RRocket

Thanks for the detailed explainer. Much appreciated and great video!

It depends on the bait being used how I fish it. If it's a sinking bait, yes..I'll drag it around the bottom. But now and again I pop it off the bottom then let it sink. Fish often hit on the way down. Wait till back on bottom and repeat the process. If I'm using a floating bait (Z-man), the bait naturally wants to float up the column. So dragging it pulls it back down to the bottom. No need for a pop here...just stop moving and let the bait float back up for a few seconds. Wait, and repeat. You can also do some wiggles while the bait is floating to give it some extra life.

Spectacular!! I sure do wish I could grow mine as robustly a yours. I love this and think it's great! Pardon me for my ignorance, but is there an origin story to leaving the tobacco and a feather? Is it a general offering or one specifically for fishing?

It sure is!!!! That's the equivalent of a "Power Fishing" moustache. No half measure there. Bordering on a "Pornstachio". Only those with lots of moxie can pull those off! Mine is a bit more "Finesse". LOL 😆

That's pretty much how I did it for years and years (minimalist+Elaztech). My JDM bait "phase" is relatively new for me. I'm still a dedicated minimalist though.

I can't link you to any specific eyes (because I have no idea what they look like! ), but do a search at Amazon for "fishing eyes lures crafts" and you'll see plenty! Hopefully one style suits your needs.

I think because the scope of my fishing interest is relatively unique and quite focused (ultralight, minimalist, JDM), there are few, if any, I can truly emulate. That being said, a long time ago I coined a term for myself and have used it as a guiding principle in my life: "I am a man, therefore, always a work in progress". To that end, I've learned something from all folks here; from either the shortest answers I've received (a simple "Yes!" ) to the longest, most technical and convoluted replies. There's always something that I hope I might be able to glean from the replies and people here. And my hope is that those nuggets of knowledge and data, however small, make me a better fisherman. And if I can pass THAT accrued knowledge onto the next person in need, then that is what ultimately helps make me a better man. "I am a man, therefore, always a work in progress". What I would much rather do than to emulate any single person on here would be to just have a fishing session with any one of you. Just to watch how you perform YOUR craft and admire YOUR mastery...and hopefully take something, anything, away from your performance that might help me become "better". Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.

I like the 3.5", personally. I use it with a 1/0 EWG. Screw lock or plain.

Check out the Decoy DS-12 Slide Weight, SPRO Slide Sinker or the Decoy CS-2 Plus. These are weights you add to an EWG. And they can be added to your favorite finesse EWG. I think the CS-2 Plus would work best here.

I fish the Free Rig a bit lighter than some. I fish with mono. I like 4-6lb, but many I know like 8lb. I like light or ultralight. But others I know like medium light. I LOVE the DoLive Beaver with 1/4oz tungsten or less. There's lots of variables to truly make it your own. I agree with you though..this is a great finesse presentation.

Yes, they are problematic when you aren't fishing for them. They love Chatterbaits! Bowfin can be problematic for me here, too.

Great fish!! Pike are loads of fun on light tackle! I feel fortunate to be able to fish for them locally. I also caught a couple Long Nose Gar this year.

4.25 Smally on 4lb test Biggest fish of any species on this rod/reel up was a 20lb-er this year. That's kinda what I do. I try to be "me".

In the gear department, we are opposites. Total finesse and ultralight spinning for me. And yes, while we are fishing for the same species, my travels have taught me that bait colors, techniques, presentations, etc can have some pretty significant regional differences. And not just for bass. If you're REALLY bored, you can skim though my night fishing posts here: https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/254763-the-free-rig-i-think-i-understand/?do=findComment&comment=3005662

I don't even have one sleeve for my entire collection of 2 rods! But when I do, this sounds Luke a worthy place to buy from.

As with all things, old school rules until it doesn't. Have had times where the fish absolutely wanted the poppers ripped across the surface as if they were Peacock bass and wouldn't touch a slow, still presentation. And if you go out bass fishing here at 3am....you're just wasting your time until the sun comes up. I thoroughly tested this year and not only did I not catch anything, I didn't have a single bite. I documented that here. But more to the point of the title? I just do what I do without regard for what others prefer to do. I just try to be true to myself and how I fish. I already know based on gear and tactics that I'm different than most bass fisherman.

Not all of us spend $100+ a pop. I certainly don't buy 8 of anything at a time. Like I said, I haven't found a JDM place yet that makes sense unless you buy quantity to either get free shipping or to make the shipping worthwhile.

$27 shipped....

Please share from where. To date, I have not bought a single JDM article that's cheaper direct from Japan unless you get free shipping.

It's basically made for that presentation. Some really unique features on that weight. The little indentation fits the hook eye perfectly so that when it's "connected" to the weight, the bait is sticking straight up. When you put slack in the line, it seems to float the bait easier than Free Rig. I really enjoy fishing it....great fun!

You'd love the Ryugi Black Bean weight for that technique...

Excellent suggestion! 3.8" would work. And the smallest is 2.8" I think the Ysmamoto Kut Tail Worm in 3.5" is a great choice too.

Oh, I think I misunderstood what he was asking. Yes, that's the Camo color. This is a Canadian shop with a nice selection of JDM baits. Bear in mind, prices are in Canadian so your dollar will go father. They have stock. https://ptboprotackle.ca/

If you want, I'll throw a couple in an envelope and send them along. Would probably last you a season.

Z-man Finesse Worms are pretty thin.