NorthernBasser

No experience with any of those trailers. Have you tried the Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (3.5)? https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/HogFarmer_Baits_Spunk_Shad_Swimbait/descpage-HSK.html I got the Stealth Blade late in the year, so I haven't had much time to play around with it. I did manage one LM and one white bass on it. Probably would've gotten more but I saw them busting on the surface so I just had to throw a topwater on. I do like how it has a more subtle vibration compared to the regular Jackhammer. Something different for tougher conditions.

I'll never understand why some companies still continue to put rod lockers in the middle, for the reason you mentioned. Most people keep tackle in the deck's side locker(s).

Get yourself some peg boards and hooks. Good way of organizing stuff and seeing what you have in stock.

The Z-Man DieZel Minnowz are great as well. 4". Hot Snakes is my go-to color.

Been wanting to try these. What size do you use?

Reel it just like a crankbait. You wanna use a heavy enough head so that you maintain contact with the bottom. Works best with rocky bottoms. The swinghead/bait bouncing and deflecting off the rocky bottom provides much of the action. Whichever bait you choose will do the rest.

They definitely love getting hung up on wood. Rocks not as much.

The dorsal fin is split and the hook sits in between it. The fin is VERY soft, which is why it doesn't really make this bait that weedless. Still, it's a great little bait.

I think mine was 5.3 lb and 21" (had few other large ones around the same size that I didn't weigh). Caught near the end of the season on a Siebert's jig with a Rage Bug trailer.

You talking large swimbaits or smaller? A few good ones already mentioned. The S-Waver 168 is a solid glide bait that won't break the bank. Another one is the Storm Arashi Glide.

I exclusively throw the 3" version. And usually 3/8 or 1/2 oz. I'll go up to 3/4 oz if I'm fishing rivers/current. I like the Clear Chartruese color for dirty water and when I'm fishing smallies. But to be honest, I've done well with smallies on multiple colors. Wakasagi, Mutsugorou and Haze are probably my top 3 favorites. And you can fish them on your jig or Texas rig setup. I do best either slowly swimming it near the bottom, or hopping it like a jig.

Yeah, I have no problem paying a little extra. But when the mark-up is dramatic, I gotta pass.

I've never had this issue with any other spinning rods before. I also tried 4 different sized reels, and it was the same for them all. Obviously the rod is still functional (as long as the nut stays tight), but it's just more of a minor annoyance. Doesn't help that I'm a tad OCD.

There's a smaller local tackle shop near me who I'd love to do business with. But when they charge $8 for a pack of Rage Craws, and I can get them for $5.50 online, sorry. I'm taking my business elsewhere.

So I had purchased 2 Sierras (spinning). One for a friend and decided to get one for myself. When I tighten down the reel seat nut, it doesn't seem to come down as far as it should. I have seen someone else post a pic of theirs here once before and it had the same issue. I figured maybe that one was just a fluke. But now I wonder if it may be an issue with all of the Sierra spinning rods? Anybody else have a Sierra spinning without this issue?

I primarily throw my swim jigs on an Orochi Diablo, and I love it. Nice backbone and the tip isn't TOO stiff.

Appreciate it if you can share your findings when/if you figure it out. I ordered a 100 without reading any reviews. Now I'm hearing about the floating issue. I was excited about throwing this little guy come April on a spinning rod. Tho I suppose my 6'11" med+/Chronarch MGL could handle it. But I think it'll do better on spinning. Especially if it's windy out.

Good thing the new year starts Friday!

Tell me about it. I used to have a 7'2" Curado that I eventually sold and upgraded to an Expride. And I really have no use for this in my arsenal right now...yet I still wanna get it because the deal is THAT good!

TW has the Shimano Curado 7'6" Heavy Flip on sale right now for $69.99. That's $100 off.

Check out the Lew's TP-1 Black. Their jerkbait rod is 6'8" med/moderate-fast. Very well received, especially at that price point.

This truly is a special place. It's a place for us fishing nut-jobs to go because our "real-life" friends and family just don't understand us...or our addiction.

For those needing a little inspiration:

Merry Christmas to all of you who make this place 'home'.