HawkeyeSmallie

I guess the first question that pops in my head is what kind of swimbaits are you talking about? Hard? Soft?

Thanks everyone for responding, I was hoping it would lead to good conversation. It's REALLY nice to hear from those in their later years that are still grinding hard. I'm planning on retiring at 55, or at least partially retired. At least that's the plan. I've been delaying gratification my whole life. Fingers crossed. Retired + boat should be MY prime.

Sorry I might have not worded it the best. I feel like I've only HAD 2-5 good fishing years under my belt. Just the last few years I've really been diehard.

Are you in your fishing prime? Past your fishing prime? Haven't reached it yet? I'm going to be 50 at the end of the year so of course I'm on my way to having a midlife crisis. For some reason I feel like my best years are behind me, and those were doing other things. Not much fishing. I fished as a kid/teenager but then moved on to a stupid sport where you hit this little white ball around. Since moving on from golf, I'd say I only have a good five years of "solid" bass fishing. Five actually might be an overstatement. It's probably more like two. I'm hoping that my fishing prime is in front of me. As long as I can stay HEALTHY, I truly believe it is. How about you?

Makes sense, I would think you have some pretty clear water out there. At least that's the way it looks.

I agree 1,000%.

Got me some new JDM FFS Nike's and I can confirm they WORK. Never fished these kinds of ponds before but it was a blast.

Nice fishing. I’ve been thinking about trying the Stealth version just for a little more finesse approach.

Poppers and walkers. Walking baits are probably more FUN to work but poppers are more EFFECTIVE, at least for me. I fish mostly just two: PopMax Showerblows

Is it bad that I don't know? I'm pretty sure I have one, maybe two. If I was a betting man, which I am, I'd say just ONE.

Rod holders also have a better hook up ratio if you ask me. I've trolled for walleyes before and when you hold the rod you always want to set the hook a bit just like any other way of fishing. Just rips the crank out of their mouths. Better to sit back, throw it in a holder, and enjoy the scenario. Pretty boring until you hook a good one. What's also boring is drifting or trolling around with a bottom bouncer. BORING. IDK, I like to cast.

I do not. My fishing buddy used to be my oldest son. We did everything together. But now he's a sophomore in college playing D1 golf with a very serious girlfriend. So fishing is low on his list of things to do. My youngest son is in high school but also active in sports and friends. Only difference is that he just dumped his girlfriend. SMH My wife isn't a fisherwoman. Give her a folding chair, a simple spincast combo with a worm and bobber and I'm sure she would have fun. But there's no way she's going to touch the fish, or the worm. She's gone with me just because she feels sorry for me mostly. She will paddle around, get some sun, and read a book. But after a while she will head back to the truck and just read or scroll on her phone. I can't imagine she has much fun so I hate asking her. Whenever I get a boat, I think it will be much more pleasant for her and I might just find me a fishing buddy. Otherwise I need to get a dog or a grandkid.

Anyone use them? My current "system" when heading to a lake is putting all of my rods on the front passenger side of my truck. On average there's going to be at least six laid together. I don't use any rod sleeves or wraps. Most of the rods don't have hook keepers so the baits are attached to the top of the reels. Some days I can pull everything out without a mess, some days things can get tangled. I recently purchased a rod that has AGS guides so for that rod, I'm ALWAYS going to have a rod sleeve on it. Thinking about getting sleeves for all of them. This got me thinking about lure wraps. They seem like a good idea but no clue how well they work in the real world. It seems like RUST could be a potential problem. No? Anyone use them? Thoughts? THANKS

Here's a video with some under water action. Free rig as well as hooked in the middle aka wacky. Haven't tried it myself, just sharing what I found.

Thanks. What's your leader? 8 lb FC or so?

Even I couldn't justify that. LOL That and my wife would absolutely kill me. @PhishLI What poundage?

Dang, wasn't even thinking about that. Catching big bluegills on topwater is one of the things I've been excited for. FC to mono leader?

I have a new BFS combo but still need to put some line on it. I will mostly use this for small treble hook baits. What poundage and type of line are you all running? Straight FC? Braid to FC? THANKS!

Yeah there’s about a 99% chance they have type II diabetes. Those girls got some junk in their trunks.

We missed him on Monday, so they put a door tag on the door. I signed the bottom and stuck it back on the door. He came Tuesday, ripped the signature release off and STILL didn’t leave the package. The package was in his hands as I could see it in the reflection. At this point I was beyond confused and frustrated. Ended up taking Wednesday off just to make sure I got it. Good grief.

So I mentioned I would come back with a review. I went to a local small lake the other night to try it for the first time. It sends baits a LONG ways. I was using a 1/2 oz jig with a pretty large trailer FYI. Very smooth, looks great, casts wells. The handle is definitely large but you get used to it. The HD and new Daiwa Steez rod handled a 3 pounder with ease. I’m going to love this combo as it’s my go-to bait.

These are purdy. Took the Steez out for a quick test drive the other night from the bank. Was more of a “let’s try it” rather than a “let’s go fish”. Ending up catching a 3.13 pounder right before I left. Can’t say I’ve ever had a combo that handled it as easy. And I have some very nice combos. The Daiwa Steez rods ain’t no joke.

I’m getting one HOPEFULLY in the mail today. I’ll let you know my thoughts if I remember. Mostly throwing swimjigs on it.

Thanks for the info. Have you ran braid with the Daemos? I wonder if that would change things for you? I’ve looked into that BJR rod. It’s “weird” as Loomis went with more of a fast action while many others have a more moderate action, even glass. No problems keeping them pinned, etc? IDK, I know everyone has their own preferences but ideally I get the right one the first time. I know that’s easier said than done.

Ok where are my Daemos owners? I'm looking for a dedicated chatter rod. 3/8 -1/2 oz baits with a trailer added on. I'm going all in on these dang lures and want something nice to handle them. Thoughts? As always, THANKS!