FLAGATOR49

Thanks guys it seems like black is the best option and that amber (the one I chose) is the worst!!

I bought some Skirts Unlimited collars in the clear/gum color from Tackle Warehouse and they are absolutely horrible in the humidity. What brand skirt collars would you recommend and is there a best choice for color?

A good connection knot like a properly tied FG knot wont have any issues going through the guides. A 4 foot 15lb leader is still pretty short and I would say under powered for a 7'3 heavy rod. If you need 15lb for clear water consider going straight fluro or connect with lighter braid than 50 and maybe a lighter rod.

Looking to start pouring my own Flukes since the ones you buy are always misshapen. What mold is most similar to Zoom's super fluke, or can you buy an exact replica like you can for senkos?

It depends on what your swimbait setup is, it would work for lighter stuff. Something over 1oz. total and it will probably be too much. I use a Super Duty on my swimbait setups.

31 fish limit must weigh in at least one catfish/bluegill depending on location and successfully complete a slam dunk at the end of each elimination round.

And that game was excruciating to watch.... 2018 was much better 41-33!!

I believe they did a cut weight in some of their previous events, the first 4 out of 8 anglers to a cut weight. It's a good idea, much better than this seasons format and would work well for elimination rounds. However, the race to a certain weight takes out a buzzer beater and come from behind victories. The original B.A.S.S. formats had like 12 fish limits or something around that ballpark. The 5 fish limit was a rule change at some point that im sure didn't sit well with everyone.

I have no experience on that kind of fishery so that's why I left it out, but you have to cut the number of fish somehow where these guys go after chunkers instead of score-able fish. Where would you set it for a northern lake? The results at Table Rock were similar with everyone bringing in 50 1 pound bass.

Nobody likes a dink fest, but what other sport limits you to your best 5 touchdowns? Your best five hits? Your best five slam dunks/ three pointers? The NFL is changed their rules for more offense and the MLF is providing more offense with their format. The NHL changed their rules for....more offense!!! The old saying was you may only get five bites a day but they are the right 5 bites. That's less action and entertainment for the casual viewer. More fish = More offense I believe they should set a high limit that varies from lake to lake accordingly, 10-15 bass in Florida/Texas and 25 bass for fisheries like Table Rock.

BB1 Pro or the BB1 Original, the bigger spool gives you more casting distance. David Fritz uses the 5 speed BB1 original with no anti-reverse but for the BB1 pro (external control) you'll have to settle for a 6 speed. I bet Lew's could put a 5 speed pinon gear on a BB1 pro for you if you pay them and send it in.

An Omega 3 rich diet is most likely your answer with the bass feeding on fatty fish. Feel the basses belly to see if its crunchy, that would indicate a Crawfish diet. The stain/temperature of the water can also cause a different appearance.

5.25 Super Fluke My preference is a 5/0 superline hook or a 5/0 superline belly weighted 1/16 oz, helps with distance on a casting setup and allows you to fish it a bit faster.

I'm working with all Champion series, the Fury's are much heavier than the champs. However, the DX series is definitely rated 1 power too high, but that's typically the case the more high end you go, the more fragile. Cheaper rods are typically much stouter than expensive rods.

Agreed, I feel like the CB graphite is the opposite though, my 764CB can handle well over 3/4oz same case with my 705CB.

Yeah I somewhat agree with you, I have 10+ Dobyns Rods. Throwing Mag in there makes it confusing unless its Mag Heavy, which should still be X-Heavy. The 735C is a great example of the opposite, it's called a medium heavy power, x-fast taper but a higher line rating than the 734C.

That makes sense, a scale with a max reading indicator...please share a scale with that feature if you know of one. Right now I'm using car key spilt rings to a snap and swivel then pulling with a scale. I've never broke off from a bass pulling, only on the impact from a hookset.

Appreciate all the responses, how would someone test a knots impact strength aka a hook set? Seems like all the knot tests I find online are done with a steady pull which only measures tensile strength.

? or a compounded wind knot on a spinning reel!! Just tied the SD knot and much better results with your advice Tom Thank You! You're absolutely right more tag length is a must for the SD Jam!

appreciate that tip Hammer 4!! I'm guessing this is mocking how hard the SD Jam knot is? Either way i got a laugh out of it!

Thanks for the advice Tom!! adding some weight is something im missing and the steps help a lot as well!!!

Doubled Uni works best for me and is grading out the highest in my tests. Just cant tie that san diego jam well

I'm struggling with the San Diego jam more than any other knot, including the FG knot. Are you doubling the lines Tom?

I would say the frog rod unless your flipping/punching heavy cover. If your just spot pitching to docks or into moderate cover go with the frog rod.

What knot do you guys use for heavier fluro? This would be a minimum 15lb test all the way up to 30lb.