dnj21

That was my thought also, maybe I am too heavy especially in the shallower water I am targeting. I found a specific jig that hangs up much less in that environment , was hoping a change in head style would do the trick but maybe it is a weight issue.... Thank you to all who chimed in, I appreciate it!!

Any particular shaky head design better when fishing areas with small to mid size rocks (fist to basketball size)? Struggling to find a head that doesn't spend most of its time hung up in between the rocks. Tried several kinds but must be missing something. Appreciate any suggestions as to what has worked for you....

Great thread topic, never gets old- Rage Craw & PB Chigger craw for swim jigs in warm water, Rage chunk and PB Max scent chunk in cold water. Love watching James on Strike King fishing show, one of my favorites!

Anyone else open it up this week and look at Group A and wondered if they switched the bucket system this year? Hadn't kept up with all the changes, what a difference an off season makes.........

I am seeing this in Missouri also, getting a little worried. Line selection about a quarter of this time last year.

Love the Hack Attack Heavy Cover swim jigs and always have at least one rod on the deck ready to go, usually two. Been doing exceptionally well on one with rattles lately, but could not figure out where I got it. Discovered it is the KVD version, same jig plus rattles. BPS exclusive, so I just ordered a bunch when they had free shipping. Next project- more frogs. Missouri seems to be at peak frogging season right now and I need some back ups.....

Three weeks ago just after daybreak, put down the frog and picked up black & blue swim jig as I rounded out of a cove in to the main lake. Guess I hadn't adjusted the brake- threw a 40' out 25' up cast that landed like a grenade going off. Massive professional over run. Took a few minutes to work out, reeled in slack and had a 4# solidly hooked swimming well away from the area the jig landed. Like a lot of guys have mentioned, I don't have the patience to do it on purpose, but I bet if you could there would be some rewards for your patience.....

Found a Suspending Rougue in Table Rock color (my favorite) Sunday!! Of course this was 30 seconds after casting it & having my line snap as I sent it off to the middle of the lake in choppy waves. Off I go, full power on the trolling motor and trying to keep my eyes locked on the spot. Trying to think glass half full here!!

My 5 year old understands it is completely normal to catch trees, bushes, rocks, bascially anything on shore is fair game. In fact sometimes she comments when I catch an especially large tree. I have either made her future boyfriends/husbands life much easier, or she will be a real handful

I cant quite make out those Jika Rigs, do they have a split ring like the Owner brand? Have not seen KVD brand Jika's, would love to pick some up at a $1 a pop........

^^^^^^^^Watch this guy, he will talk you in to stuff (Cool Dobyns rods you had no idea you needed, but MUST get) I have a 733 & 734 Fury for Jigs and recevied a St Croix Premier MH 7' for Christmas I like REAL well so far but dont have enough time on it to say it is worth the difference in $$$ (~$30) over my 734. I would buy either again in a heartbeat. We are fortunate to have some good choices at this price point right now.

Caught a Sea Gull as a teenager trolling in my canoe with a diving plug. Had NO idea of what I was going to do with it, fortunately it came off right before boatside. He was NOT happy. Wife caught a snake once before we met, had some teenagers come unhook it for her. Fishing with her nephews, they thought it was awesome. I have had snakes try to get in the boat, snagged fishing poles, watched Eagles pick up trout close to the boat and all sorts of interesting sights. My best stories are from duck hunting though, wandering around the marsh in the dark. A Blue Heron spooked when you dont know its there sounds EXACTLY like something Stephen King would dream up....

I had a lot of fun "discovering" the Jika rig summer before last. Used Rage Monkey & Rage Hawg mainly, was going to explore further last year but got in to Jigs and couldn't put them down. Definitely potential there, has different look than a T rig or anything they normally see. I may have to revisit this year. Assuming I can put the Jig down, I have develped a pretty serious addiction....

boostr- Are you allowed to post something like that without pictures?

I have a 733 & 734, comfortable with the former at 3/8oz but probably not a half oz. Mainly throwing swim jigs but a few T rigs also. I have found the 733 to be pretty versatile with some other techniques. Just purchased a St Croix Premier 7' MH, going to be interesting to see what I like better for half oz. jigs, the 734 or this one. Should be fun to compare side by side. Let us know what you pick and how you like it......

