papajoe222

thanks mike

I'm with you on the in-line spinners as being underrated. Those and beetle spins. Not what I'd consider a big fish baits, but when it comes to numbers those are the two 'hard' baits that come to mind.

If you're looking to replace fluoro with a braided line, you don't need one that sinks. Line visibility is the only benefit fluoro offers to those applications and many prefer using it as leader material with braided line.

I don't know of any sinking braided lines, but I am curious as to why you're looking for one. Is there a specific application that you feel needs a sinking line?

The trend in rods has been to longer ones. Although they can be a problem when bank fishing, they offer longer casts and more leverage when control of the fish is a concern. The difference between Med. and M/H power within the same series of rods can be a big one. It has more to do with what the rod can reasonably handle as far as baits, line, and size of fish than the action which is what the fast, ex-fast, moderate refer to. Older two piece rods had much more of a dead or flat spot at the junction. Those on the market today transition much better at the junction.

I basically use many of the same baits I use during pre-spawn, but I tend to go bigger. Spinnerbaits with a single, large willow blade. Big, fat bodied cranks and jigs with big trailers. I work them faster than in the spring and I concentrate more on the forage than on areas leading to the spawning sites although many times they are the same.

I'm with WRB on this. If it was a lake I'm familiar with I might opt for a drop shot, but you can waste a lot of time doing so. A jigging spoon or stroking a jig are great reaction presentations and a swimbait on a1/2oz. jig head or a spinnerbait slow rolled, will cover a lot of water in a short period of time. Tough presentations to master during a tourney though.

If you catch an aggressive bass on one cast and get a bump or hit on another, it's likely because the fish you caught was hitting the fast moving lure as you went to take it out and the bumps you came up empty on were from the slower way you were presenting the lure. This is the perfect example of the fish 'telling' you they want a fast moving presentation, or at the least one with bursts of speed.

Peg that sinker when you T-rig and you can throw just about any soft plastic.

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner I keep a 24in wire leader in my box just for that purpose. Used it twice this season already, both times on spinnerbait hooks. FYI, place the line, leader, or whatever across the bend of the hook. Press down on the eye or shank of the hook and hold the other end of the loop (in this case the two rings). With a quick pop of the wrist, the hook will back itself out. There is a video here somewhere showing how.

80% of the time I use a baitcaster for my tube fishing, but I rarely throw a tube that isn't at least 3.75in. or larger. Between the weight of the jig and the tube, I don't have issues with using baitcasters. The rod you use is more of a factor than the type of reel.

No need for a reel geared lower than 6.1:1 for fall cranking as you won't be deep cranking. A good cranking rod will be longer for longer cast and have a moderate tip for both distance casting and fighting the fish. I recommend starting with three baits from the same line (DT's or SK series) in different running depths. Most cranks deflect well, so don't concern yourself with the different lip designs. Get to know those baits.Concentrate on getting to know how they feel when retrieving and what different cover feels like when they contact it. You should be able to feel the lure vibration. Pick the running depth of the lure you choose on the depth of the water you're targeting and shoot for one that runs deeper so it will contact bottom or cover. If you can't get the lure to deflect of something, change up speeds frequently, or pop the rod tip.

Personally, I prefer 1/2oz. as it's easier to pitch that weight. I adjust the fall rate by the trailer I use. For flipping, i think a 3/8oz. does the job adequately

I still haven't gotten on board the bladed jig train as I tinker with my spinnerbaits when need be. They come through the vegetation around here much better. I have a few and will break them out now and then only to return them to the box. I will break them out again when I head out to some bigger, man made lakes where they should shine.

BPS MicroLite. I've had mine for a while now and although the Berkly Cherrywood I had previously isn't a fair comparison, it's a great trout and crappie rod. I'm talking the IM6 version that's only available at the store.

Cordell sells a couple of inexpensive prop baits that've been catching bass for years. The Boy Howdy and a smaller bait that I believe is called a Crazy Shad.

I'm always checking out prices on fishing gear at any store that sells them. I get some great deals at the Meijer here as there are very few lakes in the area and the only items that sell at retail are catfish and panfish. I did get a great deal on Bill Norman Middle N's for $1 and Deep Little N;s for $1.50 off the clearance rack at WalMart today. They were regular price in the sporting goods dept. but for some reason those six were reduced.

Other than catching a new PB myself, introducing someone to fishing and being with them when they catch their first, is one of the most rewarding things there is for me. More so if it's a child. I've had that experience numerous times and it never gets old. Seems those relationships never get old either.

Evidently, you like to fish, but aren't passionet about it. Nate's suggestion is the perfect answer. What I always do is look at what may need my attention and decide which is more important to me. Unless it's family related, fishing ends up getting it.

Thanks everyone. Looks like the mods I want to do I'll be able to afford for my other two reels. Another wintertime project, if I can wait that long.

I recently got a great deal on a Sol with a ton of modifications and absolutely love it. My question is; Where can I purchase the gear and handle upgrades? I like the swept star drag and 90mm handle and the gearing is so smooth, I have to check that the drag isn't completely backed off when I first pick it up. Some may feel investing cash into mods on this reel a bit of a waste, but I'm not one. Thanks.

Great job on the video. Me, personally.....I would have used the time to get some more fishing in, but I do recognize talent when I see it.

Most often, since I 'discovered' the stupid rigging it's the one I use most often. Many will rig a tube Texas style, but to me, that just kills the action, so it's internal jig, or weight of some sort. If you're looking for a great hook that's designed for tubes, check out the HP hook

Welcome. You are right on the money when you say there is a wealth of information on this site. From the videos, to the articles, to the forums if you can't find it, just ask. The group here is both knowledgeable and willing to share.

First thing you need to decide is the control color, the one you'll be comparing the others to. As stated, you need to compare them side by side and the only true comparison would be to offer the same fish both colors and note its reaction to both. Great idea, but gathering the information is going to be a challenge. If I may offer a suggestion, you could do a comparison project of colors at various depths or light intensity and relate that to lure colors.