NorthernBasser

A while back a certain poster on here mentioned how the Archelons may be discontinued, so I made sure I stocked up. I couldn't even tell you how many packs I have because of that. Thankfully they were wrong.

I use both of these. The Archelon has a tiny hole on the bottom side that you can slide the rattle into. The body actually has a cavity where it sits perfectly (you may already know this). It's also a tight fit so the rattle won't fall out. Insert it in the hole and then work it up towards the head of the bait with your fingers. And then insert the hook. Easily one of my top flipping/pitching baits. In super clear water I don't use the rattles, tho. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/McCoy_Worm_Rattles_10pk/descpage-MCWR.html https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-TTBRT.html?from=basres

I see those Archelons. (don't forget the worm rattles!)

Thanks. Good to know.

I bought this bait this winter, so I haven't had a chance to fish it yet. I notice the front hook can 'stick' to the body sometimes if it comes in contact with it. It must be from the magnet inside. Now, the force from the magnet isn't that strong, so I doubt it'll hang up like this while in the water and I'm ripping it along. But I'm just curious if this is normal with these baits.

Saw that also. Hoping to get some sucker to bite. That's some weak marketing.

You play bass guitar??

Never used fluoro for buzzbaits. I've always used 12-15# mono/copoly. But a few years ago I switched mostly to straight 40# braid when throwing buzzbaits, and I really like it.

This is how I feel as well. Shimano and Daiwa are my top 2, for sure. Way too close to say which one I like better. But Lew's makes some real (reel?) nice reels as well. And I have a 13 Fishing Concept C I bought a few years back to give a try. It's been a GREAT reel. Haven't enjoyed the Abu's I've had as much tbh, but I know a lot of people love them. Just personal preference and the experience each individual has had with certain reels.

Ahh, very nice. Perks of being a mod? I feel like I should get to test drive some, being a Wisconsinite and all. Oh wait, I still have ice on my lakes.

What...how the...is your uncle named Uncle Croix or something??

I'll admit I think it's rather silly as well. But we have a new poster here looking for advice. Who knows if they're new to the sport? How they spend their money is up to them. They were very polite in their post. No need to scare people away or make them feel reluctant to post again. Others have given him some good advice without being harsh. I just don't think that was warranted here, that's all.

You're good poster. But man, you sure can be condescending at times. No need for that here.

To all you guys who are able to fish open water right now...I hate you. But I love your pics.

Do you use any Reaction Innovation baits? Now there's a company with a sense of humor. As if Sweet Beaver wasn't bad enough, some of their color names are something else. ? Honey Doo Doo Hillbilly Special Blank Check White Trash Tramp Stamp Taco Truck Spring Break Penetration Main Vein Low Blow One of my favorite color names is Z-Man's Goby Bryant.

Thanks! Not sure why, but the 200K with that 7'11" Expride just wore me out a little bit last year when punching all day. Having carpal tunnel in my other wrist now doesn't help I'm sure. Towards the end of the year I slapped a Pflueger Supreme XT on the rod. It's a little smaller and definitely lighter than the 200K, and it just felt way more comfortable to me. Don't get me wrong, I love the 200K and I have them on a few other rods, but with this punching stick it was just a little much IMO.

I'm looking to replace my current reel that I'm using on my Expride 7'11" punching rod. Right now I have the rod paired with a Curado 200K. Now, while this reel will balance better than the Curado 70 MGL, I really want something a little lighter and more palmable. I realize the MGL shines at throwing lighter weights. But I'm curious if anybody uses it for Pitching/flipping/punching. I'd be using 50# braid on it. Also, does anyone know if there's a difference in handle size between the 7.4 and the 8.1? Thanks.

Quick update. I decided to buy a pair of the Texas Tackle small split ring pliers thanks to the recommendation of some of you here. I've had no issues since. Thanks! One thing I find interesting is the font of the Texas Tackle logo/writing. It's exactly the same as Tackle Warehouse.

Decided to check out the 13 Fishing lipless. The color is called Regurgitated Shad. Didn't even notice the eyes when I ordered it. ?

One mod I always do when fishing thicker stuff, or if I'm fishing open, but dirty water, is add some sound to the frog. Also, when fishing matted vegetation, the extra weight pushes down more on the mat, creating more of a disturbance/profile for the bass to hone in on. I just stick a few bb's and tiny craft bells in the 'butt' section of the frog (where the hook comes out of the body). Some frogs you can't do this with because the cavity hole is sealed. This is the Booyah Pad Crasher.

Booyah Pad Crasher and SPRO Bronzeye are probably the favorites. Each also comes in a popping version. But there's a lot of good options out there. The regular version is better in the really thick stuff. It comes through the vegetation better. A popping frog works better in more sparse cover, like sparse pads...and open water. Regular frogs work great in open water as well, especially around cover. These can also be walked much easier than popping frogs.

Quite possible. I've yet to throw a bait that size on it. Like I said it loads up really nice so you may not have to really lob it like you see with even heavier baits.

Yeah you'll have no issues with those baits. for the S-Waver 200 you'll just wanna 'lob' it more. I really like slow-rolling the Magdraft. I've only caught a handful on it so far (this past fall).

That's the exact setup I have for my swimbaits. Now, I'll admit I don't throw big/bigger swimbaits as much as I fish other techniques, but I absolutely love this combo. Feels great, and it loads great. I definitely don't throw anything 5 oz tho, which is the max weight recommended for the rod. Some of the stuff I use it for are the Bucca Bull Shad (2 oz), BBZ-1 Rat 50 (2.5 oz), S-Waver 168, Magdraft (8"), BBZ-1 Swimbait (2.25 oz), Megabass Vatalion, Jackall Gantarel. Like I said, nothing crazy big. But for these baits it does great and I think it'll easily handle baits up to 4 oz for sure.

2.8" Keitech Fat? Or 3" Easy Shiner?