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Theory: Lifelike craws vs. Not
I think that rage craws and trailers being more successful most of the times points to the fact that even when bass are hunting crawdads, their primary forage is still sunfish and minnows. The pinchers of most craw trailers have a movement to them that is very much like the tail fin of a baitfish. I think those tails mimic an injured or dying fish perfectly when dragged or hopped. For further anectodal evidence in this favor, I've never had success with more realistic craw baits either.
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Which rod(s) pull (s) double duty?
My frog rod gets a lot of work with big topwater walking baits, buts thats about all I've got that does multiple techniques.
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Who is the biggest bait monkey here
I'm into the bait monkey so deep that my knees are guaranteed to be be broke by next tuesday at the latest.
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Fav Finesse Jig Trailer?
BBB 3 inch Yo Momma.
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1/8 oz skirted football jig.
Id recommend the Gamakatsu in size 3/16ths.
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Speed Craw on a Shaky Head
I've had success with a speedcraw on just about every rigging method. My favorite is on one of the Split shot/Mojo/Carolina rig setups but it justs a great bait so which ever one you choose will probably work.
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What fluorocarbon line works best for spinning gear?
If you wanna go just straight flouro, you need to go with a pretty small weight test. Anything from 6 to 10# should work, but even then I'd lean closer to 6. Anything over 10 is nearly uncastable on a spinning reel. By the way, put about 70 or 80 yards of a cheap mono on the reel first, tie a connector knot, then fill the reel the rest of the way with whatever flouro you choose. Saves money.
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What's your favorite 1/2-3/4oz Jig /bottom contact rod?
Fenwick 7' Med action HMG spinning rod. Of course I use jigs with no weed guard(yeah even in the 1/2 to 3/4 range), and pretty light hooks. In conditions that don't require a weed guard, like hard but not heavily grown up bottom, thats my main go to jig setup.
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Cold Water Jigs?
Ive had success with a football jig with both silicone and marabou tied in. I made it myself of course, but the jig head was a Gamakatsu, paint was Matte Green Pumpkin.
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How do you slow down?
If I'm fishing a jig and im not getting bites, I'll usually count to five and then move my jig 6 inches or so. If that doesn't get bites I'll count to 10 and move it 3 inches or so. If that doesn't work I'll usually pout and then go home.
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Do you think these swim bait manufacturers are deliberately underproducing them to create artificial scarcity to increase demand?
I thought you were being one of those "well actually" dudes. Sorry lol
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Do you think these swim bait manufacturers are deliberately underproducing them to create artificial scarcity to increase demand?
There are the laws of supply and demand, and there are the modern practices of creating artificial scarcity, and controlled obsolescence. If a business does't have the capital to scale up production that's one thing, but price gouging what you have and cutting production on what you still have to produce is another.
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Dropshot vs. Ned vs. Shakyhead vs. Neko vs. Small Jigs on Steep, Rocky Banks
Its probably just me, but on a rocky bank, steep or not, is a small skirted jig. In small I don't necessarily mean light. I mean a weight anywhere between 1/4 oz and 1/2 with a light wire hook. Now is hard to find a manufacturer that makes such jigs, but making them yourselves can be fruitful. If you don't want the hassle, then Jewel Baits, Beast Coast, and Keitech all make them.
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Do you think these swim bait manufacturers are deliberately underproducing them to create artificial scarcity to increase demand?
You've just summed up modern economics my friend. My you be happy in the nihilism and endless depression this realization brings.
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What do you generally find to be the magic number in regards to water temperature for stream smallmouth?
The best fishing of the year for me is early to mid spring and mid fall. The temp is always around 55 to 60 degrees during those times, so I'll go with that.