roadwarrior

If you plan to fish deep divers and/ or heavy lures you REALLY NEED dedicated gear. On the other hand, if you are only fishing these lures occasionally, your jig rod will work. The main advantage of a long rod is a significant difference in casting distance, but for me, I prefer using the trolling motor and long lining the lures over, in and around structure and cover...no casting distance required.

Well, if I were looking for something new I'm with A-Jay, duplicate KVD's gear.

Or maybe a very talented and creative guy might look at a bait and think this could have been better, not just good enough.

Nice fish, great pic!

If you can pitch right next to the dock, casting straight on, a Fat Ika will move away from you and under the dock.

That is exactly how I think everyone should experiment with new tackle...when the bite is on. Otherwise, you don't know whether it is the bait or the mood of the fish. Plus, you ain't gonna catch 'em if they ain't there!

Great advice!

I like a fast reel. 6 something is fine, but 7 something is better.

This pond is currently a mud hole due to recent rains: Two From Grove Started around 10:30 AM with no bites until 11:00. Gear: MBR844C/ Chronarch 50Mg/ #40 Smackdown/ #15 Tatsu leader/ 1/2 oz Rage Blade (white skirt)/ Rage Structure Bug (white with the tail stained chartreuse using JJ's Magic). Cast and retrieve near, but not on the bottom. First bite, first fish at 11:00 on top of the ridge at the second culvert. I thought I was caught up on the jig magnet that you all know so well! Initially lifted the rod softly, but when the line jumped I became Bill Dance with my hook-set! The fish inspired me and another guy fishing across the pond in the snake & tick forest. Estimated weight 6 1/2 lbs. A few more casts and back around to the walkway. Second bite at 11:15 just beyond the second bench. I caught this fish several times last year and a few members here also landed what we believe is the same fish. Last year it was officially weighed at 7 1/2 lbs. I hope one of you catch and weigh her, I think she will go 8 or maybe even a little better. Please be careful with our pets. Take a quick pic and release them gently. -Kent

I carry a Plano 3700 Tackle Bag stuffed to the gills, but I also bring a single 3700 with everything I think I might actually fish on a given day. Having rods rigged and my "little box" is generally all I ever fish.

Maybe a decade or so after he dies. He will always be know as one of the all-time greatest tournament fisherman.

Nice fish, great pic!

Congratulations!

I am having good luck with a Rage Tail Rage Blade and Rage Structure Bug trailer. Two From Grove Started around 10:30 AM with no bites until 11:00. Gear: MBR844C/ Chronarch 50Mg/ #40 Smackdown/ #15 Tatsu leader/ 1/2 oz Rage Blade (white skirt)/ Rage Structure Bug (white with the tail stained chartreuse using JJ's Magic). Cast and retrieve near, but not on the bottom. First bite, first fish at 11:00 on top of the ridge at the second culvert. I thought I was caught up on the jig magnet that you all know so well! Initially lifted the rod softly, but when the line jumped I became Bill Dance with my hook-set! The fish inspired me and another guy fishing across the pond in the snake & tick forest. Estimated weight 6 1/2 lbs. A few more casts and back around to the walkway. Second bite at 11:15 just beyond the second bench. I caught this fish several times last year and a few members here also landed what we believe is the same fish. Last year it was officially weighed at 7 1/2 lbs. I hope one of you catch and weigh her, I think she will go 8 or maybe even a little better. Please be careful with our pets. Take a quick pic and release them gently. -Kent

That's a beauty!

Geez! What a great day!

Nice fish, great pic!

Bait a mousetrap with a strawberry and maybe you can catch him!

One of the best rod & reel combinations I have reviewed. I think you would like it, too!

Nice fish, good pics and a GREAT post!