Bazoo

From shore, I normally rotate between 2 or 3 lures, sticking with each about 10-15 minutes. I normally change all the lures on the rods after about 45-60 minutes.

Thanks everyone for sharing all this information. I'm still working through it. I target largemouths. How does that change things in regards to my use of jerkbaits?

Now my decision is between the BPS Graphite Series and the Aird-X. Does anyone have one of the BPS rods and can comment?

So I've been dabbling with jerkbaits. Are the like squarebills, where you just what you like and throw'em and if the fish want a squarebill they will hit them? I know that with jerkbaits there is floating vs suspending. Is it simple as pick what I like in the color I like and throw them? I have a couple Original floating minnows, but I don't think of them as jerkbaits even though they are. I have a 1/4oz Rapala Ripstop I found. I have an 1/8oz X-Rap I found. I have a couple of Rebel and others that were gifted to me. Jerkbaits are somewhat confusing to me, but since I have the soft jerkbait, AKA fluke, bite down pretty good, I think I can handle it. I've been just working them like I work flukes.

@Wes H., would you be kind enough to chime in on this?

Hmm. Same line as always 8,10,12 pound Big Game. ------ This rod took a set from being left in a hot car under a bend, bent up against the roof. I reversed it and left it a few days the other way and the bend went back most of the way. Been more careful with it lately and making sure it's not in a bend when left in the car (and removing it from the car), and the bend has left.

@Wes H. Thank you! I think I speak for everyone when I say, that we'd love to hear more about Traps and their history. It's one of the most iconic lures ever made. Do you know when the switch to the triple grip hooks was made? Did it coincide with the begin of manufacture in China?

With my Lew's Hank Parker 6'10" M/F casting rod, I've noticed that it's seemed to get more responsive with casting as I've used it. The tip is a bit more limber, and it's overall become more usable. Is this a common thing? In this thread there is mention made of a rod getting broken in, and as a result, changing the action.\

Dang @BrianMDTX, sorry to hear that. Not very many people know or use the word maw, props for that.

Thanks, but that's incorrect. The new traps have the same sized hooks on both front and back, it was the old traps that had different sizes. I am looking for the exact size and model of hook the new traps have, as I like them.

I am going to replace the hooks on some old traps. What is the size and type that are on the new traps?

Praying for you. How's the recovery going?

Working the spinnerbait is paying off. Been trying to get some fish with jerkbaits, trying to learn them and get some confidence with them. I can tell I was force feeding them, but they took it by golly. Got a couple down at the river today. Plus 2 that came unbuttoned. I also had a new experience today at the river. I was talking to a guy there, and he had a spinning rod with a roostertail hooked on the guide. As he was trying to unhook it, the rod tip shot the hook in his palm past the barb. I asked him if he'd like me to remove it and he said yes. The leatherman and a jerk and he was fine. I have been hooked once, in the back. With that my buddy had to unhook me, but this was my first time helping someone else.

I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

Things been slow around here too, but I'm still catching a few here and there. The fluke has been my go to this year.

Thanks @DogBone_384

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look at the Aird-X line. Might be worth it to have a 2 piece MH rod too.

I'm currently keeping between 1 and 2 rods in the car all the time, but they are full length rods and I drive a Chevy Tracker. They are in the way a lot and I have a lot of concern that they will get damaged as a result. A breakdown rod can be stored behind the rear seat, and is much less prone to damage. I often keep a cheapo break down rod there, but I don't want to fish with a cheap rod all the time since I can't set the hook. I use that rod for small crankbaits mostly. Keep in mind too, I most often fish when I'm out with my family. Hit a pond or a lake for an hour or two while they are with me. On trips that I go by myself, I lay my rods across the tops of the seat so they aren't bent or otherwise subjected to abuse.

I'm looking at a handful of tiptops for a few rods that need them. Plus to have a couple spares. I am looking on mudhole and they have American Tackle Co. brand it appears, on the cheap. Are they junk? Should I buy Fuji brand. Fuji is the only brand I know. I have 2 classes of rods that need tip tops. First class is Abu Black Max and Berkley Cherrywood. Second class is Zebco and No name cheap rods my boy primarily uses. https://mudhole.com/products/american-tackle-spin-cast-tops-halide?variant=40378000015493 https://mudhole.com/products/salvo-spin-cast-tip-tops?variant=39663683960965 There is also some cheap tip tops on ebay where you get a 20 piece set for 9.99. I assume they are junk and to stay away from them.

It appears I have a choice of several thread sizes, marked A B C D and corresponding with thousands of and inch .006 and so forth. What size is the "this is your basic do everything size"? I have an Abu Black Max rod that has a running guide broken. I want to replace the guide. Eventually I will add or change the hook keepers on a rod. I don't think I'll be getting into building rods. I just don't have a passion for that. I just want to repair or modify my gear.

I am looking for a 2 piece casting rod. It will need to be an all aroud type rod for me to keep in the car. I am wanting 6'6" to no more than 7'0 in length. I prefer 6'6" or 6'10". I want the low end lure weight to be 3/16oz or 1/4oz. No more than $100 (Okay, $110 would be considered, but not $140). Medium/Fast preferred. I don't want a MH unless it's on the lighter side. I haven't been to the store to check these out. I would love to hear from anyone that has either of these rods in the M/F single piece configuration, even if it's a 1 piece. Specifically how do they handle the 1/4oz lures they are rated for? https://www.basspro.com/p/bass-pro-shops-graphite-series-casting-rod-101048312 https://www.basspro.com/p/bass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-casting-rod So, what other options are there that I should be considering?

I'm not disparaging the new traps by the way, I like them and they have been working great for me. Does anyone know when the production was changed from USA to china? Did that coincide with the hook change to the Mustad triple grip hooks?

When I buy a Rat-L-Trap in town from Walmart or Academy, they are made in china.

I can't imagine paying $1000 for a fishing rod, $100 maybe.

Thanks Bass302. I hate to throw them because I lose a lot of them. I think I've lost about 7-8 since I started throwing them a couple months ago.