^ What he said ^^^ jj

What brand and model of spoon are we discussing here? When you say you're going to "jig" the spoons, do you mean something like a Hopkins Shorty or Bomber Slab Spoon? Those are thick, heavy-bodied jigging spoons that don't really mess with your line all that much. Or are you talking about what I would call a snap-and-flutter routine with a flutter spoon? Flutter spoons are much, much thinner. Some people snap them up off the bottom, and that is when your line gets an unbelievable twist. Even though I call that a snap, some people call it jigging. You're in California, and I have no idea which terminology is prevalent there. We need to make sure we're on the same page here. ? jj

If you're going to retrieve them with a steady retrieve, you're good to go. On the other hand, if you're going to twitch and snap those spoons, I'd cut the barrel swivel off and use a ball-bearing swivel with a duo-lock snap. An irregular retrieve with a spoon can really mess up your line jj

I experiment with color/contrast; sometimes you'd be surprised which ones catch fish. 75 colors would let me experiment for a long, long time. ? jj

That would be my advice. I tried a jerkbait today, and couldn't get bit until I really snapped the lure like crazy. jj

Some people call me "The Helicopter Man". They think I'm nuts. (Well, I am, but that's a different subject ?) Before changing lures, I let out about 3 feet of line and whirl the lure around my head several times. This dries the lure off sufficiently, and then I can put it away with no worries. I haven't had rust on any of my lures in years. Not only that, but other fishermen give me plenty of elbow room on the shore. ? ? ? jj

I promise not to tell anyone! jj

Well, it looks like this thread is finished! ? jj

I thought I did. Evidently, I'm too old to see my hand in front of my face. I went back and voted correctly. Thnx for the heads-up. ? jj

Usually, fishermen get the most fish off of whatever they throw the most. I have many different blade configurations. You'd be surprised how suddenly the s'bait that you threw on Tuesday fails on Wednesday, and the one on Wednesday that works is so very different. This is especially true just before and after rains. That being said, a chrome single-Colorado thumper or chrome willow and gold Colorado catch the majority of my fish, whether spring, summer or fall. As in most things, though, I continue to experiment. jj

I fish from shore. Anything (like jigs) that slack-lines on the bottom goes bye-bye. ? jj

The InvizX that @MN Fisher recommended is probably right up your alley then. I use it myself in 12 and 15 lb. test. Yes, it can be damaged, but it handles well. Most of the backlashes with cheap fluoro come from obnoxious handling characteristics. When the handling characteristics improve, backlashes (usually) disappear. (I said "usually". ?) Good luck! jj

I realize you want to save money, but this is an unfortunate characteristic of cheap fluorocarbon lines. Which characteristics of fluoro line do you need? Which techniques are you using, and which reel do you have? What is the lb. test you're looking for? If we know those things, maybe we can come up with a less expensive line for you. jj

The problem with adding more topcoat to a lure, even a blade lure, is that it can interfere with the action. Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile has a two-part clear epoxy that is pretty durable. It's used to repair ceramic bathtubs. I have no idea why Flex-coat wouldn't work, either. There's also a company called Stewart-MacDonald that makes epoxies and coatings. I've heard about them, but don't know anything about them personally. Note: for most of these products, work in a well-ventilated area. jj

Do you understand the phrase, "pushing your luck"? ? jj

That's a cake? You have got to be kidding! That's fabulous! There are a lot of artists who couldn't even do that in plaster! Obviously it's Devil's Food Cake ....... right? ? jj

Finally! I got bit on the jerk bait. Did it hurt? ? jj

There are tips and tricks for long distance. If you look at the average bass setup and then compare it to what Tommy Farmer and the surfcasters have, it should be obvious that long distance with average bass gear is ........... uh, difficult. But if you search the web for videos, there are a few casters getting 60-75 yards with bass gear. It's just that they know what they're doing and they know how to do it. And, like @CrashVector said, that's no spinnerbait that they're throwing! They're on a distance course. ? ? jj

A couple of years ago, I had a spool of Daiwa J-braid that did the same thing, only worse. I have no idea how to avoid it, because I have no idea what causes it. ? jj

ER? I'm sure not gonna criticize you. Not one bit. My wife worked in a hospital for 27 years, and one of my fishing buddies is a surgeon. You chill out any way you please. ? jj

There are things I can get frenzied about, but after 8 days I think I'd be a little .... calmer. jj