NorthernBasser

The Hookup Tackle has a handful of models left from their Tatula Elite rods sale (AGS models included). Elites are marked down to $99.99 from $179.99. AGS models are marked down to $179.99, down from $279.99.

You Texans make me sick. ?

I sure wish I had spots in my lakes.

That may be more of a laugh. ? Pike are definitely a nuisance to us bass fishermen. They've stolen/destroyed way too many baits over the years to keep count. I especially love it when they diminish my Jackhammer stock! There are times when I don't mind them tho. One, if they're decent size and two, really early in the year if I'm targeting them. Here's a few decent ones I caught the past 2 years that I didn't mind, minus the part where one flopped around and put a hook in my hand (thankfully not the barb).

I certainly can't speak on it since I have used mine much, but I have never heard of any issues. They're built like a tank. Unless people have issues with the hinges/hardware or something?

Hey, that's what friends are for!

My ZOLO Dream came yesterday. Very nice build. Just gorgeous. I won't be able to get a true feel for it until spring. But I definitely will have to get used to the carbon grip. It feels 'rougher' than my friends Kistler Chromium rod, which also has carbon grips. Those feel like they have a rubberized coating over it. Hopefully the durability of these hold up. I've never had carbon grips before. The rod is a 7' med/fast. It's definitely more whippy than other med/fast rods I've ever owned. Not a noodle or anything, but it definitely bends deep down into the blank. Not saying this is necessarily is a bad thing. Just wasn't expecting that. Another thing that's a little surprising is it's a little tip-heavy. For a 7' M rod, and for an ALX rod (my 7'1 MH ZOLO Deputy isn't) that's a little surprising. Is a carbon handle lighter than cork/foam? I had a Curado MGL 70 on it and the balance wasn't great. I slapped a Curado 200K on it (which is heavier, obviously) and it was still pretty tip heavy. Guides are very small, so I'm curious how well connection knots will do on this. May have to go straight fluoro/copoly. I know these sound like complaints, but they're really not. Just my initial observations. I'm quite excited to get it out on the water!

I guess so! ?

And my smallest LM of the year, also a little piggy.

Going through my pics from this last year. This little guy is eating GOOD.

Some impressive baits, for sure. Love how they're made of resin. I got these two at the beginning of last year. For whatever reason, I only threw them a few times. Didn't get anything on them yet, but did have one monster blowup on the 3 piece, but missed it. And if you ever need to replace the tail and wanna keep that same color, Creme Lures makes some.

I ended up calling them and they emailed it right away. Every person I've ever talked to there has been super nice.

Mixing Daiwa and Shimano?? JK. Great rod. Haven't used that reel but it's been on my list (for a different rod).

NDYak on Youtube crushes huge smallies with that color Spook Jr. on a clear river.

It'll be 48 hours for me come midnight. Not a huge deal but little annoyed because one of the things I wanted is out of stock now.

You can always try suspend dots.

For those who ordered TW gift card via email, how long did it take to get the email? I ordered last night and have yet to receive it.

Some people get desperate when they forget to pack a lunch. Especially if there's Bait Fuel on it!

Well hopefully she treats you better than she does the reel! ? The fact that she goes fishing with you, I'd say she does!

Not at all. The Mini Max is like a mini Jackhammer. Great components. What do you use for trailers?

No worries at all. I have way more baits than I know what to do with. ?

As far as Chatterbaits go, don't sleep on the Mini Max. Absolutely love them. This is with a Fluke (the 4") trailer. Nothing crazy but pairs nicely.

Yeah, that's a good point about some topwaters, especially walking baits, sit tail-down in the water. Also, bass don't always just come up and blast a topwater. Many time's they'll slowly sit under it, looking at it before committing. Obviously not so much on faster moving baits like a plopper, buzzbait etc.

Gotcha, thanks. I have a few already. Very good popper. I did place a TW order early this morning and it looks like I got in on the deal. If you want, PM me your address and I'll send you one when I get mine.

I agree. It's a great color in all water. I do very well with it in dirty water as well. As you mentioned, the body is translucent. However, the very bottom is solid white with very fine glitter. Not sure if it shows well in the pics.