CroakHunter

I'm am new to the "heavy" flipping/pitching technique. Haven't gone over a 1/2 ounce jig or a 3/8 ounce Texas rig. I just picked up a new 8' heavy rod, rate 3/8-1 1/2 that I plan to use for heavy pitching/flipping/and jigs up to about 1 1/4 ounce. I am curious if there are certain variables on when I should use a punching jig or a punch rig Or just a Texas rigged plastic on a flipping hook. I know the end result is "whatever the fish want". but if I can say "the wind is ___, water clarity and temp is ___, and the vegetation is ___ and it is ___ thick then I need to use ___" Now I just need your help to fill in the blanks

I bet that was cool to witness. Very good story telling as well. Felt like I was reading a book. Now the real question, what did you catch them on? Or should I ask, what color half a zinker did you catch them on?

If somebody that fished those derbies is from Indiana that's who I'll pick. Obviously I don't keep up with all of those since they aren't broadcasted on my tv that I know of.

I have 11 casting combos I use in a regular basis. Ranging from an 8' heavy power To a 6'6 medium light. 3 of my rods are exactly the same including the line and reel. I'm a technique specific guy. I could condense my arsenal down to 4 and be ok. But I don't like cutting off and re tying. Because what didn't work in one particular spot may be the hot bait 300 yards away Like stated above. Your most versatile is going to be a 6-7 ft medium heavy with a reel that has a 6-7 gear ratio.

@Bluebasser86 what is that dart looking bait you have there?

I think that's why they are moving to texas, lower taxes and a central shipping location, to save money from the one customer that wanted a free rod after 4 years of use and abuse. And won't be returning lol

To a point yes a 3000 Would be more "ideal" for most presentations that people use a spinning reel for. But with that said, I don't think it's crazy talk to spool up 40-50lb braid or 12-14lb mono on a 4000 size reel and throw non-finesse lures such as spinner baits, swimbaits, jigs, Texas rigged worms, carolina rigs etc. As long as your rods are powerful enough to handle these type lures. If you are wanting to use your reels for finesse presentations, such as drop shot, wacky rigged senkos, shakey heads, and weightless worms then I believe they are over powered and a 2000-3000 size reel with 8-10lb mono or 15-25lb braid would be appropriate, as well as a medium Or medium light rod.

I had a few young fisherman approach me that were chucking and winding chatterbaits, I was pitching a 6 inch speed worm with a 3/8 ounce weight and a 4/0 jungle hook. They asked why I was finesse fishing lol

1. No it's not necessary, I use a copolymer leader and just bump up 1 line size compared to the actual diameter of the line I would use if copoly was My main line. Ex: I would fish with 15lb on my jig rod, but instead I tie in a 17lb leader to 50lb braid. 2. Stretch in fluoro, copoly, and mono are very similar given they are close in diameter. So probably no advantage with 3 ft of leader material regardless of line type. 3. I've never had a problem catching fish in clear water using mono or copoly. I use a leader For the reasons stated above. Abrasion resistance, easier to break off, and mostly so the hooks don't foul when using treble hook lures. 4. I usually use 6-7 feet depending on rod length. My connection knot will be about 6 inches above my reel when the lure is in casting position (about 1 foot below top guide) this usally puts the leader knot between the bottom 2 guides when I am pitching. I use p-line cxx as a leader exclusively. Its is very strong and stiff. Ties good knots and has good abrasion resistance. Very cheap as well. I had a 7lber wrap me around a stick up and give me one of the best fights I've ever had bass fishing. After I landed that fish and my line wasnt shredded (i still re-tied) it made me a believer in cxx. Its a confidence thing for me.

I seen a lot of guides that "specialize" in a lot of different species. Definitely don't wanna do that. Thanks for the replies guys

People always look at me and one of my buddies when we are talking deer hunting and we say something like "seen crab claw and that dumb one walking from the y line down towards old faithful, gonna see if I can hunt the ponderosa and shoot super spike."

Grass carp will eat every egg of bass and bluegill. They are terrible. That's why I shoot them in the face with my bow where legal. We've shot them up to 65lbs. Good thing is they rarely reproduce in non flowing waters

Same as casting. Maybe a touch looser on tension knob.

Guess the deer ended being as take as the squirrels? Lol. Great buck congrats

Never heard of people using braid backing. I use cheap mono for backing under my braid

We got 6 snowflakes here in Southwestern Indiana. It's 19 degrees as well, if it's gonna be below 30 I need snow to go with it!

Picked up a new Daiwa Fuego 8ft Heavy Flipping stick as well as a lews lfs 5:1 cranking reel. Obviously these will not be going together, but for 110 for both I think I got a good deal Also stocked up on tungsten and picked up some 5xds and 3 xds

Used to always use the latex glove trick when I work for a municipality and had to fix water leaks no matter how cold it was. My hands would get cold but they always stayed dry and that's 80% of the battle. Nice job by figuring out the hand warmer trick. Also works in reverse, if you are feeling nauseous and clammy, run cold water over your wrists and it can alleviate some of the "grossness" youre feeling

I use a front loader and love it. I pack 9 3600 boxes. Plus line, tools, worm binder, same a variety of things. Like them for storing plastics "up"

Looking for any insight on who is a reputable guide on kentucky lake, for bass. I live within 2 hrs of the North end of the kentucky lake and have always wanted to fish it. But don't wanna go in blind. Thanks in advance.

Curado was probably a 6'10. Don't think they make a 7ft curado.

Maybe an exage or curado? Haven't fished either but have read nice reviews on both. And it never hurts to match lol

If for some very odd reason you end up in southern indiana, where I work is hiring like crazy and starting at around $17-19 an hour. And I could show you some sweet ponds! Haha. Good luck michael, I'll be thinking about you. It'll all work out, it always does, just give it time.

Also, if I'm punching hydrilla, a 7'6 ultralite isn't gonna handle a 1oz jig or tungsten weight well

What a difference 4 months and 14lbs makes. You would never know this boy was 10 weeks premature. Born 7-27 weighed 3lb 7oz. Now he is around 17-18 pounds What a difference 4 months and 14lbs makes. You would never know this boy was 10 weeks premature. Born 7-27 weighed 3lb 7oz. Now he is around 17-18 pounds