NorthE97

@Ksam1234 I use a Dobyns Fury 795 for the 6" hudd and 168 S Waver. If you were to upgrade bait size Dobyns makes an 806 in the Fury line as well that should cover bigger swimbaits. Reasonable price too.

Not to hijack the thread but... from your personal experiences does keeping hooks/jigs in a waterproof tackle tray, like bass mafia or plano waterproof series, contribute to any rust by trapping moisture in the box? I know the hydroflow aren't waterproof and have holes in bottom and was wondering if you have any problems with rust in that?

This may be the jighead you're looking for. I have yet to use it but have had my eye on it for quite some time. It's gotten good reviews. Worth a shot in my opinion. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Fin-tech_Title_Shot_Jig_2pk/descpage-FTTSJ.html

Have you used the Pop X with any success?

I use an owner weighted twistlock hook 4/0, 3/32oz for the horny toad. Never have a problem with it flipping over.

I definitely agree with the overthinking part. I'm also considering a kayak to be my main rig and a basic approach seems to be the key.

Paralysis by analysis is real in soft plastics. Frankly, it’s overwhelming, especially to a beginner, with all these options out there. I remember when I first started out I bought all types of baits in 5 different colors each. Well, I still have those same baits today, never opened. There is a plethora of different craws, creatures, worms, etc out there. Most of them do the same, and I know the fish don’t care about what brand you bought. I’ve come to the realization that less is more for me. Sticking to a few brands and a few select items from each brand has helped me narrow down my choices and make fishing more enjoyable. My tips to beginners would be: pick a few brands: Zoom Rage tail GYCB (Insert brand you like here) pick a few colors per bait: green pumpkin black & blue Alabama craw or PB&J (insert color you've had great success with) Most, if not all types of soft plastic baits, are covered by these three brands. This has been my journey through soft plastics, coming full circle. If anyone else went through this same conundrum or has some tips they would like to share, feel free to add. I hope to save some newer people to the sport some headache, time, and money.

This is the hook Catt was referring too. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_TwistLock_Open_Gap_Centering_Pin_Hook/descpage-OTLC.html

Keitech sells a "super round tungsten jig head." They recommend the 1/0 hook option for the 2.8". Comes in 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4oz sizes.

Astral Porter. Got these off of a recommendation on here. Great shoe for water. https://www.astraldesigns.com/shop/footwear/mens/porter-mens

Magnum Baits- Mauler Creature Bait 6.25" Also, Upton's- Papa Craw 7" Both on TW.

I've been eyeing those eco pro tungsten weights. I'll have to give them a shot.

When and if you use a weighted wacky rig do you use a wacky jighead or just add a pegged bullet weight above the hook? Is there any difference in action when doing either technique?

Try n u t e c h jigs. Rarely loose them.

First line I used with my baitcaster was braid and I love it. Don't have any problems. As far as advice while using it, don't cast too hard and make sure it's at least 30lb braid. That's the lowest I've used on a baitcaster. Sufix 832 equivalent 8lb mono diameter. You can check equivalent diameters on TW. One caution is that the line may dig into the spool after a snag. This could potentially cause backlashes. As long as you're careful with it, you shouldn't have a problem. Good luck.

I would still recommend the 7' MH/F. It wouldn't be ideal for throwing lighter lures but I'm sure you could get away with it as long as you're mindful on the cast. I would recommend 10 to 20lb braid for the setup.

I would look for something 7' MH/F. With the 6'6" M/F he can already throw a variety of lures that are lightweight. The MH would allow him to throw heavier lures, 3/8 and 1/2oz. I currently use a Fenwick HMG 7' MH/F casting rod. It is a very nice rod for the money. I would assume the spinning rod would be the same in terms of value. I don't know if you'd want to try a baitcaster setup or not but you can't go wrong with that rod. On the other hand, my spinning setup consists of the pflueger president 6930. Can't go wrong with that reel either. Line choice is personal preference but I use braid on my spinning reels. I started with mono, switched to braid, then tried to switch back to mono and couldn't stand it. Lb test depends on which rod and reel setup you choose. I'm sure others will be along to give more insight. Good luck!

You can use an owner weighted twistlock light hook in 3/32oz 4/0. It's a keel weighted hook and keeps the same shimmy as a weightless Texas rigged senko. Just saw this after I posted, same advice.

Not meaning to highjack this thread but... if you're using braid for topwaters with treble hooks, say poppers and walking baits, do you use a fast action rod or moderate action rod or back off the drag to compensate for the no/little stretch braid? I wouldn't want to pull the bait away from the fish.

Just curious as to which treble hooks you use to replace crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwaters that come with so-so hooks. Seems to me the most popular ones are KVD triple grips, Owner St-36s, and Gamakatsu. Any specific reason one over the other? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

Rage bug on a wobble-head around chunk rock. For colors, really personal preference. Green pumpkin, black & blue, blue craw, Bama craw, delta red work well for me.

My first spinning rod combo (still is my combo) is a St. Croix Triumph with a Pflueger president spinning reel. Very nice setup for around $150, think I managed to get it on sale for $120. I suggest taking a look at the St. Croix Triumph rod series. If you don't feel like spending that much, then the Berkley lightning rod is another solid choice.

Zoom Horny Toad in black with owner twistlock light weighted hook

Bass mafia bait coffin would solve this problem, only problem is it is rather expensive. Nscheele's idea is a cheap and easy fix to the problem.

I had success on the 3/32oz 4/0 twistlock light last summer while using 5" senkos. The bait still had the tantalizing shimmy on the fall and the bass seemed to enjoy it.