MarVaBC

Its definitely 72 Tubes. They say "72 pieces of tube technology", which would be hundreds of pieces if it were 72 bags. Thats a random number...how'd they come up with that?

Thanks guys....the bait monkey read this thread and is warming up the car as we speak for a ride to bass pro. One question (kind of ties to the other one) does this bait sink on the pause? If so, how fast?

I think what you guys are referring to about it being dangerous is the pressure build up in the swim bladder as they come up out of deep water. I have read a little bit on the issue. Apparently the swim bladder gets inflated, and they can't swim right when you release them. There is a technique where you can insert a needle just below the lateral line in an upward fasion to release the pressure and let them go unharmed. I have never caught a smallie out of >20 feet of water so I have not encountered any problems yet. I'll update if I do.

The charlie brewer crappie slider is a killer....its a lil grub bodie with a paddle tail....put it on a 1/16 or 1/32 oz. jighead and your in business. http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=15770&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults also the little mini tubes with small insert heads are great too. http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=15624&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

I have 2 local reservoirs that are filled with smallies...this year will be my first year targeting them b/c I just got my first boat. The issue is that the avg. depth is 50+ feet and I am not used to fishing for them in deep, slow water (I'm normally fishing rivers). What are your best techniques for smallies in 20-40 ft of water? I read the treads on silver buddies...def. gonna try them. Planning on deep cranking and carolina rigging for them too. What about an extra-deep drop shot rig? Anyone tried that? A drop shot rig with like 30 hooks on it ranging from 40 to 20 feet deep... just kidding ;D (it would work though if you could get it un-tangled and cast it!) Looking forward to your suggestions!

I'd say get some 3-4" tubes in black or darker colors if the water is dirty. Use a 1/8 oz. weedless jighead inserted. Find some rocky 8-20 ft water and go to work. Let the tube hit bottom, then slowly drag it, pump it, crawl it, whatever they want but generally start SLOW. You will lose tubes doing this, but it comes w. the territory. Tubes are smallie catchers, so I think you will have the best chance this way....plus they work all year round. Good Luck-Ben

I don't know about your local wally world, but mine has been clearancing a bunch of stuff. Here are some deals that I got. -Zoom baby brush hog for .50 a pack -7" bass assasin for .75 a pack -rapala x raps $3 each -rapala forceps and pliers $5 -rebel hardbaits (crayfish, bumble bug) .75 to $1.50 Those are some insane deals...if yours is clearancing stuff too....$50 will go a long way.

YES! Kayak fishing is very fun, challenging, and rewarding! I got one in April last year and love it in rivers and lakes. I have a 12 foot sit on top (SOT) that works well in both envoirnments. A $500 budget should be able to get you outfitted w./ yak, paddle and vest, or pertty close. Got mine on sale for $400 paddle $50 or so, and vests vary in price. It takes a little while to get used to paddling and fishing, boat position, etc...especially in rivers, but its great. You will be able to fish anywhere there is water, and in places big boats can't go. I would recommend a sit on top vs. a sit in kayak. If you are going to be lake fishing only...a 14ft may be better and more stable. But wieght is still a factor. As far as trasnport...if the van has a roof rack you can put it there. If not, you may have to get a smaller yak and put it inside, but I'd go for the roof. I would also suggest getting a single and not getting a tandem kayak. Fishing out of a tandem w./ someone seems miserable. You need your own space and casting room, not to mention the balancing issue with 2 people. Good luck, if you get one you will love it. Ben

I know there are a lot of electric only fisherman here....I am about to buy batteries for my trolling motor and was wondering the best type to get. Will any deep cycle do? I am planning on running 2 batteries in 12 volt fasion to my front trolling motor. Input is appreciated

Ok....I'll do some experimenting, try to make them sit nose-up.

I have no experience with the "vermillion" lens, but I can recommend the amber ones. I like them b/c they brighten it up on a cloudy day, but still work well on a sunny day.

Yeah I wll def start out with high % baits...I was just curious if anyone has done that w/ a tube? So what are the ideal contitions/situations for a c-rig?

