Sherlock 60

x2. I use a 7' MH rod with 20# braid for all soft plastics.

An ABU EON reel about 11 years ago. Not a good baitcaster at all and it never worked very well for me. Then I got an ABU D5, which was not durable, but it was "easy as pie" to cast and I learned on the D5.

I have four PQ's and love them, but had never considered upgrading the drag till now. How would I go about that? Just order parts from BassPro?

As I posted earlier I like a MH rod for this app. And I would suggest a bit longer than 6'6". I used a 6'6" BPS Bionic Blade MH rod for several years and am really happy with the extra casting distance I get with the 7' Veritas.

This is the kind of set up I have been using for soft plastics for 5 years or so. Just upgraded to a 7' MH ABU Veritas spinning rod with a Pflueger Supreme XT reel. I use 20# braid.

Which line do you prefer for swimbaits: mono, fluro or braid? Please provide details and rationale.

Pro Qualifier online sale started today. $79.

This is all correct regarding the Alabama Rig in Indiana, but it specifically allowed for this year onlyas they do further research into the matter.

Guess I am a light-line guy. I use 10# mono for almost all of my crankbaits, including square bills. Never had a problem.

I have seen folks put a Senko or similar worm on a Mepps or Rooster Tail spinner. Tried it a time or two myself but never committed to giving it a good shot.

PIck up some 80# fluorcarbon leaders from any tackle shop in the area where you fish. They are also available at BassPro, Gander Mtn, Thorne Brothers Tackle and Rollie and Helen's Muskie Shop online. Muskie anglers use 80# to 130# test fluro leaders and I expect 80# would be fine for pike. Line that heavy may interfere with the action of a smallmouth lure, though.

Nope...you are not alone. Two of us wasted some brain cells on that thought.

I am an experienced fisherman but have never used electonics. Just last week I picked up a Humminbird 570 (recommended to me as a good beginner's unit). I could really use some advice and suggestions on how to learn to use the 570 specifically and sonar in general. Your thoughts and suggestions, please.

Try the Musky Hunter Magazine forum or the Muskie First forum. Let them know you are muskie rookie and the members will gladly give you quality advice.

Just picked up a 7' MH Veritas (VRS70-6) rod yesterday for the same purpose. It will be paired with a Pflueger Supreme XT reel (magensium body and rotor). Got both for a song at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show. I have been using a 6'6" MH BPS Bionic Blade spinning rod paired with a Symetre reel for years for Senkos and other soft plastics, so this will be a significant upgrade for the rod. Was going to get a new Symetre 3000 reel, but could not pass on the deal I got on the Supreme XT. The new combo is light as a feather when compared to the old combo. Can't wait to give it a try.

I was at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show yesterday and there was a price war on Abu Garcia Veritas rods. Most of the vendors had them at $59.99 (regular price $99.99), but I bought two baitcasters from one vendor for $100. That particular vendor was out of spinning rods, but I got one down the aisle for $59. And I picked up a $149 Pflueger Supreme XT spinning reel for $100. Reaction Strike Lures is there selling their swimbaits and other items for 1/2 retail or less. Today is the last day of the show so I expect there will be lots of deals from vendors who don't want to haul lots of stuff home.

I have two Ambassadeur C-4 reels that I use for swimbaits and heavier jigs and spoons. They outcast my low-profile reels by about 20% and are built like tanks. Also use them for muskie fishing.

Green 50# Power Pro.

Bomber Square A in Oxbow Bream and the KVD 1.5 and 2.5 in either bluegill or chartreuse/black back.

For $80 new your best bet is the Bass Pro Shops ProQualifier in 5.2:1. I have two and love them. They are usually on sale for $79.95 a couple of times a year.

I use both PowerPro and Spiderwire Stealth on a regular basis. Like them both and rarely have any problems.

I use braid for Senkos, sometimes with a fluro leader and sometimes without. Not having the leader doesn't seem to make any difference.

1) 5" Senko, Watermelon with red and black flake; 2) KVD Square Bill 1.5, Chartreuse/Black Back; 3) Strike King 6XD, Sexy Ghost Minnow.

Only had about an hour and a half to fish yesterday and decided to do some deep crankin' (which I hardly ever do). Had good success in 40'-50' of water with a Strike King 6XD and plan to do it some more next weekend. I guess I am "hooked." What tips and suggestion do you have?

For 5" Senkos I use 3/0 EWG Gammy hooks and use 20# braid for all soft plastics. Very sensitive and have no hookset problems.