waymont

I was out today on my local lake looking for the bass deeper, but not having luck. So I put on a 1/4oz Bitsy Flip and went looking shallow to laydowns. I Caught one about 2.5lbs right away. In the next 30min I got lots of light taps but no hookups. I thought it might be sunfish nibbling but all of the bites were very very light, not the rapid fire sunfish tap tap tap. So I switched to a cut down ZinkerZ on a 1/16oz shakey head jig in all the same areas and hooked up with 15 bass in 2 hours. Something about the small jig was attracting the bass, but not making them commit fully.

The only spinners I buy are Mepp's because they always work great, last for years, don't rust, and have high quality components. I tried Rooster Tails but those things bend and twist line like crazy. I'm an ultralight fisherman and always prefer Mepp's. Size 4 and 5 Mepp's are great for Pike too.

Excellent top water bait. Catches lots of fish when the time is right. If you have any streams with smallies in them definitely give them a try.

Sound like a good idea. You could also bring some 15lb leader line incase you come into some heavier cover situations. Just tie on a new leader and you're set.

Straight braid always. It's lets you cast super far, floats, is super limp to allow you to work the frog, and has no stretch allowing for better hook sets.

My favorite drop shot baits are Yum Kill shot and Warning Shot, Flukes, Zoom Meat Head

I’m waiting to get the new green Mojo Glass rod in hand to check out.

Thanks to everyone

You should alway close by hand. -Helps prevent line twist -It's less rough on your reel. Spinning the handle puts undue pressure on the gears, rotor, and bail by continually banging closed. -It also helps preventing getting loops in you line.

My old Rapala scale gave out on me, so I'm looking for a new one. I made the mistake to looking at reviews of scales online. Confusing. Some people say it broke looking at it, and others say it's like gold. Does anyone have a recommendation for an accurate scale that won't break when I look at it? Under $30-$40.

I made my 7’4” rod tube and now I need to mount it to my car roof rack. I’ve been having trouble finding U-bolts to fit the 4” tube. Anyone have ideas on where to find them. My local hardware stores don’t carry anything larger than 3.5” U-bolts.

100% yes....Seems a little inconsistent.

They look cool. I never tried them.

I went through what you are talking about 3 years ago. I made an effort to throw more finesse jigs. The two ways I prefer are these: Set up one is a 6'6" medium spinning rod with 15lb braid to a 12lb leader either mono or flouro tied with an FG knot. I use a Daiwa Tatula rod and Tatula 3000 LT shallow spool reel. this is for 3/16 and 5/16 jigs. Set up two is an old 6'9" Loomis Bronzeback casting rod with a Curado K spooled with 30lb braid to a 12-15 leader tied with an FG. This is for 5/16-1/2oz jigs. Both are excellent for me, but I'm sure there will lots of other ideas for you to choose from coming your way from other members.

That guy is so frustrating to watch. I gave up on trying to glean anything from the reel test videos a long time ago. Those dry line field casting video comparisons are a bad way to compare reels.

S-Waver

The Tatula 100 or 150 would be a better match for you if you want something closer to a Curado K. Both are really nice reels. The Tatula 200 is a high line capacity reel. Unless that's what you want, I would go with the 100 or 150.

Try using smaller diameter braid. I use 8 and 10lb PP with 6lb redlabel with a 20 turn FG without issue. Seems like the braid may be too thick to dig into the line.

I forgot to mention the Rapala Skitter Prop. They are small and the blade creates a lot of water spray that very different than a WP. These are great baits when bass are chasing small baitfish on top.

Not a prop bait but makes a great commotion. The smallest spook, the zara puppy is a bass killer. Use it on 8-10lb mono.

I would recommend a Shimano Nasci 1000. It would balance nicely and is a very nice reel for the price.

Nice, I wasn't able to hold one so I went with the shorter versions. Great line of rods.

I would spend the extra money on Wera laser tip screwdrivers. They are the most solid, best gripping screwdrivers I've used. You don't want to mess up you reel screws!

5'-10' for me. I don't have any issues with my knot going into the spool (casting or spinning) I only use an FG knot, and it will come off the spool or through the line guide on a casting reel just fine if I'm using a longer leader. I have two T-Wing Daiwa but I haven't tried the knot going into those yet. All my Lew's and Shimano reels are no problem.

100%, that's why I use yellow Power Pro. IT's really easy to see when it ticks/moves.