VTFan

Looks like you've got a couple bent hooks there. I went to using Mustad UltraPoint KVD Elite Triple Grip Treble Hooks and haven't regretted it. JMHO

15, 17 Fluro, and 30, 40 braid

I was using 40 lb PowerPro but cut back to 30 lb. since I don't do much punching. The only thing I've noticed different is that I get more casting distance. JMHO

I agree with what others have said about the pro's using what their sponsors tell them to use. How often do you see a pro really get down in the dumps because he had a bad tournament? Seldom, or at least I don't. Why? Because at the end of the day they know they have a paycheck coming in from sponsors. As for original bladed jig vs ThunderCricket...as a retiree who mostly pond fishes with the occasional trip to the lake with the boat, the original is fine with me. Don't need the latest and greatest. JMHO.

I too use Mustad KVD Elite Short Shank Triple Grip treble hooks on my cranks and they have yet to fail me. Gamy's on the other hand...I've had no less than two 2/0 and ***/0 EWG break and cost me fish. Needless to say I don't use Gamy's any longer.

I started with the exact same gear. Still have one of my old pistol grip Ugli Stik rods and the first baitcaster I ever owned (a Daiwa Procaster) that had the side button for casting.

I got a pair of these and love them!!! Thanks for the tip.

I was taught "Leave it better than you found it". If I leave someone else's trash and so and so knows I was the last to fish that particular spot then in his eyes that is my trash. So, yes, I do pick up other peoples trash.

I guess I should have also asked what's a decent pair of split ring pliers that won't break the bank? I've got a pair of Berkley's that I don't really like.

Ok, thanks fellas.

What size split rings are the norm on 1.5 size crankbaits? Don't want to order the wrong sizes. Thanks.

My brother and I fish small lakes...9.9 hp or less so we mostly troll. But..we realized that we used to catch more bass in his old boat that we could easily anchor. So he now has anchors on his new boat. We have much better luck when fishing wacky's, drop shots, etc... if we are anchored.

I too fish a plastic bait until it falls apart or the bass steal it, whichever comes first. Mend It and a lighter help prolong the life of a plastic. As for opened packs of plastics, I've got packs that were opened 5 years ago and still work as though they were new.

I'm with you. To me it's like sitting there with a cane pole. Just my opinion. My brother loves a DS. I will say though, I do have one rod that is set up for DS but it very rarely gets used.

It's interesting you said that because I have almost the same issue with Gammy's not bending, but breaking. I've broken at least three 2/0 and 3/0 EWG Gammy's and I don't have what would be called a bone jarring hookset. It baffles me. More baffling is that I haven't had that problem with other brands. I'm at a loss.