ABrugs

Thanks for all the responses and advice. After thinking a little more, I’m going to go w/ 12# Sniper. I used this last year on my lipless crankbait setup and it was awesome. I wanted to see if there were any strong opinions for Assassin and it sounds like while it’s also a good FC, there isn’t enough of a reason to make the switch when I like Sniper and know what I’m getting w/ it. I appreciate everyone!

I thought the 12# Sniper I had held up pretty well and even though the 16# I had for Texas rigs was strong and reliable, the memory wasn’t very good. I appreciate the input as it definitely gives me something to think about regarding InvizX. I know I’m probably splitting hairs at this point w/ so many solid options out there.

@FishTank - I went back and forth deciding between InvizX and Sniper last year and ended up going w/ Sniper in different # tests. I did really like it, but am still curious about InvizX, and even more about Tatsu. Now I’m wondering if I should give 12# InvizX a shot for jerkbaits and look at Tatsu for my bottom contact baits. What didn’t you like about Sniper?

@WRB + @roadwarrior - I’m going to look into Defier Armilo. I know you guys suggested this for my tube jig setup as well. I honestly just assumed fluorocarbon was the best option for jerkbaits. I appreciate the suggestion!

I guess my logic was that since I knew I wanted a casting setup for jerkbaits, since I didn’t want a spinning setup, I would first invest in my rod (6’9 M/MF) and reel (Tatula 100HS - 7.1:1) because those are the two biggest expenses and won’t change trip after trip. Now, I’m interested in identifying the line I’ll be using to start, which I’ve narrowed down to Assassin/Sniper based on research. The logic there is that it’s much easier to change line given it’s a smaller expense if I need to than the rod/reel, which were also researched to fit throwing a jerkbait. Last, the actual lure (jerkbait) will be the least expensive component and will be changing the most depending on conditions. So, I’ll be getting several different colors/options here to use as these will be changed during the same trip as an example. ^ I realize the Vision 110 would make this more complicated. ? I appreciate the insight, everyone! So far, it sounds like Assassin might have a slight edge for moving baits, but either would work to @A-Jay’s point.

I recently built a casting setup to exclusively throw jerkbaits for smallmouth and am now trying to decide on line. I’m leaning towards either Sunline Assassin or Sniper in 12# and would love some opinions here. ^ I have thrown 12# Sniper and liked it for moving baits, but would Assassin provide any advantages besides price?

Thanks! We have about 10“ of snow right now and frozen lakes, but I’m dreaming about that first Saturday in April where I’ll be out there w/ both!

^ This is following up on a post I had last week. I added a second Tatula 100, the HS version, to complete my new jerkbait setup. These are going to be the two setups I use most this year for smallmouth bass. 6th Sense ESP 7'2 MH/MF + Daiwa Tatula 100XS (8.1:1) > Tube Jig Setup 6th Sense Lux 6'9 M/MF + Daiwa Tatula 100HS (7.1:1) > Jerkbait Setup

6th Sense ESP 7'2 MH/MF + Daiwa Tatula 100XS (8.1:1) > Tube Jig Setup 6th Sense Lux 6'9 M/MF + Daiwa Tatula 100HS (7.1:1) > Jerkbait Setup

I figured I would drop back in to update everyone on what I decided to do. I recently picked up the Tatula 100XS (8.1:1) for my tube jig setup and am in love w/ the feel and look of this combo. I also decided to go w/ the Tatula 100HS (7.1:1) for my jerkbait setup after going back and forth for a while between that and the Elite. My reasoning is that even though the Elite would be a sweet reel for this setup, I'm going to try to balance my rods/reels within the same price point and considering that I'll only be fishing once per week on average, it just doesn't make a ton of sense to invest in that kind of reel yet. In addition, this will be my first time using Daiwa reels and the 100 seems like a great starter reel to get a feel for the brand/lineup. The stealthy black rod/black reel combination also might've influenced my decision! ^ Thank you to everyone who commented and shared their advice and suggestions. I'll post a photo here of both setups tomorrow after I pick up the 100HS later today.

@kdubracing - I just weighed both a Senko and a Clout. The Senko was 0.35 ounces and the Clout was 0.28 ounces. I’ve been meaning to weigh the Clout for a while and this thread reminded me to do that!

@kdubracing - I’ve only fished them weightless so far and the only other stick bait I’ve used is the Senko. Comparing the two, the Senko felt a little heavier, but I haven’t weighed them each yet so I don’t know for sure. I don’t think I have enough experience yet to comment on the fall rate. The Senko had a little more action, but the Clout was noticeably more durable and for whatever reason, was a more consistent producer for me on two different lakes. ^ I’ll try to weigh them both soon and report back w/ that data if it helps! I’m curious now too.

