lynxcat

Don’t overthink it. I use 20 lbs braid on most of my baitcasters and tie everything from a 17lbs leader to a 10lb on it. For spinning, I use 15lb braid and a 7# or 10# leader. Tying a great knot is the unlock. I tie a modified Alberto knot (it had a couple additional rotations through the loop at the end) and take my time to wet and cinch accordingly.

I honestly haven’t used it enough yet to tell a difference. I use different color blades to create a distinct look...the gold and copper blades definitely create a distinct appearance. I’ve had a lot of success with those in darker patterns (Alimony and Natural Craw, IIRC)

Holes in the standard stainless blades. I think it creates additional bubble trails. @Siebert Outdoors What’s the new custom colors for next year? ?

Jackhammer and jerkbaits are the only ones I pay a noticeable premium on. I think jigs are not worth the elevated price for some brands, for example. I don’t fish Senkos much any more because they are so common at ponds. If I do, then I’m Neko rigging them and I don’t think Gary’s are any better there. In soft plastics, I find myself trying to fish Zman plastics as often as possible. The durability makes fishing them so much more pleasant.

Being an expert is highly relative. I’m an “expert” freshwater fisherman compared to the majority of society however I know nothing compared to a pro. I also fish the bank almost exclusively which is a different universe than large water from a boat.

Live in North Texas and I fish year around. I would hate it if I had to close up shop for 4-5 months per year.

Ned rig is perfect for ponds. Jackhammer is fantastic for a reaction strike before it gets too cold, especially in semi-dirty water.

Fogy is the vibrating jig made by Seibert Outdoors. Shakin Blade has the same action (to my eyes and hands) as the lead version known as a Fogy. I can’t tell a difference personally.

Very different action. Fogy hunts left and right much more with a heavier thump. Chatterbait is much more straight line with tighter vibrations. I recently caught my PB (7lbs) on the new tungsten Fogy.

Yes, TAEL761HFB-AGS but I’m open to other Daiwa Tatula Elite options if that model is too much of a broomstick.

Title says it all...what’s your vote? Likely a jig-specific rod 1/4oz to 1/2oz. Pair with a Daiwa Tatula Elite high speed baitcast

I’ve got about 40 things on my TW list which is scary and completely unnecessary...but I definitely still need them all ? My big purchase or gift is a new baitcast setup. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what power and action rod I need to add. I fish shallow ponds 99% of the time so this is much more of a want than a need. I know the reel - going with a Daiwa Tatula Elite in the high speed. For rods, I already have a MH/F and a M/F baitcast that I’m confident in. I have a very nice ML/F spinning setup I got earlier this year (and will be my go to Ned setup this winter). The never fish crankbaits because they get caught in vegetation too often so a moderate action feels unnecessary. A Heavy/Extra Fast seems like the biggest gap in the arsenal but a rarely pitch and flip. I don’t mind frogging but rarely in stuff too thick for a MH. However, I’m starting to fish jigs way more often so this could be a dedicated jig rod (possibly a Chatterbait rod too?). Two rods I’m looking at the closest are: - Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’6 Heavy/Fast Ish Monroe - Dobyns Champion XP 744 Split Grip. Framed as the “jig special” Welcome any advice! I could also just add another MH/F to the collection since I can fish most baits on it effectively.

I rarely need to retie braid if directly to the lure. HOWEVER, I retie my braid to fluro leader every couple weeks (probably 7-8 trips) as I find the friction can eventually lead to a knot slip (typically on a cast) from abrasion with the guides. I have gotten efficient in typing smaller modified alberto knots for the connection knot but I rather retie the leader than lose a $5-15 bait.

I’m going to experiment using senko, Neko Rigs, etc on a double rig. Seems like it can be leveraged for plenty of other applications. Fluke looks awesome and I even enjoy the helicopter throw.

I don’t remove the trailers. I pond fish numerous times a week and I’m not looking to replace them each day.

Can’t wait for my order to arrive! Bunch of sniper jigs, few swim jigs, three chatterbaits, and a bunch of Rage Menace to refill the coffers.

My style is based on the season. I will slow down to the most finesse presentations in the winter if that’s what it takes to catch them. Right now, I’m throwing Chatterbaits 80% of the time. Ponds I fish have a lot of smaller bass and I’ve found Chatterbaits and Fogy’s target the bigger bass. Fishing a ned rig increases the action but I catch 10 dinks for every one decent fish.

I fish ponds exclusively so shallow water is the norm. 1/4 oz Fogy is a regular for me. I have no issues throwing it in a MH/F. Add a Rage Menace and it’s ready to roll!

X3 rerange

The bite will slow down in the winter so you'll have to adjust your presentations accordingly. The ned rig and drop shot become your best friend...

Crushed them at dusk! Caught about 12 in 90 minutes on a JH. Basically hit a school which is rare for the ponds I fish. One was 4lbs and a few 2 1/2 back to back. Caught 6 in about 10 casts right at dark which was awesome.

I wish that BPS would make an even higher end option with its Patriot rod. I’m a big fan of the value the BPS rods and reels provide. If the Patriot is discounted for BF then I’ll probably give it a try and then top it with a Daiwa CT

Pretty successful morning. Caught 5-6 dinks on the ned rig, 1 dink on lipless, and another 5 (4 of which were decent sized) on jackhammer. First cast of the day I missed a 4lber at the bank on the JH. Disappointing but set a good tone.

I have an old Signature that is a backup up but treated me very well. The Platinum is my everyday combo now...I have two and am considering a third. Around Black Friday, BPS typically takes $60-70 off the combo so it makes it around $250. Amazing deal at that price point.