roadwarrior

I ALWAYs use MegaStrike. https://www.megastrike.com/fishattractant

Completely different profile and action. You rig the Shellcracker through the nose, point down, then up from the belly, through the body and out the spine so it looks like a swimming minnow. With every Rage Tail be sure to separate the appendages.

I'm a big fan, too! My custom jig is a Grid Iron G2, Kent Craw. https://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Grid-Iron-G2-Jig-Mata-1504.htm

https://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Swim-Jig-902.htm This is my preferred trailer: http://www.ragetail.com/products/rage-shell-cracker/

You could have dropped the whole rig into the lake.

KVD Line & Lure Conditioner is your friend! https://www.lineandlure.com/info/faq/

I have the original and after all these years it performs better than new!

Don't be a sissy...You really need to kick it up a notch. Are you still running your dogs, too?

Senko, Rage Tail Menace, Rage Hawg and Structure Bug, jigs/ Rage Tail Craw trailers and BPS Tender Tube. Spinnerbait and Rage Blade or Siebert Outdoors Foggy. Sammy, PopMax or Chug Bug, Norman Fat Boy, Bandit 200 and SK Red Eye Shad.

Wait for a sale on Cabela's Guidewear. That's what I am wearing in my avatar more than a decade ago. Bibs and a jacket still good as new!

I have a lot of "favorite" reels, but the Core 50mg7 is my "very favorite". Mine dates back to when they were first introduced. It was a 10 right out of the box, but it's better now!

T-rigged using a 3/0 hook and 3/8 oz bullet weight.

Jigs and plastic worms are universal. Bass never "get use" to them.

The baits that are "ready to use" are stored in a Plano without packaging. A little reserve in their original packages in a soft bag with extra spools of line and stuff I might need on a trip, but not on any particular day. The rest of my stash, the bulk of my tackle, on a peg board in original packaging in the Man Cave.

For all treble hooks. Specifically, my choice is #11 Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo. https://www.sunlineamerica.com/shooter-defier-armilo/

My son is a doctor. When anyone asks about a health issue, including me and the wife, his answer is always the same...You probably should see your doctor.

Another VERY productive lure is the BPS Tender Tube #71

Nice fish, great pic!

This is the only lure I have that has out-fished live bait:

Replace all hooks and rings, but take your time and make the job fun. It's just part of fishing.

The weather has been spring-like with tons of rain for the past several weeks. Early flowers are in bloom, trees are budding and the birds are flirting. However, tonight and for the next three days we dip back into the teens. I sure hope this is the last of winter.

Yes

Anyone brand new to fishing needs to catch some fish first. If it turns out that they like it they can take it to the next level. Soft plastics or jigs is not the place to start.