They also make some high quality soft plastics. I bought 3 packs of the Clout 5.4 in ‘Watermelon Candy’, ‘Gill Dust’, and ‘Bluegrass Magic’. I haven’t even opened the other 2 yet because the ‘Watermelon Candy’ have been really durable. I’m pretty sure the first one I took out of the package lasted for 6 largemouth bass this past fall rigged weightless.

I’m a big 6th Sense fan and my most productive lipless crankbait has been the Quake THUD 70 in Lava-Treuse: While I haven’t used them much yet, I’m excited about the two Quake 80 Suspending lipless crankbaits I have from them as well in Rayburn Ghost and Sensory Shad.

My spot at Lake St. Clair from shore is about a 20-minute drive from my house. It’s where the Bassmaster Elites launch when they come up here for their annual LSC tournament. I’m blessed to live this close and have access to this phenomenal lake.

@A-Jay - I always appreciate your wisdom! That's a great point. I at least want to start simple so that I can scale my jerkbait arsenal slowly and as I gain confidence/experience. @walleyecrazy - Got it. Thanks!

^ I love this simplicity. Thanks! Where does your 'Yellow Perch' fit into that equation considering it is a natural presentation according to the forage, but it's got a lot of color in it?

Yes, ‘Yellow Perch’ will be the first color I purchase. ‘Wabi Sabi’ looks awesome. I was between that and ‘Smallmouth Rose’. Maybe I’ll get both. Thanks, @Bluebasser86!

Thanks, I appreciate you! I have a 6th Sense Lux 6’9 M/MF that I’m going to pair w/ a Tatula 100 in the 7.1:1 gear ratio and will post an updated photo of both once I have the reel. I’m excited for that setup too.

@A-Jay - I’ve seen your collection of jerkbaits in other threads so I understand the minimalist reluctance, haha. As always, I appreciate the valuable insight. I think a hybrid approach of either natural or bright w/ ghost colors mixed in, i.e. ‘Ghost Bone Minnow’ would be a good starting point for me. @Columbia Craw - Trust me, I’m trying to resist the urge right now! I could easily buy 10+ Provoke jerkbaits just based on the awesome colors. Then, I could justify adding several Vision 110’s as well in the +1 since 6th Sense doesn’t make a DD version right now for when I’m fishing deeper water. I’m just trying to think practically about the fact that if I’m fishing 4 hours per week, I can’t justify to myself the need to start w/ more than 2 - 4. 4 is probably too many! ^ The colors I’m leaning towards getting first are ‘Yellow Perch’ and ‘Smallmouth Rose’. If you’re fishing pretty clear and/or semi-stained water, would you rather throw a translucent color or something natural forage like perch?

^ This is my brand new and first ever technique specific setup I've built. This will be dedicated to throwing tube jigs for smallmouth bass and I can't wait to use it! - 6th Sense ESP 7'2 MH/MF + Daiwa Tatula 100XS (8.1:1)

There are two elements of this topic: First, I'm planning on buying my first jerkbaits pretty soon and being a big 6th Sense fan, I'm looking at the Provoke 106X. Second, I love the idea of implementing a 'system' for myself when building an arsenal of certain baits/lures so that I can hold myself accountable to only buying what I NEED versus what I want. ^ I'm really trying to take a somewhat minimalist approach here considering I'll only get out on Saturday mornings mainly this year and don't need a lot of jerkbaits. Regarding a buying 'system', I'll be fishing Lake St. Clair from shore 75%+ of the time if that helps provide context for color selection. So, here is what I'd like help w/: Part 1 - For those who have used the Provoke 106X, do you think this would be a good jerkbait to start w/ since I've never fished this technique before? What specific colors would you recommend for smallies? Part 2 - I'm leaning towards keeping this 'system' really simple between natural/bright colors. I think ghost/translucent can fit in either of those w/o having it's own category. How do you categorize your jerkbaits?

@BaitFinesse - In your opinion, how would the Shimano MGL reels w/ the SVS system compare to the Tatula Elite or 100 on more aggressive casts? I don’t think I’m overly aggressive, but I do like to put some force into it.

@Sir Shamsalot - I know exactly what you’re referring to as I’ve watched that video as well! I’ll be ordering my first reel for the tube jig setup this week and now I’m leaning towards the Elite in 8.1:1 and will then get the Elite in 7.1:1 for my jerkbait setup. These are going to be my two most used setups for smallmouth fishing so I figured I might as well invest.

@PhishLI - Yeah, that’s a good point. With Daiwa having a magnetic braking profile generally and w/ Shimano have a centrifugal braking profile, which one is normally better performing at the beginning of aggressive casts? I realize everyone has a different casting technique, but is there a general consensus here? ^ Most of my overruns occur towards the beginning of the cast when they do happen, for example. I’m pretty confident w/ my ability to feather the spool later in the cast and upon entry. I think knowing this might really help in understanding which braking profile would be better suited for me.