Michigander

So I am going to try swimbait fishing this year. Never done it before but it looks like something I will like, as long as the bass also like it. I have a River2Sea S-Waver 168, a Jackall Gantarel Jr., a few big Zipper Worms, and I might put a few soft ones in there like a Trash Fish or similar. For a reel I intend to use a Shimano Cardiff 300 but because I haven't done this before, I am unsure which of these two rods is most appropriate: Dobyns Fury 795SB Dobyns Fury 806SB Which seems best suited to the lures I listed? I'm also open to trying a different rod if the performance is the same or better for similar or less money. I'm not trying to get into anything premium right now in case the technique isn't for me. Thoughts? Thanks!

I'm really looking for responsive, ultra sensitive blanks that I kit out to be as feather light as possible. I have been using gear that weighs a ton for so long that I really want ultra light weight, skeletonized everything. Been slowly converting over to lighter weight stuff but I tend not to like most of the mass produced rods that are like this.

I didn't know there was a Tools section in the Menu. Thanks! That sheet has three additional data points that I find interesting: 1. Moon Phase 2. Water Level 3. What kind of bait were they foraging for (paraphrased from "Contributing Factors).

That will totally work, like I said, all you really need is basic 2D sonar that any unit will give you. We went off onto a tangent about mapping which does require more hardware but is totally worth it provided you are into that kind if thing.

Apparently Coonedawg bought it all.

Looks like I will have to experiment myself then.

I'm very impressed with that rain system. I fish in pouring rain both in my Triton and in a kayak. 5 stars. And it isn't a truck payment or two like SIMS or Gill. When the bilge pump is going off, you know it's a rainy day. And there's fewer jetskis which is nice.

Me too, and the fish don't care because they're already wet, lol. I used Rivers West raingear all last year and never had water run up my arm. http://www.riverswest.com/4040-jacket.html

Reading everyone else's lists, I am seeing that I haven't found a manufacturer to devote myself to like several of my comrades, lol. I like Penn though. Of the rods that are in active rotation: Enigma, Ippon 6'10" ML with Daiwa Legalis 2500 Abu Garcia, Vendetta 7' M with Penn Fierce II 3000 Cajun Custom Rods, Atled 7`2" M with Penn Conflict I 2500 Fenwick, HMG 7' MH with Penn Conflict I 3000 Shimano, SLX 7' MH with Shimano Spheros SW 3000 Cajun Custom Rods, Black Bayou 7' MH+ with Shimano Sahara 4000 Gander Mountain, House Brand 7' H with Penn Battle II 4000 Big Bear, Kodiak 7'3" 3/4H with Daiwa Fuego Savage Gear, Browser 7'11" XH with BPS Pro Qualifier

Cool! What do the expensive ($200+) blanks get you over a <$100 blank?

Also make sure it's legal in your area.

Kind of want an Academy now. Those deals certainly weren't online that I could find.

The Internet and tournaments. I have spent tons of time on the water over my life but I wasn't ever that great at fishing. When I accomplished a life goal of entering a bass tournament, I liked it. But paying to fish forced me to research everything I could find so when I was practicing for or participating in the next event, I was learning. My skill level over the last three years has increased far more than it had over the previous thirty.

That one is a 1/8 oz VMC weighted wacky hook. I started tying jigs last year and have gotten pretty decent at it, for my standards anyway. The fish seem to like them and their opinions are the only ones I actually care about, lol. I just buy the heads or have people make me some if I can't find what I want. Fishingskirts.com has an a amazing variety of skirt materials . Siebert Outdoors also has some awesome stuff for lure making and the owner is a great guy to do business with. No problem giving him my money.

Put a thick slice of bacon on the back of a jig and maybe you'll have different results. ?

As a first airbrush, the Master kit is hard to beat. I was lucky enough to start with Badger and Iwata but doing it all over again I would pick up the Master. You can strip the paint off of them by soaking overnight in Simple Green and using a toothbrush. Ultrasonic cleaners also make short work of the job. Lastly, Janns Netcraft has pretty affordable blanks.

You could also get some media and/or Youtubers to call the communications office for the mayor/city and ask for statements about the crisis. That alone will make them think that the nation is watching.

You could try weighted wacky hooks. I tie skirts on those and fish them with Zman TRD Craws as trailers. Caught 5" to 5+lbs on those. In fact, the fish in my profile pic was caught on this little guy right here:

My first rod will probably be a cheap one destined for pan fishing, just to learn the craft. But I want to make some higher end rods. Would rather spend $300 and have a perfect rod for me than drop $600 on a production rod and have it be only really good. I tend to like slower rods which are harder to find anyway. A lot of that pricey JDM stuff looks like my jam but I can't stomach the cost for most of it.

Yes, a few 1" metal washers encased in a black rubber stool leg cap works great for me. Or they have actual kits.

Anyone keep track of barometric pressure or the weather leading up to the fishing trip?

You can always add a weight to the butt of the rod to perfect the balance.

A JDM rod, clearly. Lolz

Heddon Torpedo in that metallic white color they have. Caught tons of fish and nearly an owl on it.

Thanks, man. I'm in Lansing.