Big_Easy_Bassin

@Catt What size transom do you have? And how fast do you run with that 40hp?

@Catt I mostly fish the marsh so I don’t cross many large lakes. I’m planning on fishing some tournaments as a “pro” instead of a co-angler next year so I’m going to need an upgrade from my little jon boat. I never thought about customizing another jon boat to my liking, but I am now and I’m liking the idea.

I usually rotate between 3 carry pistols depending on the situation... My every day carry gun is a Glock 27. Easy to carry and I just like a .40 I also have an M&P Bodyguard 38. Great revolver for carrying IMO. Hammerless is key I occasionally carry the good ole LCP but I have the LCPII. Stick it in your pocket and go about your day

Just a side console. Bass boat would be better as far as storage is concerned I think I’d be alright with a jon boat. I usually have 8 rods total... 10 at the most. I’m going to start fishing tournaments next year so I suppose occasionally I’ll be fishing with others. I’d consider maybe going to an 18ft if I go with a jon boat.

Looking into a 16’-17’ aluminum bass boat... any thoughts? I’ve looked into almost all the manufacturers. Just looking for some opinions. I personally like the Xpress, but I’m also a fan of the Triton and love the value of the Tracker. Any insight would be appreciated.

I’m slightly confused still, but that’s kind of my fault lol. The reason I raised this question in the first place is bc I tried to use the SLX as my lipless crankbait reel. As I switched colors and brands, I felt less and less of the lure action. I think I’ve realized that a little bit bigger spool on my crankbait setup will help with this problem. I tried to go up from 12# to 14# test and this only enhanced my problem

I was using a Shimano SLX. I also don’t like to run the line on my reel too low. I feel like once I get to certain point I lose the feeling during the retrieve.

Thanks. That was super helpful. I actually think I got to that website during my extensive google search, but I must’ve skimmed it and not realized it was what I needed lol. Granted... that chart/site goes off of Berkley Big Game and I usually am throwing either flouro or braid, but this gives me a much better idea of how much a few lure changes can put you low on line really quick.

First off... I apologize in advance if this has been addressed, but I’ve spent the past hour searching and have yet to figure it out lol. Anyhow... I’m getting rid of some older reels, but after buying a new reel the other day, I’m realizing how much I wasn’t taking line capacity into mind. Is there a chart or diagram somewhere that can give me a “guesstimate” when it comes to the suggested capacity vs a slightly larger line? I know they go off mono which is larger than braid and most flouro, but is my 12/120:14/110 ratio correct? Hoping someone can either give me some insight and help me out.... or just give me a simple answer or solution and make me feel like a dummy

Thanks for that suggestion about going with heavier line. I had this idea in my head already so I will definitely try it out. Thinking I’ll go with 17# and see how that feels and go from there. I’m also considering going to a slightly faster reel. They were aggressive on this particular evening and I had two or three fish knock about 5ft of slack in my line. These pics say it all lol. Might do some experimenting with a different power/action rod. Looking into getting a new spinnerbait/buzzbait rod so I could try that out.

I’m wondering if it was just a “lose em” kind a day. I personally like the MF especially at a distance because I feel like it lets the fish get the bait a little more

I’ve been using a bladed jig/chatterbait much more lately. I’m usually throwing a 1/4oz (sometimes 3/8) with a rage swimmer or Keitech trailer in 5-6ft of water with 2-4ft of submerged grass. Currently using my lipless rod... Falcon Bucoo Trap Caster 7’ MH/MF with a 6.3:1 Shimano SLX spooled up with 12# Yo Zuri Top Knot. I was burning it over the grass and I lost quite a few fish on their first jump. Felt like I got a good hookset, but fish came off like I didn’t. Any ideas?

