Bazoo

I set the hook on crankbaits. I set the hook moderately hard. That said, I almost always fish crankbaits on mono and on a medium moderate rod. I have a m/m rod that is more a LM/M that I use for smaller crankbaits and general just light stuff. I give more of a hookset normally with that, because the power of the rod is so low. The heavier power the rod, the more energy is transmitted to your hookset.

I appreciate the input. I'll definitely have to start paying attention to the fronts coming and see if I can get on some hot bites, but conversely, I want to learn the tough post front bite.

I have a BPS Crankin' Stick in 7'3' H/F. What is a rod of this power, action, and length suited for? I use it for crankbaits in heavy current at the river primarily. I have also used it for frogs in slop and carolina rigs, and for flipping and pitching from shore. Is there anything else that it would excel at?

You might find this video interesting, I did.

I didn't know this. I'm interested to know what they'll do.

Yes, a cold front.

The last little bit I've had good success figuring out the summer bite, then a cold front came through and bam, it's about as tough as I've ever seen it. Up until now, I don't know that I've ever even noticed the effects of a front because I was used to getting skunked. Today, I worked hard to get 1 bite from shore, in about 4 hours. That came on a fluke. I had another swipe at the trap. I don't know a whole lot about fishing post front conditions, but I remembered that bass hold tight to cover, and often bite similar but slower presentations as they had previously bit. What's everyone's secret post frontal condition lures and tactics?

Thanks. I wasn't aware of him. Again, though, I am not looking to have traps made in this color. I am looking to find a picture and name of the color in question.

I figured it was much farther in the past than that. All the ones I've been messing with are made in China.

Thanks, but nope, that's not it either.

When you oil the levelwind on a casting reel, do you also oil the bar it runs on, or the associated guide bar? Or do you leave these dry and just clean?

LOL, thanks for the chuckle.

I fish dirty water sometimes, and it makes my reels nasty. I get this brown stuff that dries on my reels. It accumulates around the line guide and the frame in that area, as well as the reel foot, and on the rod where the seat is. I have been removing it occasionally by using a wet rag with tweezers coupled with a weapons toothbrush to get into the tight spots. Is there another way? How does everyone else deal with it?

You don't need lots sensitivity to fish crankbaits. I fish mono on an Abu Black Max and I haven't had any problems feeling them. I've used a fiberglass rod too without issue of feeling hits, though you don't feel other things as well. Not to say you can't feel it. Lightning Rod isn't exactly a junk rod. It's a decent rod at a reasonable price. It's fairly sensitive too.

Okay, so if I'm in 6' of water with no waves, I could get by with 10'. I'll know it isn't enough if I begin to move? Yes, I know to anchor from the front.

No, that's not it. I'm not necessarily looking to make a similar one. I'm interested in it because I had it when I was a kid.

How much line do I let out when anchoring? I know... it'll depend on many factors like boat size, anchor type, bottom composition, wind, current. So let me define the parameters a little. On my plastic pond boat and I have a 10 pound mushroom anchor. Let's say in 6' of water and minimal wind, no current. How much line should I use? What if I am in 20' of water with a mild wind?

Ah, okay. That makes is clear to me. Thanks guys.

Twenty years ago I had a trap that was White with vertical chartreuse stripes. I don't remeber if it had a colored back or any color on the belly. If it did have a colored back, it wasn't prominent, such as black. Similar in pattern to the Fire Craw colored trap here: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Bill_Lewis_Rat-L-Trap/descpage-RT5.html Anyone remember this color and what it was called or have a picture?

I've noticed something, most pros only use lures that are from their sponsors. Seems like a duh kind of statement. But bear with me. From what I gather, they may get some free lures when becoming sponsored, but after that, they have to purchase lures and get them with a discount. Is this generally correct? Okay, let's say I'm a pro and I love my Rat-L-Trap. But I get a Berkley sponsorship. Am I then forbidden to throw the trap, and must use the Warpig? Or can I use the trap, but just not enjoy the free lures or discounts on purchased lures? The reason I ask is, the pros seem to all be using whichever brand they are sponsored by... but if I made it to the pro level, relying on my faithful Rat-L-Trap, I wouldn't want to give it up for another brand. Do they just give up whatever that brought them to the top?

When did production go over seas? Like other baits, are the USA made ones "better"? If so, why? Is there an easy way to tell the difference?

Anyone have any success with the 3/4oz Rat-L-Trap? Where would I throw this in favor of the standard 1/2oz model? Is it only for getting deeper, or does it have shallow water applications too?

Well, what difference did it make?

Howdy from Kentucky.

If you are touching the level wind while you're reeling, you can cause it to favor one side.