lynxcat

I have 30 packs of Menace in my bag but mostly regular size. Amazing baits but durability is a concern. I use them on Chatterbaits and jigs constantly.

Going straight through the body is your problem. The hook rips your plastic and it’s going to come off almost every time. O-rings solve this issue completely. When you rig it, you need to get very little plastic with the hook. You are practically just getting the hook under the O-ring between the plastic. On a bite, the hook doesn’t rip the plastic and the bait slides up the line using the OR. I catch numerous fish per plastic on wacky or Neko rig.

Either works as long as not a ton of veggies to get caught in.

I recently started using the Zman DieZel Shadz and it’s amazing. Prior to that, Rage Menace.

Fluke style baits. I fished a double fluke rig tonight in my neighborhood pond and crushed them. Caught a 4.92lb and three others in 45 minutes. The weedless aspect is nice but it seems to go hot and cold for me across the summer.

I am trying to do everything I can to get those tans to fade. I cover up every inch when I go out. Gloves, hat, full face mask, and often pants...and still spray down with SPF 50.

I’ve seen very little on the Kage rods. Do you own one? I've been eyeing the Ish Monroe 7’4 frog rod (H/F) with the AGS guides. It’s pretty darn expensive though at $280.

Can a frog rod double for a flipping/pitching setup and possibly even a 6-7inch swim bait (not super heavy) rod?

I’m getting the itch for another rod/reel setup...here is what I have today: - ML/F Spinning - MH/F BC - M/F BC -MH/Moderate BC (use almost exclusively for Chatterbaits) These are Daiwa Tatula Elites and BPS JM Platinum setups. I’ve been very pleased with the Tatula Elite rods and reels. I’m fishing almost exclusively from the bank in small ponds. A H/F or H/XF BC for frogs and pitching is where my head is going. I’m not sure a M/F Spinning has enough incremental uses.

I use braid to FC leader on all of my setups. I tie a modified Albright / Alberto knot. I wrap 10 times and then go back through the hoop at the end 5 times. Especially the 5 times back through is a game changer that I learned through this site. I used to go through once and occasions the knot would get loose.

Redemption! Caught the one that got off yesterday. 5.15lbs and it had a smaller bass in its throat when I landed it. First time ever catching one with another fish in its mouth.

I had a big one get off tonight as well. It was a definite 5+ lber. Chatterbait near a culvert and a huge wave as it ate it, was just solid deadweight as it swam to deeper water....and then it jumped. Threw the bait. I caught a 5.16lb girl in the same pond a few weeks ago and this was as big or bigger. The fight search continues ?

Prevalence of the Chatterbait / Vibrating Jig and Ned Rig are probably the biggest evolutions that come to mind. Tungsten weights are popular with some anglers / state law requirements. Also, welcome back to the sport! I fish exclusively for LMB in my area so the smallmouth specialists can share tactics that have evolved on that front. I think Zman has become a much bigger company this last decade. I am a big fan of Elaztec but you’ll find mixed opinions. The durability is second to none so it’s especially nice for Chatterbait trailers (albeit I love a Rage Menace).

I wrap my body in the line. I can create a heck of a lot more resistance using my full body weight than I can pulling on line with my hand. Just make slow quarter turns until it pops.

I doubt he’s is spending anything on the baits. Someone at his level should be getting free tackle, even $200 glides.

Thanks! Picked up some VMC #3 67lb double snap last night (nice that they are so cheap) and replaced my bent out ones. It’s tricky getting those swivels on and off the blade but eventually got it! Slightly larger swivel than the standard they come with but I’m not expecting a negative impact on performance.

I placed a $115 order with Sieberts last night. ? Bait monkey bit hard! Lots of lighter weight muddy water jigs with the rattle band. The blemished arky is the best deal in the world of jigs. A few bee swim jigs in new colors, a couple Chatterbaits, and some Rage plastics. I think close to 20 jigs ?

Chatterbait for me albeit I haven’t decided if I prefer the stealth jackhammer or swim jig for cleaner water.

I crushed them today. Both a Chatterbait and a jig but primarily Chatterbait at my local ponds. 15 or so. One 4.81lbs and another 4.01...few threes and twos as well. Best fishing day of the year for me so far. I had my line pop on a jig fish that would have been another stout one. Fishing bank structure and throwing parallel to the bank for most of it. The bass just started spending here.

Dallas area has lots of private water options. I haven’t pursued any of them.

For my local ponds, I fish a Jackhammer frequently to target larger fish. I have hundreds of dinks (actual 0.25lb 6 inch fish) and this allows me to actively avoid them. I’ll still catch medium sized adult bass but I also trigger bigger fish to bite. Today, I caught 10. Biggest was a 5+ lber, one that was around 3, another that was 2 1/2, another around 2, and then the remainder in the pound or so range. I’ve learned this technique is best for me because I cover tons of water to catch the fish. I walk entire ponds (we have 5 or so I regularly fish) and the bite is inconsistent and spread out across areas (and varies throughout the year). I can’t slow down and fish a jig in many places because I can’t cover the necessary amount of water. I can also fish this in dirty or clear water and it works pretty well in grass as well. For all the factors mentioned, I haven’t found another style of lure that works as well. + Targets bigger fish + Avoids small fish + Works in grass + Works in all stains of water (each pond varies significantly) + Covers large amount of water

Tail gets ripped off, primarily.

I’ve had two of the Jackhammer line ties bend out on me...anyone else have this issue? Size needed for replacement?

Rage Cut R falls apart too easily. I went through an entire bag yesterday. What’s a more durable alternative?

Ned rig Chatterbait