RRocket

Well it's not new but is still mostly slept on. Deps Cover Scat. It flat out works but I still think it's ignored probably because of how it looks. Use in cover, along cover, edges, riprap, structure, etc Not too many places it doesn't work. I have some new, new baits. But I can't recommend them yet because it's winter here and I haven't fished them yet.

I do this often. Light or ultra light. Can be tough to feel the bite with heavier. 4-6lb of anything for line: mono or braid. Doesn't matter much.

I generally use 3.3 with a 1/0. These are the hook sizes per Keitech 2.8" - 1/0 3.3" - 1/0 3.8" - 2/0 4.3" - 3/0 4.8" - 3/0 or 4/0 5.8" - 6/0 6.8" - 8/0 7.8" - 10/0 or 12/0

I am fishing them along with the Karashi. And I have put a fair amount of tuning effort that others may find useful. First, they don't come with the tails. So it sinks faster. The hooks are also heavier which contributes to the effect. Note the thicker front treble on the bottom bait in first photo. Top bait is real Karashi. So I weighed the stock Karashi tail hook and counted the strands. .245 gram Tried the ST36, but too heavy. Settled on the ST26! Then I ordered some Mylar, watched a couple quick videos and made my own tails! And they came in lighter than stock Karashi! In final photo, the top 3 baits are copies. Real Karashi on bottom. I think they turned out well and slow the sink rate making them perform closer to the Karashi.

And I'd say the Spro version is the best of the bunch in that style.

I use them for pretty much everything..as I was greatly influenced by Japanese fishing....and they use it for everything. This is my preferred, tiny, 41lbs snap Ryugi R snap

Here's my Hybrid Hunter Jr.

The OSP Buzzin Crank Heavy Hitter has that same aggressive side by side movement. 3/8th oz. I really love them!

People LOVE the Jackal Riser 007 and the Krej is a copy.....so I'd definitely give it a try for the price.

Love that you've switched to inline hooks! I like the Buzzjet Jr.

Check out the Great Lakes Finesse Sneaky Underspin. Fantastic!! https://www.greatlakesfinesse.com/sneaky-underspin

Geecrack 6" Bunny Hog photos

I hear you. Expensive. There's also the Raid 2Way Magnum. Video below is using the smaller version, but you get the idea. Fast Forward to 24:10 for the jig work. Also, most of the Japanese bait manufacturers have HUGE craws/beavers. Geecrack Bunny Hog comes to mind. Lots of guys having success using a 4.7 or 5.7 Hira Tailor on jigs. While not a craw style, this is a very substantial bait!

OSP Dolive Beaver Magnum. Minimum recommended hook is 6/0.

Fortunately, we don't use trebles!

Oh yes! But toothy critters can be a PITA. I've lost a bunch of bladed jigs to pike! LOL 😆 Large Bowfin are a great fight! Some of the best fights we've had are with massive fresh water drum. They have the ability to spool you on light tackle. Here a nice one a buddy caught this year while we were bass fishing.

Yea, theres no point in doing that here..that's for sure! Because the "biggest" here wouldn't even elicit a bored yawn anywhere else. LOL 😆 So it's definitely a "let's just fish! " attitude here. So it's numbers for LMB. But because of the fantastic fishery here, some of the non LMB catches while LMB fishing are spectacular...which isn't a "thing" everywhere. So as far as multi species is concerned while LMB fishing, I'm very lucky indeed. I just wish I had a chance to catch a "huge" LMB here...even if by chance.

Me, personally? I know zero. Because our fishery doesn't support that. And that's my point....I'd be over the moon just KNOWING my fishery could hold such fish because it means at least I'd have a chance! Just knowing "it's possible". But as it is...I'll never have that chance. Ever. Over the years, I've run into many Largemouth Bass anglers from down south who came here for other species (our fishery is world class for SMB, Walleye, Perch, Muskie). And they said they quit fishing for LMB if this is how hard it was back home! LOL 😆

Well you certainty need the appropriate fishery, that's for sure! I'd be giddy to have a fishery that would support monsters like that! But I don't. And as a result, our Smallmouth are bigger than our Largemouth here...😢 No matter who's doing the fishing...

I switched to a minimalist style some years ago. I do not catch fewer fish because of this decision.

Also, If you happen to have an small EWG you already have confidence in, I suggest using a Jika Rig instead. They are easy to make yourself. I call the Jika Rig the "Improved Ned".

I have yet to break a hook...any hook..with drag set correctly. Also, don't over power the hooks with too heavy of rod/line. And don't set the hook like you're swinging for the fences, either. This is a finesse technique after all. You don't need bigger hooks.

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I keep telling anyone who will listen: Hayabusa Trailer Keeper

Jackall makes a great one called the Deracoup. I love the red one with the partial red tail..