I am looking for 1 rod to do a few things. Carolina Rig, Throw heavy baits like swimbaits, slow troll big cranks, and a jig rod. What would be the best specs to meet my needs....looked at a 7'6'' heavy at bass pro that felt pretty good. What length/action would best fit all of the above?

I have not been real successful using the c-rig...don't use it that much because of this. I want to give it a fair shot this year and try to gain confidence in it. First, what are the ideal scenarios for using a c-rig? Like time of year/water temp/etc. Secondly..I have some big 5" tubes that I was thinking may be good on a c-rig....has anyone c-rigged a tube and put some type of styrofoam or other flotant in the body to make it float up? Just curious if it works, and if its effective.

I am new to making lures...here are 2 of my first 3 baits. I am assuming I have to put some kind of weight toward the back of them? They don't have any weight in them now. Any suggestions as to how much and where to place them would be great. Thanks

I am thinking about getting one...have a couple questions... Should I get the original, or the new premium? What type of action does the premium have....does it float or sink? Orig- http://www.***.com/descpageLUCKYSWIM-RLCA.html?from=calfish Premium- http://www.***.com/descpageSWMLUCKY-LCRCP.html Thanks...

I think the idea of using a bass boat w/ broken or no motor will be fine. Just remove the old/broken outboard if you are going to be on electric only lakes, and you should be good to go. As metioned before, get a high pound thrust trolling motor on the transom for getting around, and a bow mounted one for fishing. Removing the steering console and replacing with control panel, storage, whatever sounds like a good idea too. Good luck! Post some pics of whatever you go with. I just got a jon boat for electric only lakes here in MD. Thought about the bass boat route too, but never saw any w/ broken engines on my hunt, so I went with a 16 ft tracker grizzly jon boat.

Thanks for the tips Robert....I'll be sure to give them a try when I get out there!

99% of the time I am fishing a buzzbait with my rod tip up.....I have trained myself to just keep reeling when a strike occurs. If they have it, the rod loads up and I set it, if they miss, the bait continues at the same speed and usually gets hit again. This is a trial and error procedure, but you'll get the hang of it. Buzzbait fishing is awesome!

I want to get a fishfinder for my new reservoir rig. The place is big, electric motor only, and fishing deep structure is key there. I am interested in getting a GPS unit to locate and mark such structure. I was wondering if anyone uses, recommends, or hates this particular unit. http://www.eaglegps.com/Products/Combo/Cuda250SMap.htm Thanks...

Chris, I actually just bought a jon for electric only reservoir fishing here in MD. I went with the Tracker Grizzly 1648L all-welded. I didn't look at the G3's because there isn't a dealer near me. I am happy w/ the Tracker...its very deep, wide, and stable. I am in the process of building a floor for over the ribs now. Not sure how much the G3's run, but the 1548 tracker at my local BPS is $2k, the 1648 is only $100 more, which is a no brainer as far as I'm concerned. The extra BPS cash via the rewards card is handy for goodies as well!! :)Good luck with it!

I am a newbie to stripers.....how do you catch them in a reservoir? It has rocky features 15-80 feet deep. Haven't tried yet but just want to get some ideas of what I should do....troll? jerkbait? swimbaits? topwater? I don't really know what they do, or their tendencys.....i guess they just school up and follow baitfish? I am in the largemouth/smallmouth mentality, so help is appreciated.

ww2 - if you like the extreme reels (saw you have some in another topic) they are on sale now at BPS online for $49 Clunn rods are also on sale for $59 ..so you could save a couple bucks going that route, unless the clunn reel is alot better?

Lol ww2farmer....I just picked up the 5.4:1 Extreme the other day while they were on sale at bass pro to go with my future cranking rod. Still deciding between the crankin stick or the rick clunn model. The clunn is on sale for $59 and has a sweet feel to it. Either one will do the trick though...the reel feels nice as well...should make for a pretty good crankbait/spinnerbait setup!

Good stuff! Glad to hear the recommendations. As far as the power hump goes, I don't really mind it....but you could always sand it down if you prefer a thinner diameter. I like the feel of the 7' med better than the 7' MH....the MH feels way too stiff, just my preference, I like a little more "whip" to them. Thanks again for the info!