DSTN

I think the length of your leader is ok, it's kind of a "to each their own" type of thing in my mind. Whatever works best for you. I had a love/hate relationship with braid to leader and went back to straight 8lb mono for a season. When I came back to braid to leader I started using a much longer leader than before, something in the 10'-12' range and it's been awesome. As far as the knot, I tried the FG and the few I tried held up for me but I've found that with a longer leader a much easier to tie double-uni has worked perfectly for me.

Lots of good advice so far in this thread. Take their advice and kill some time on tackle warehouse, you should find what you need unless it's all out of stock...

Not counting the wildly variable central IL winters...probably somewhere in the 4-6 week range. Had a couple absolutely brutal mid-July through August time periods in the last 5 years or so. We had hot dry summers and I just couldn't ever get anything going. Didn't stop me from trying, and sweating!

You guys already covered my budget al stars. Bomber Square A is my favorite square bill although they discontinued my favorite color. I haven't used the Super Spot much lately but I've had a few summers where that lure was my best producer. They aren't cheap per pack but Zma TRDs catch way more fish per pack than anything else I've used. I usually use the same TRD for several trips and only quit using when it gets snagged.

Good to hear, I knew I should have gotten more of the Shock Blade Pros as soon as I opened the one I ordered. If only I'd listened to the bait monkey.

I have one of the newer version of the 100s and one of the previous generation. I like the previous generation better even if it is a little bigger and uglier. Both have held up very well so far.

I saw that ZMan bait and it was pretty obvious what they were imitating but they're version is definitely uglier. It's probably a dollar cheaper per pack than Menace grubs and hold up better though.

Totally agree with @MickD. I don't dig any further into my casting reels than taking off the handle and side plates. Going that far is enough risk for me and let's you get an eye on things, clean up a little, and get some lubrication where needed.

Two things that come to mind based on what you're describing...I've had a side plate or two work slightly loose over time on me that has caused some weird geary sounds until I noticed it and tightened the screws. The other thing would be maybe the reel just needs a cleaning and fresh grease and/or oil.

I'm not familiar with it but my favorite compact buzzbait is the Strike King tri-wing one. The one mentioned looks more stout than that one.

I thought of this thread too when I saw the "new" chatterbait announcement. There is or was a Rage Blade with a clear blade on the market for several year.

Those are awesome! Except the Sox one...very nice work

Congrats!

I like the Berkley Grass Pig and Grass Pig Jr. I think those may be along the lines of what you're looking for. They are the only paddle tail I like on a chatter bait because to me they appear to have more of a rolling or rocking action as opposed to a wide kicking tail.

Steep price, but it's kinda cool looking at least. Almost looks like a thin clipless crankbait.

Maybe not exactly what you were thinking but I've had my eyes on the heads linked below for a while. Have to add your own skirt. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Ultrahead_Sled_Head_3pk/descpage-HBUZ.html

Awesome. One of those days that sticks in your head and convinces you to get up and get on the water regardless of the reasons not to!

Agree it looks needless but I don't think I could bring myself to trust those hooks. The hook bend just looks off. I'd pass.

Currently nothing too fancy, a whopper plopper would be the priciest I've ventured so far. Any day now though I'm going to finally cave and get a White Python Pop Max.

Take days off work in spring-summer-fall to get more time in the water.

My only Quantam experience is with an Icon PT and I like it. If I didn't bite on the new Tatula then I'd probably have another by now.

Have you been talking to Luke Dunkin lately? JK. I don't know if the format that made MLF so much fun in the Cups/Selects format translates quite as well to a normal tournament schedule. But...it was only the first season of BPT so to expect it to be perfect is unreasonable. Give it a few years to shake out and for guys to adjust to the format.

Nice work! What squarebill is that? Looks killer but I don't recognize it.

Ugh...I barely have the patience for an order in the US, let alone from overseas. The worst for me is the impatient wait for your package to show up and then it does...but you still have 3 or 4 months until the ice melts.

I'd use my 7' MH/F Falcon Lowrider, 7.1 Lews reel, and 15 lb Big Game. That rod has been killer for jigs and t-rigs in the 3/16 oz to 3/8 oz range.