Just an update Catt... haven’t had time to go out and check out the rod I was originally looking for, but I did pick up a 7’ Hack Attack MF “all purpose” rod. Really light and super sensitive. Good bit of backbone for a M action too. I’ve been using it for light T-rigs usually with a culprit worm or rage menace

I didn’t have any problems with getting the MegaJaws tuned. I can sling a 1/4oz rattle trap a mile without backlash issues. The only complaint I have is how loud the reel is on the cast lol

Just looked at the Hack Attack on the web. Definitely going to go check them out in person. Looks like a really nice rod for the price. I honestly don’t know that I’ve ever used a Lews rod before lol

I have a St. Croix MJC71MHF that I absolutely love as my T-Rig/Jig rod, but I’ve been exploring some new areas in the Louisiana Delta and I’m looking for something with a little more backbone when I get into heavier grass. I’m usually only throwing a 1/2-5/8oz. Looked at the St. Croix MJC76MHMF and the Castaway SV72H. Like the Castaway a little more because it had a little more backbone and 7’6 is a little long for me. Any other recommendations y’all can think of?

Picked up a KastKing Megajaws reel in the 7.2:1 gear ratio right after Christmas because I’ve heard nothing but good things about their products, and needless to say, I’m impressed. Paired it with a Bucoo SR Trap Caster... mostly for 1/4oz SK RES’s. Feels great in my hands. I like a lower profile reel. I’m looking to give the Royale Legend (older model) a try just based on the price. Anyone have experience with these two reels? How do they compare in profile and performance?

I’m not a big fan of glass rods. When I first started trying to find the “perfect” lipless rod, I bought a 7’ M glass rod and didn’t like the feel. I’m sure the St Croix is much better quality then the one I purchased at the time, but I prefer graphite

I’m sure this will sound crazy to some, but I’ve been using an underspin jighead in a way I haven’t really seen others use it. I fish a pond/lagoon system in New Orleans City Park which is all very shallow. Deepest point in the entire system is 5 or 6 feet. Plus, it’s used for drainage and it has been pumped down extra low lately. It also gets a TON of fishing pressure, so coming at the bass with a different approach that they haven’t seen before is important. Well... I’ve been throwing a 1/4oz underspin with a 3.75” SK Rage Swimmer trailer in about 10-20” of water on a 7’ MF rod with a 7.3:1 reel spooled up with either 12 or 15# flouro and using a fast retrieve. I’m getting a ton of bites, but I’m only hooking up with about 50% and landing probably less than 25%. What can I do? I’ve been thinking about a stinger hook or something, but I’m not sure. Any ideas?

Thanks for the input everyone! I think I’m going to pick one up after the first of the year and give it a shot ??

I’m usually throwing 1/2oz or 1/4oz lures. This rod is rated for 3/8-3/4 I believe, but I’ve always fished the lighter end of the weight rating on all my rods. My “light jig and worm” rod is a MH-F rated for 1/4-3/4 and I’m usually throwing a 1/4oz T-rig or a homemade 1/4oz jig.

Thinking about picking up the St Croix Bass X 7’2 MH-M as my new lipless crankbait rod. Anyone have any experience with this model. Good or bad idea?

I wish I had the budget for that rod. Not that I’m cheap, but the top end of my budget would be about half of what TW is charging. Lately I’ve been in the $150-$180 range for a rod. With this being a rod I know will get used all the time... I would consider going into the $250 range.

First off let me let y’all know that probably 80-85% of the time I’m using a 1/4oz RES. @A-Jay Up until recently I was using 12# fluorocarbon. I started experimenting with 15# and 17#. I think 15# is the sweet spot I like. @reason I’m currently using a 7’ MH/F. It’s rated for 1/4oz-1oz. I would just like a little bit more of that parabolic bend. Anyone have any experience with carbon fiber rods?

As my rod and reel arsenal grows, I’ve been looking into some specific rods for a few of my techniques. One will be strictly a lipless crankbait rod. Looking for something around 7’3”. Nothing shorter than 7’. I mostly throw 1/4oz SK RES, but I also use 1/2oz on occasion. I also like the original trap when they like a fast paced, steady retrieve and I only use the 1/2oz. I would prefer a medium heavy action bc I like the backbone for fishing grass and submerged cover, so a 1/4oz-3/4oz or 1/4oz-1oz rating seems about right. Either a moderate or moderate fast action. Just a little bit of give in the tip to avoid pulling hooks. My main concern is the weight of the rod. I’m normally making super long casts and burning it back trying to find fish and usually once I find them I just keep throwing it bc I have so much confidence in it. Needless to say, I’m looking for the lightest rod I can get away with. Thanks in advance for any opinions. Looking forward to seeing some of y’all’s recommendations.