One last bump to wrap it up: Returned reel to Cabelas finally, no Daiwa reels of interest in stock so I swapped it for a St Croix rod. Next step- Bass Pro Spring Classic going on, took in an old reel for credit, used gift cards and points, picked up a new Tatual CT 8.1-1. Spooled up with 30# braid, on the new rod and ready to go. Down in the 40's in Missouri this wekeend, but next weekend I will get it out and try it on the water. Thank you very much to all that weighed in and help me work through this decision making process. I am glad I waited and went this route, fits my hand well and I am trying to overcome the purple locking nut cover and dial

Too much time on here this winter gave me opportunity to read up on a few things that caught my interest. One of those things was tuning reels for improved performance. I sent Mike at DVT a 3 yr. old Bass Pro Qualifier 5.3-1 and a 1 yr. old Johnny Morris 7.1-1. Thorough cleaning, Carbontex drag upgrade along with new bearings. Not much of a DIY guy so I thought I better go with a pro. Johnny Morris reel is great, very smooth and a joy to cast lighter Jerk Baits with now. 30# braid- no back lashes or issues. Didn't get in to the drag with the only decent Bass I caught this weekend, but when adjusting it I thought it was smooth and even. PQ was a beast, still learning to throw it! I had read that bearings won't necessarily improve a maximum distance but ease of casting. That seems to be the key. Just flick the wrist and the lightest Jerk bait is heading out at warp factor 7. I think the reel exceeds my capabilities at this point, will be fun to keep practicing and see how much I can get out of it. I know this isn’t a normal reel you would invest more money in, but it responded VERY well to the upgrades. Thank you to Mike for answering my questions patiently and doing a real nice job here. Not sure what I will be sending him next, probably one of my Fuegos......

I just took off my Red Label night before last and respooled spinning reel with braid then added back a 6 foot leader of the 8# Red Label. Had really bad luck with a whole spool of it (looops galore), as mentioend above.... Have some 12# Sniper to try, wish I could swing the Tatsu.....

I am going to order the Boca tool I think. Need to do a couple more reels, probably pay for itself first time I used it. Just have to go slow and take lots of pictures the first few times. Worst comes to worst, pour all the pieces I can find in a box and ship to Mike at DVT with an apology note right?

How hard was it to to the Fuego? I have bearings and drag washers sitting on the table ready to go, haven't dove in yet. I have watched the videos, only thing that worries me is getting the pin (can't think of correct term) out without the special tool.

Tom- any reason you pick the 704C instead of the 733C? I am about to get another jig rod and have a 733 & 734, just curious if you had compared......

Two hours from closest Cabelas, I may do that when they run their Spring fishing classic. Just get store credit and go get what I want, but it will be $40 more than what I can get on line. Not a huge deal, I probably need to be patient and just go that route. Just trying to think outloud with people more knowledgeable than I am. I appreciate everyones input.

Got a new Quantum PT Energy 6.2-1 RH for Christmas (e100 Spta). Compared to my Daiwa Fuego's it just doesn't seem as smooth or refined. Anyway, been trying to sell on here in the Flea Market or Trade with cash for a similiar or higher end Daiwa. Not having much luck. Would you guys that have fished them stick it out and see if I like it more on the water? Send to Mike at DVT and have him put in bearings and CarbonX drag and clean it up? Keep dropping price until someone bites? I think I would really like a Tatlua CT r or the new Tatula coming out at the Classic I have seen, but I only have so much $$$ to allocate to reels...... Thoughts???

I always have an empty bag for trips, surprising how often you fill it (sadly). Also do this for duck hunting, shocked how many people don't pick up their empties in a public marsh. Bought my now 5 year old her own net specifically for dipping cups, bags, etc out of the lake while we are fishing. Only downside is she gets sidetracked on trash duty at times and loses fishing time

Greetings from Missouri! Never realized I hadn't posted on here before until I went to give Mike at DVT my user name and couldn't locate one- guess I do a lot more reading of articles and forums and no posting! Long, long time Bass fisherman that enjoys a little fly fishing on the side as well as crappie fishing with my little one. Look forward to contributing on occasion, but reading regularly. Love the input from so many different sources- lot of different ways to approach the same scenario when you are on the water!