keltonz

I tried out a Heddon Torpedo this morning, my first time using a prop bait. I wanted a smaller profile on a topwater I could just cast and wind. However, it just rolled over constantly and put a ton of twist in my line. Any tips on making sure the prop spins freely without the bait rolling? I was throwing it on spinning gear - Medium Moderate rod with 15lb braid.

I normally use 40lb braid to 17lb fluoro, but with lighter jigs 30lb braid to 14lb fluoro. It's all about confidence - I just assume if it's straight braid they're going to see it.

I have a few packages of the Menace but didn't realize how much people loved them here! Any recommendations on colors for different water clarity or target species?

I use hook bonnets and put them in the cupholder of my kayak until I am off the water, then throw them in an open box in my car to dry.

Awesome story, thanks for sharing - congrats on the PB kid!

Zoom Z-Drop in green pumpkin with tail dipped in JJ's magic chartreuse. It was cold weather, so the small profile and light action was key.

Another vote for drop shot. You can fish it ridiculously slow and still keep it looking very natural. Use a 1/0 Gamakatsu drop shot hook, 12" leader, 3/16th cylinder weight, and a morning dawn roboworm.

YUM Christie Craw, green pumpkin.

Zoom Fluke jr. Roboworm 6" ST Zoom Finesse Worm Zoom Z-Drop Rage Tail Menace Grub

Dangit! That would be something to see!

Anyone have a clip of Brent getting his 9lb 12oz fish? Didn't get to see that catch live, would love to see it!

Well that's part of the problem. I live in a tiny apartment with nowhere to store my gear inside. I keep all the rods in rod socks, so they're not in direct light, and everything else is in the trunk where no light hits it, so UV isn't the problem... just heat. So it sounds like the general consensus is find a place for the rods/reels, but the baits are fine?

So, I'm just wondering what effect storing all my gear (rods, reels, baits) in a car 24/7 would be? I imagine it gets pretty hot in there, and that it would soften some of the soft plastics - but would that really damage them? I did notice my Megastrike scent becomes pretty watery when it gets hot... I hope it's not breaking down or anything.

I think you're right. Since then I have still been using the ML most of the time and have yet to lose a fish again. Lady luck can be a cruel mistress. Thanks @Dorado! In my experience, 2' is not a minimum. I have gone down to as little as 12" and still have had luck. At that point I am guessing it's just barely up from the bottom, but it keeps it out of the leaves and gunk on the bottom at least!

How many packs of each? Would love to get my hands on more U-tails, but I can't get there until tomorrow...

You mean, fish at night?

100% behind drop shot.

Good tips, I'll switch over to my medium spinning rod and see if it happens again.

Well @Smokinal I set a goal to catch 365 fish this year, so I want to keep up the pace! Also, this winter has just been so warm... and add to it that the water I normally fish is on a water treatment plant discharge, so no ice and plenty of fish to go around! I try to go out two or three times a week for an hour or two. I'm new to the drop shot myself - and basically every other technique - so I can't say how it compares, but for where I am fishing (from the bank, in 2 to 8ft of warm clear to stained water) nothing beats it.

Thanks, I am man. It's the only bait I can get them on consistently this year... 58 of my 76 fish this year have been caught on drop shot.

My last fishing report was about a PB on a drop shot... and here is another! Went out today to my local tidal creek off of the Potomac. Tide was incoming when I got there, and according to the other anglers on the bank, bite was good. Partly cloudy skies, temperature in the 50s. I threw a bunch of different baits - started with chatterbait and t-rigged craw, moved through lipless, swimjig, and senko. But my only success on the day came on a drop shot thrown on a 7' ML *** on a Shimano NASCI reel, rigged up with 10lb braid to an 8lb mono leader, using a 1/0 Gamakatsu drop shot hook 2' above a 1/8oz. tungsten drop shot weight. I threw a roboworm for a bit, but caught my fish on a Zoom Z-drop in green pumpkin, with the tail dipped in chartreuse JJ's magic. I hooked into two fish and lost them when they jumped (I am wondering if the ML rod isn't enough to set the hook). My third fish felt like a snakehead by the way it was fighting. Fortunately I had a friend there who was able to help me land it. Ended up being my new PB at 5.3lbs! Couldn't be happier!

What are the differences in lenses?

Where are they shipping from? omfishingsinkers.com usually takes 9 to 11 days, from China.

I've placed two orders with these guys, all great stuff.

I went crazy at BPS today... wife cashed in her credit card rewards so I got to go on a shopping spree! Got a Carbonlite rod in MH/XF and M/Mod., paired with PQs. Geared up on hardbaits and a few other odds and ends.