Big Rick

I use an FG on 15 lb braid and 7 lb leader, so I don't think it's diameter that's causing your failure. I will say that I learned the hard way not to use too many loops. 16-18 is plenty. The strength and holding power of the FG is at the very beginning of the knot. So, pay extra attention to keeping the tension uniform as you build the knot. I've used Smackdown with an FG and it does require a perfect knot since Smackdown is so smooth and slick. But, it can be done.

I feel your pain. I really do. I want some shallow water anchors so bad I can taste it! I just can't make myself justify the costs because I know I won't be happy with just one. Who wants to go round and round the flag pole? It really takes two to hold steady. Again, justification on a large purchase that I know I'll thoroughly enjoy versus cash in the bank account with this current economy.....decisions. Sorry, OP for the thread hijack...

When you do, you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner. Fishing big waters like Menderchuck is where the Ultrex shines. Especially if there's a breeze. It's well known that you do things to the fullest and use the best equipment you can to give you every advantage over those big brown bass. I believe you will find the Ultrex worth the investment. Also, you will recoup quite a bit of your investment when you sell the Fortrex. YMMV, but I love my Ultrex.

I have enjoyed it. This is my first BFS style setup and I didn't want to break the bank on an experiment. @bulldog1935 suggested this rod as a beginner setup and he was spot on. I can't speak to the heaviness of it as this is my first one. I can say that it will cast the Pikupiku with no issues. And that bait is shaped very oddly with the line tie directly in the center.

That is exactly my decision as well this go around. I loaded my cart, looked it over a second time, and determined that none of it was gonna change my life at 15% off. Deleted the cart and moved on with life. I got plenty of fishing stuff as it is.....

I caught my PB over 8lbs on a Vision using a Mustad Fastach snap. I've caught many fish in this fashion with no issues. I also attach straight to the bait and not the o ring. Apologies, the bait was a Jackall Rerange. You can see it in the pic at the side of the boat.

Caught and released fish in a small area do get educated to the same bait/presentation IMO. I have seen it where the usual bait wouldn't get bit but a totally different presentation would. All of this is assuming these fish aren't harvested out to where the numbers are depleted. Fish will get accustomed to the same approach to the point they'll ignore it. Try doing something totally opposite of your normal approach. It may surprise you.

With fuel costs as they are that takes lightening fast reflexes! Those numbers just fly by!

I love to topwater fish and have really enjoyed the Jackall Pikupiku 78 Twitch Bait. It's very unique in that the line tie is right in the middle of its back. I twitch it and it flicks like a dying shad. It's 3" long and weighs 1/10th ounce. I can cast it fairly easily on my BFS setup which is a Shimano Majestic rod with a Alphas Air reel. I also have a blast with a 2.8 paddle tail swim bait on a small jighead.

I use Loon UV glue on my FG knots as well. It makes them very smooth and prevents the issues to which you are referring. I bought a small UV light as well for ease of curing.

Yeah, me too.

It's FOGY. one G. Otherwise we are all lost wondering where the bank is and scared to move while afraid to sit still....

I have both rods and prefer the Mojo for treble hook baits like poppers and shallow cranks. IMO, it has a more parabolic bend and flex yet still with plenty of backbone. I use the Fury for my buzz baits.

Why not believe in both? Seems there's compelling evidence for both beliefs.

The only time I glue a knot is when I use Loon UV glue on my FG. And that is only to make the knot smoother and quieter in my guides. UV glue stays flexible which is very forgiving and never to my line guides. Other than that, I'm with T-Billy. No need for glue when the right knot for the situation is used and tied correctly. I do use glue to make my trailers last longer on my jigs, buzz baits, and swimbait heads.

Whoa!! I never new SeaFoam was such a magic elixir! Quiet, or the price of a bottle will go up 200%...

FYI, according to the site sale doesn't start until 5/26. Got my cart on standby!

These don't match.....?

This is in the center of my wheelhouse. I popper fish more than anything else from April-October. I have found a couple of baits that really stand out for casting distance versus size versus action. First is the Don Iovino Splash-It Popper in the Standard size. It's 1/4 ounce but casts like a bullet with my setup. I can also walk the dog with it easily. It's a true fish catching machine. This is my favorite color: bluegill. Next up is a bit of a hybrid, in that it isn't a popper but still has the same result. It's much easier to walk and it spits beautifully. I use the 77.7 and the 105 size. Both cast way further than you care to fish it back. It's the Evergreen Shower Blows. This bait is truly the best of both worlds, IMO. Favorite color: Skeleton Chartreuse

Nothing more aggravating than to have a level of expectation out of a superior piece of equipment and it not live up to those expectations. Boats are a multi-faceted equation that often takes a second or even third try to get it dialed in. But, man once you do the smiles are permanent. You'll get it figured out. Your equipment is too good not to function as it should.

As always, your contributions to threads crack me up.

I've fished an iRod Air 704c-H for several years now as my dedicated t-rig rod. I really appreciate the sensitivity, light weight, and cast ability. I've even punched with it in a tight and it handled 5 pounders in the slop with ease.

They're all sold out.

This is the whole story right here. OP states he thinks he's reeling in a snag and it turns into a bass. A ton of good advice here. Swings are indeed free so if you feel something a little different, SET THE HOOK. Sure, you might lose a bait once in a while, but the experience and education you gain will offset that loss. I grew up fishing a t-rigged worm on a limber rod, Zebco 33, and 14# Basspro Excel mono. I learned how to catch fish with that because it was all I had. I cut yards, saved my money, and bought my first "open face combo" and thought I had made it big. A short time later braid came to my neck of the woods and forever changed my world. However, I learned how to fish and detect strikes in the back of my dad's boat with that Zebco. You can do it. Focus on your retrieve and watch your line. Time on productive water will teach you the difference between a snag and a fish, most of the time. 40 years later and I still set the hook on a limb from time to time, but guess what: I didn't go away wondering if it was actually a fish....

It's very possible that it was the color that caused the fish to eat it. Maybe the length had something to do with it as well.