DitchPanda

Im a bank bound guy..because of this I'm not able to get to a lot of cover so I'm very thorough and really milk a good looking piece for all its worth..can't tell you how many times I've caught a good one after working the same little area for 20 or 30 minutes

Those mudbugs are a cool looking lure..I've never thrown one and I know they are no longer made but I believe my dad may have some new in box even..He for sure had a bunch just a few years ago..May have to see if I can grab 1 or 2 from him

I've had days when they smack a lipless reeled fairly fast when there was ice on the pond a few days prior so I'm confident with them..I just haven't given billed cranks there fair shake that early but I plan on changing that hopefully in april..what about cold water bladed jigs? Similar experience as Squarebills for water temp?

For you northern guys like myself what temps do you look for in spring to start throwing a flat side or shad rap style bait? At what temp do you switch over to a traditional squarebill? For years I've thrown the lipless and jerkbait combo early but would like to get more info cranking this spring. I'm talking primarily for largemouth since they are slow starters after ice out at least in my experience

Like many of you I have had the benefit of fishing with some good anglers over the years including my dad and a few good friends..but hands down what has helped me the most in learning what to do is by doing what not to do..kinda cliche but a butt kicking does a lot more teaching than a victory

Thank you for the replys..lots of good info here

I have never used these..have always opted to tie direct to the line tie or split ring that comes on the bait. Besides ease of changing baits what are the benefits of using a snap? What brands do you prefer? Sorry if this topic has been beat to death in the past

I actually have a couple of those that I throw spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and fogys on..love em they are great budget rods for sure..just kinda wanted something a little softer for the small cranks

That's a good tip..honestly I almost always buy a rod in person..I've ordered 3 or 4 online over the years and has issues with 2..May as well take the selection of rod and shipping out of the equation if I can

Thank you for the fast responses this is just the info I was looking for..looks like I'll be picking one up

I had years where all I threw was a spinnerbait or a cheap 4inch renegade worm from wal mart...now that I think about it I probably caught more fish back then..makes me wonder why I have all the boxes of lures in my basement

Up here in Iowa I've seen ice out the first week in March and the third week of April in the past few years...my guess this year is March 23rd..just splitting the difference

I am interested in getting a budget rod for shallow cranks and small lipless like the 1\4oz redeyes and the aruku shad jr.Also maybe throw small squarebills like the bomber square a and the frittside at ice out.I'm looking for some insight from anybody who has used the 7ft medium mod\fast casting model in particular.Rod looks good just wondering if anybody has first hand experience with this rod and the techniques\lures I've mentioned? I have used and still currently use the shocks which I love...just looking for a different option

Longtime lurker here who just finally joined.Don't honestly know why it took me so long to sign up as I have always enjoyed the content here.A little about me im from northwest Iowa and have been bass fishing for 20 years. I'm excited to learn from everyone as well as share my own opinions and personal experiences to hopefully help others.