Jig Man

Xpress has the lift of a glass boat. Most Trackers are under powered and plow through the water.

I asked a friend who works for the Corps of Engineers what they use. He said the Mustang because of quality and comfort because they have to wear them and work on the water all day long. i bit the bullet and bought one. I can wear it all day long even in the summer heat. The 250 price tag is rough but hey it’s only your life that we are talking about.

Can’t beat a football for an all around jig. I catch bigger fish with a beaver trailer.

I started to save money. I bought 1 mold for a 6 inch worm, a quart of plastisol and a bottle of red dye. I did my melting on the kitchen stove {bad idea}. My first bass on one was a 7.25 # largemouth. I was hooked. I later started making Arke jigs. In the late 90s a friend got me started on white bass. One day I saw some guys whacking them on bucktail jigs. I bought some from them and went home and learned how to tie them. Put it all together and you see that I am into making all kinds of wire baits and plastics. i have several store bought and hand made molds. On a regular basis several guys come over to make baits. Some are kids from the local high school team and their dads. One of them just made 6 dozen flukes for a smallmouth trip to Canada.

I fish mostly homemade baits. I don’t make cranks elaztech or top water.

CLR Purekleen Both will do it.

I make my own. To keep the holes open I string them a few at a time on galvanized wire that I get at the hdw store.

I had the same experience with the buzz bait.

Rick I was in your position 3 years ago. The Z20 Nitro was $16,000 less than a comparably equipped Ranger + I was trading my Champion in. The Nitro dealer offered me more trade in than the Ranger dealer. So I opted for the Nitro. I won’t own another one. The Z20 tends to porpoise and takes constant trim attention until about 50 mph. The brakes locked up and ruined an axle and bearings. The 4 bank charger quit and had to be replaced. The carpet looks like it is 15 years old. The trailer bunks are in need of being replaced as they have let the boat settle until it touches the spare tire. If I had do overs I would look at the Phoenix or go to a different Ranger dealer but I would not own a Z20.

All in one tool. POP SNAGGER

I use lead that contains antimony. That makes it lighter. I might consider your idea if I ever run out of lead but I have oner 100 # right now.

Close the drain and turn on the manual aerator pump.

Barlow’s has the Midwest Finesse jig mold. That is what I bought.

I have tried several shapes and found the mushroom head to be the most trouble free. I make my own and have several sizes but rarely fish heavier than 3/32 with 1/6 being my go to.

I only buy gortex shoes. I am 10 miles from the Bass Pro catalog outlet store in Springfield, MO. I drop by there when I go to Springfield. If they have a good buy on something I like I snag it. Last time I was there they had some Red Head waterproof shoes marked down to $30 and it was “take an additional 33% off” day so they are in my closet.

Might try Bob La Londe at CNC Molds and Stuff.

For those jobs I use a 4 inch shop vice. It holds bass jigs better than my fly vice.

I use a Gloomis Bronzeback ml paired with a Shimano Curado 70 and 6# fluorocarbon line.

Have you tightened your drag?

Totally Awesome from Dollar General and a brush.

Your motor owners manual will tell you the ccas needed for it.

My recommendation is to stay away from the lower lake. That is where the most big boats are. Campbell Point, Big M, Eagle Rock, and Cape Fair are up river locations which you might want to consider Your kids will probably be excited to catch about anything so some worms or night crawlers may come in handy.

You could get all of your questions answered by calling them.

I went with the North Star. It has good CCA and RC a 4 year warranty and is made within 10 miles of my house.

My advice to you is to go to a shaky or Ned rig. If there are any fish there you will get some action. Then after you get some confidence you can go to other baits.