Sherlock 60

The Jitterbug is great for sandy flats at dusk. The hooks aren't great, but I've never bothered to change them because never had any hookup problems. Black 1/2 ounce is my favorite.

I'm not a Denali prostaffer, but over the winter I got both of the Denali Kovert crankbait rods and the spinnerbait rod. Quality is very good and actions and power are consistent with most rods I've used in the past. Compared to my Veritas rods, the build quality is better and, of course, the Veritas rods are much stiffer and heavier. I used them today for the first time and was very happy with their performance. Casting distance was excellent (all are paired with Pro Qualifiers). The tackleshop employee I bought the Crankbait rods from told me they were made in America, but one the rods had a "Made in China" sticker on the butt of the handle. One more significant plus: the Koverts are doggone good looking rods.

But those comments begs me to ask. Why if your only into centrifugal brake reels would you purchase a duel braking system reel and strip it down to less than it was designed for? Just asking... Been wondering the exact same thing. It took me a while, but once I learned how to use a dual braking system it has been a godsend on windy days and with light lures.

I have 5 PQ reels and there is no way that I could accidentally turn the magnetic brakes on. They are controlled by a dial and it takes some pressure to move that dia. There are no magnetic brake "knobs" that could move when you palm the reel. Same with my Daiwa Exceller. I am very confused...

I picked up a square bill and a Spook-type topwater but they haven't been wet yet.

I haven't tried buffs yet but started using a serious sun hat last year. And I just picked up a pair of Mangrove Sun Gloves. They are so light that after about three casts I forgot all about them. It's time for all of us to get serious about sun protection.

Seems like all the stores are now carrying Gary Yamamoto's line of cranks, jerks and topwaters. They look really good, but I was wondering what those out there who have used them have to say.

Just picked up a Denali Kovert 6' 10" medium/moderate cranking rod last month for squarebills and other shallow cranks. Seems I pretty much hit the nail on the head regarding rods specs. Can't wait for the doggone ice to disappear so I can try it out.

Suffix Siege and Sunline Super Natural are in the lead! My lakes are pretty weedy and the spinnerbaits will be spending lots of time travelling along the edges of the weedbeds. Is Sunline Super Natural tough enough to cut through the weeds when needed? I presume that Siege will be just fine in that environment.

I've pretty much abandonded mono in favor of fluoro in the last couple of years, but want to use mono for spinnerbaits and topwaters. In the past I always used Trilene XL but would like your ideas regarding a better choice of line and what test to use for these applications. I'd like to use the same rod for both applications.

Watermelon pepper, watermelon red flake, June bug and smoke pearl blue (a medium blue with a touch of a sheen to it).

Agreed completely (except for the fluoro leader). This matches my favorite spinning set up.

Just bought two Kovert Cranking rods in M 6'10" and MH 7'6" at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel show (20% off). Can't wait to get them on the water.

I used the Palomar knot on everything for years, but now use the Uni (Duncan) knot more and more. It is perfect for large lures. And you can keep a loop in it for topwaters (just don't tighten it all the way up to the lure). And I've used it with mono, braid and fluoro without any problems or knot failures.

Try some 7" Yamamoto Cut Tail worms. They are usually my second choice after the good old 5"Senko.

Your opinions regarding using floor for spinnerbaits, please. Been using 17# mono for years and am considering making the switch.

I have a Supreme XT size 30 and use it on a Veritas 6'9" ML. It is a perfect match for the rod. This year I loaded the XT with 6# Trilene and used it primarily for tubes, small grubs and small cranks (1/4 oz or less). However, I have been considering trying light braid for the same purpose. Your thoughts regarding both line test and using braid for tubes, small grubs and small cranks? I always use 20# braid on a 7' M Veritas with a Stradic 2500 for Senkos and all other weightless or lightly weighted soft plastic. Absolutely love that setup, but I am sure that the 20# would be too heavy for the first setup I mentioned. .

I started using 10# Invizx on a cranking reel this year after putting trying fluro off for several years due to concern about manageability issues. Never had a backlash at all and really preferred it to the 10# Trilene mono I have used for years. But I was unaware of the extra stretch with Invizx and was planning to try 17# for spinnerbaits next year. Maybe I will try Abrazix instead. Your thoughts, please?

I have 4 PQ's in 3 gear ratios and absolutely love them! Never tried any of their other reels, but paid $79 for each of these on sale and can't imagine a smoother, more versatile reel for anywhere near that price.

I have 5 Veritas rods and plan to look into getting both Winch models this off-season. My experience has been very positive and I love the rods. Got them all on sale and did not pay more than $59 for any of them. But I have no experience with the other rods except in the store, so I can't offer a comparison.

I haven't looked into this at all as yet, so please tell me why we need a 9.0:1 reel, and what lures/situations would benefit from the super high speed.

Too late. I've already invested $24 in the line... and doggone it, I'm going to learn how to use it.

So it sounds like the Uni knot that I have been using more and more this year for all kinds of line works fine for fluoro. Good news. And I am also working under the assumption to make sure to never overfill the spool, and to be patient until I have a couple of hundred cast under my belt. Thanks for the collective wisdom and insights.

Just got some #10 Invizix fluoro for deep crankin. Any rookie advice regarding knots, casting tips, break-in period, etc?

I have 5 Veritas rods (3 spinning and 2 casting). Never had any problems at all and love them. It is all in the eye of the beholder.