roadwarrior

Great day, nice pics! 8-)

The comment is accurate, Rogues produce just fine when they are working properly. The issue is poor quality as compared to Lucky Craft or Rapala jerkbaits. From a "users" standpoint, the lures must be tested because many are defective or become that way (sinking is most common). Even if the lure is fine, casting often results in foul hooks because the lure is light and unbalanced. It's the nature of the Smithwick Rogue. If you are willing to put up with all of that, this lure produces strikes. 8-)

I don't know anything about Area 76, but an elk hunt in Colorado with a top outfitter would be mighty fine. 8-)

Congratulations Philly Fans!

I fish all weightless soft plastics on spinning tackle, specifically St. Croix ES70MF. The main reason is to avoid the "professional overrun" that occurs on baitcasters when the bait flies off! For weighted presentations, this is not an issue. 8-)

Baby Bass (green) 8-)

For unknown reasons, he quit responding. We parted ways.

Congratulations to the Florida Gators and their fans! Goodnight Irene. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

I'm not defending them, but you can exchange the lure hassle free. The lure is inexpensive to make and sells at a low price, often on sale. I doubt it's worth anything to the company to improve the lure. Several years ago when I fished Rogues, I ran into a distributor for Smithwick and had this same discussion. The bottom line is, most of the lures are fine and the cost/benefit of improving the lure isn't justifiable for the company. So, my suggestion is to either fish another brand or consider it your duty to take defective lures back for exchange. I have chosen to fish other brands. 8-)

I have found that purple smoke blends almost perfectly in stained water. In gin clear water, green is the ticket. "Clear" always appears white to me and seems to contrast rather than blend. 8-)

dodgeguy, Nice fish! I was wondering about the results of your test (fluoro vs braid). Are you back to braid for everything? 8-)

I think you will be happy with a 6 1/2' or 7' rod. My soft plastics rod is a St. Croix ES70MF. 8-)

Technically correct, but I believe the issue was resolved and the reel replaced. Shimano's customer service is very user friendly. 8-)

Pick colors you like, they'll be just fine. I like green, black and blue soft plastics and jigs. On any given day, it's about depth, profile and action. 8-)

Blue Chrome/Orange... http://www.***.com/descpageXCALLPSCRNK-XCRB.html I have also had great days with the Rattln' Vibe.

Every thread on this forum about jerkbaits recommends the X-Rap, but I don't think many have tried the deeper running shad. We'll all be interested to read your review. 8-)

If you plan to fish them on a T-rig or shakey head, the regular (full size) NetBaits Paca Craws are great. If you plan to use them as a jig trailer, the Baby Paca Craw is the ticket. 8-)

Ultralight is for white bass, crappie and stocker trout. 8-)

What makes the Lucky Craft special is it's the most user friendly. As far as catching fish, you'll do just fine with the Smithwick Rogue, Rapala Husky Jerk and X-Rap. 8-)

No tears... Titans played an awful game and deserved to lose. Congratulations Raven fans!

Here are some ideas: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143177139 8-)

Spend some time in the BassResource.com Library, "Fishing Articles" and "Tacklebox" at the top of the page. A little reading will provide you with a better foundation for asking questions and becoming a better fisherman. 8-)

Moved from "General", original post lost. Custom Painted Baits... Today at 12:06:08 To the "tournament" guys out there, How much would you spend on a custom painted bait? (sorry if this was already asked)

This what I would recommend: http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SHCSF50.html 8-)

Actually, about 1 1/2 hours from Pickwick, but 3 1/2 - 4 from where we're staying on Kentucky. Still, it is fairly close.