Finessegenics

In that case a ML is fine, I like something around 7’0. I like St Croix’s stuff, specifically the 6’10 ML/XF. They make it in most of their series; Mojo Bass, Victory, Legend Tournament, Avid and even higher end.

I assume that a pro of his caliber would not just throw their name behind any old brand. It is about the $$$ but to a certain extent he must like the products and believe in their stuff.

It’s definitely fine, many people use 1000 size reels for bass. It will pair up nicely with a ML rod. But what techniques will you be throwing on this setup? I think that factor is what should be considered when selecting a rod, not the reel you have for it.

XZone Swammer. Gets the whole jig rocking! Sounds crazy but probably the best paddle tail trailer for a swim jig. Menace or Rage Bug rigged vertically is great too.

I've only tried Invizx and Abrazx but I prefer the Invizx

Pike and Walleye, which I target occasionally anyways.

To those of you exclusively using mono, what do you consider premium mono? I know Big Game is good, I use it myself. Just curious to see what else is out there.

I have about half a shoebox full of used up baits which I one day plan to re-melt and make my own plastics, but I don't have any of the equipment yet. I plan on getting an open pour mold, to save some of the cost.

Shad raps

I use all 3 lines, but I still tend to lean on the "fluoro is overrated" side. Cigarguy, your advice is excellent and it's been said by many others on this site; Different tools for different jobs!

I think it will work, there are probably shiners, suckers and other types of minnows which have the same general color of shad. Even if there aren't any it will still work. Just like other colors which don't mimic natural prey do; chartreuse, hot orange, bubble gum, black blue.

I throw it often, but not as much as I used to. I use a size 1 EWG with a 1/32 oz pagoda weight. Comes through sparse to moderate cover well; rocks, wood and vegetation. I think it really shines in vegetation where a traditional ned rig or jig worm will foul some grass. I pitch these into open lanes or let them rest on top of grass. I don’t really retrieve them like I usually do my open hook ned rigs (stop and glide or straight retrieve). It also works well working it with little slashes since the bait tends to fall backwards (kind of like a fluke, it’s an erratic fall).

High: Rage Bug Rage Menace Chigger Craw Low: Sweet Beaver or any beaver bait really TRD (on a finesse jig…if not the Big TRD makes a great standard jig trailer) I don’t have a third ?

A senko is fine too. Makes a great dropshot bait, you can downsize to the 3” or 4” if you want a smaller presentation. I stick with the classic dropshot hooks and just go up to a 1/0 if I have a meatier plastic.

A lack of sleep combined with a long drive is no joke. Stay safe and tight lines!

Pitching and punching with a left handed reel makes a lot of sense to me. In the end it is a preference thing. If you never give it a shot, then you’ll never know. I only use left handed reels.

If I am not mistaken, the blade starts vibrating earlier in the retrieve when it is directly on the eye of the jig. I don’t know if this is true, I’ve only used ZMan chatterbait and most of their models have the blade directly on the eye

In my main rotation for bass fishing, only one. St Croix. But for other species or occasional use: Daiwa, Ugly Stik and Quantum. I have a Luhr-Jensen rod as well that's been collecting a lot of dust.

Never fished one, but I've fiddled with them at tackle shops. They are light and feel like solid rods. For that price I'd jump on it

Even after a few years of serious bass fishing, I'm the same way. My expectations are the highest after ice out but then I'm slowly sucked back into reality. I don't get disappointed with crummy fishing as much as I used to

Forgot to add that to my post too..A few days of sustained col weather will shut the fish down. But the next day after a big swing is usually still fine

Get out there!!! Dress warm and be safe and you’ll forget about the bad fishing (if it happens to be so). The bass do shut down in colder weather in my experience. Low and slow is the name of the game. Cats on the other hand, I’ve had amazing days when the water is in the low 40s. They seem to be less affected but I imagine since they are cold blooded, their metabolism will be slower too. Give it a shot I’m going ice fishing tomorrow for the first time in years and it’ll be -10. I’ll post a report if it goes well

That’s tough because a 7 speed is a happy medium. They say it’s easier to slow down with an 8 than speed up with a 6. I’m used to a 6 speed because for years it’s all I used.