PotatoLake

Here's my setup, just curious what line and test / line diameter you would spool your reel with. Rod, 7'6" Glass Rod, Reel Shimano Bantam Mdl 5.1, fishing mostly Missouri lakes which means you're not tangling with double digit sized bass. The rod will be a dedicated cranking rod, mostly for 5-10 Xd's, magnum squarebills, etc. So we're talking 1/2 oz up to 2oz baits. What line are you using?

Headed back to Stockton today and Pomme for Friday/Saturday. Kind of bummed out we got this cold front leading into the weekend, but it’s the time that I have to go, so I’ll just have to use my noggin to figure them out. Anyone been fishing any of the Ozark area lakes? Just wondering what water temps have been like. I’ll be throwing up a report in the KC area thread next week.

the hybrid worm hooks are the bees knees

Chick magnet has a much more pronounced wiggle than OG.

I have some thoughts on this order. 1. I am shocked you got yourself a DT. Your hatred for Rapala is legendary. ? 2. That Hybrid Hunter is something I've been eyeing for awhile, I noticed Ray Hanselman tore it up with one during an Elites tourney at the Harris Chain, I hope it does well for you. I might have to acquire one some day. 3. I dig that 110 color, that should play well in our stained lakes.

I've been throwing one here that @jbsoonerfan got me during the fishmas deal. I predict they become the next hot thing. I suck at jerkbait fishing and I've had a couple better than average trips throwing it. You can launch that sucker, which gets it away from the boat. It suspends perfectly, with a more neutral position in the water, versus a heavy nose down posture. They're a touch bigger than your normal 110 size, which I like in the spring. I'm not working it super hard since we're still in the low 40's here in KC. What's nice with that flash boost, you can just let it sit, and that flash works for you. Good stuff.

The new Shimano lures.

I’d go with one of the Shad Filet, which is transparent, (sunnier days), and one table rock shad which is opaque (Cloudy days). I’ve never caught or seen a double digit bass, but they have fusion hooks, which are solid. I’d think setting your drag correctly and the quality of your line will determine your ability to land a DD. I’ve not put enough time with them to give you a first hand opinion, but I’ve seen some vids of them getting hammered, so I’m sure they work.

I’d get something to punch mats, if your grass gets thick enough.

Yeah hold an Orochi or a Destroyer in your hand and just stare at it for a few minutes. Most beautiful non-custom off the rack rods I’ve seen. The guide wraps are flat out gorgeous.

This my personal preference only that’s dictated by where I’ve had success with each. Grass? Chatterbaits Wood? Spinners

Traps just don’t produce for me, I’m on a mission to throw “silent” ones this year to see if that makes any difference.

Longer Rod for keeping a distance from fish 7’6’ Millerods BassFreak, Daiwa Legalis 3000, 10lb braid, 8lb flouro leader. Shorter Rod for target fishing Waiting on the new Expride B 7 M, I’ll put an old 2500 Stradic on it. same line type, might bump up the leader size if I’m pitching into thick stuff, or go copoly. I used to throw a St. Croix Avid 7’ M. It was pretty stinking nice too. I’m sure there’s an equivalent Victory model to that available.

Here’s my first bass of 22, a little dink from our neighborhood pond. Not sure of the water temps but I’d guess low 40/ high 30s. Got him on a green pumpkin colored chatterbait/ hog farmer trailer. I caught three in a row! Then poof. Nothing more. They were positioned along a mud line on a super windy day.

Yep, this. Buy it used, save some dough, and it will fall right in your price range. You can cover a ton of techniques with this model, and it punches way above its price point.

I’m pretty sure Randy doesn’t throw them on braid. He uses straight flouro on spinning gear, which is something I refuse to do, and is precisely why I use a bait caster.

Same here. It’s Quite Annoying.

Bluebird day, I start with finesse. Cloudy windy, I start with power.

KVD Magic

From what I see on the TW website’s sale page, it says there’s a sale that starts Friday, Feb 18.

I have not used one, but I saw Brandon Card tear them up with a Yozuri last year on an Elite event. At the very least you’ll know they come with very good stock hardware. If you can wait for a sale, you might be able to get a Stunna or a Jackall Rerange for the top end of your price range. I’ve had some good days with that Jackall.

This week, I'm not going to listen to outside influence, weather reports, etc. I changed my lineup so many times, and I settled on a really poor performing roster. Good job me. This week, I'm picking and then sticking to it. Let's see how that goes.

Is it a cop out to say they all get bit? I've had luck on most of the ones mentioned here. There's some that have tighter wiggle than others. I have zero idea if that matters, but I throw the ones with less "wag" in colder water, and the ones that thump and wag in the warmer months. Also tighter wiggle in clearer water vs those that thump in dirtier water. I'm probably overthinking it.

My 2 cents. Get what ever you can afford that's on sale. (Or better yet, buy used) I've splurged on all my bottom contact and slack line sensitivity rods. I tend to spend less on my moving bait rods. Also if its a dedicated bank rod, its going to see more wear and tear, unless you're very disciplined and not trouncing through brush, weeds, mud etc you'll want a rod with a good warranty as well. That would steer me to St. Croix and Dobyns or Maybe Lew's. (side note: I used to have the 704, it was pretty noodle-like, if I was throwing 1/2 to 3/4 oz, id go 705, but that's just me.)

Netbait stands up a bit straighter/float up vs the Zoom when used on a shakey head. They’re also scent infused.