WRB-2.0

1st using a drop shot less rod tip movement is better. Extra Fast = extra soft in a ML rod and imo defeats drop short hook set by lifting the rod and reeling. MLXF requires a harder hook set. Tom

No...crank the lure faster to load up the line and rod then sweep back firmly to hook set.Jerking the rod doesn’t move enough line to get a good hook set. Tom

Haven't tried a wobble/swing jig. Fished with partners who use it and can see a difference but I still catch mote bass then they do using my own jig. If a bottom is gunky then use a lighter weight jig or a drop rig. Mucky bottoms a wacky rigged weightless Senko in hard to beat. Tom

Tommy Biifle started the swing jig crazy with his signature Biffle Bug. Today TW offers a category for swing jigs with every shape imaginable. Stirring up mud may or may attract bass but debris fouling the jig head isn’t a positive attractor. The advantage is using optional hook size and style on swing jigs with removable hooks. Tom

Crank baits have a wobble/wiggle action when swimming through the water. When that cadence changes reel faster and sweep the rod back. Most of the time changes in vibrations indicate a bass has the lure for a few seconds, if you don’t react quickly the bass rejects it or turns with it....set the hook. Tom PS, citrus Shad color

Yes!

A-Rig decoys no hooks. Tournament pre fishing no hooks. Marlin trolling teasers no kooks. Tom

That hook could handle giant black sea bass or grouper, big Musky and stripe bass, too big for Largemouth probably go though their brain. Tom

Probably the livewell pump was accidentally turn on. Tom

If you are catching adult size bass 4 lbs you are doing everything right. It’s just a matter of doing the right lure at the right time you have the location settled. Upton Customs 9” worm T rigged and Double Z 5” lizard C rigged are good choices. I am a jig fisherman so that is always tied on. Good luck with your goal, sounds very doable! Tom

5’7” is close to being average height for men so jerk bait casting rods 6’8” is standard offering. Their are 6’6” MF jerk bait rods from several mfrs. Cashson has their icon series on discount on TW with a 6’”6 MF casting rod. Tom

If your hydraulic jack plate isn’t working start there! Sounds like you have a defective relay. Tom PS a wooden dowel about 12” long makes a good hearing aid by pulling one end on the spot you think the sound coming from the other end next to you ear.

Welcome to BR. Everyones idea of what a big bass is varies a lot so let’s start with your goal, how big? There are a few seasonal period where big female bass are the most catchable; the pre spawn as the colder winter water warms into the low 50’s and the spawn when those big female bass move up onto beds. That time period is now where you live and fish. The next best time is summer nights. In smaller bodies of water the biggest bass seek out an area with abundant prey source and good sanctuary. Your job is to study your lakes and ponds to determine what is the preferred dominate prey source and locations where the bass can easily find them plus a safe place to rest nearby. Targeting big bass takes work nobody local has a panacea lure or secret place they will share with you. All we can do is suggest what is higher percentage lures and presentations. Tom

If I was to get back into swimbaits my 1st glide bait choice would be Deps 175. For Canada the Butch Brown Bluegill reminds of a walleye. Swimbaits are shown on TW without hooks but come with them. You have big toothy fish where you are located so wire leader is a must. Tom

Sta-Bil doesn’t hurt the gasoline it simply extends it’s useful life. Without an additive gasoline goes bad in about 3 months. Tom

I am a Jason Lucas protege who promoted using light tackle for bass fishing. However the BFS imo is going too far. The reels are perfect but UL and Light power casting lack enough force to effectively perform a solid hook set into bass hard mouth tissue. Medium Light fast action casting rod can get it done. Treble hook lures are OK but even the light wire hooks are marginal. I have been using 8 lb to 10 lb mono line for decades, 4 to 6 lb BFS casting is intriguing but I wouldn’t go with UL or L rods designed for soft tissue trout. Tom

The large size umbrella is for jigs. The skirt is tied onto the tubular end, slide the umbrella onto the jig tail end with the cone end towards the jig head. Tom

Slide a bubbler skirt collar up under the jig tail against the skirt to flare it. Tom

Excellent reel with good drag. My son caught a lot bass on his outfit because he could 2 hand cast with the balanced combo. He somehow managed to land a 26 lb channel cat with his light combo using a split shot rigged reaper! Tom

It’s Zebco Omega 144 mini or 154 standard size Trigger Spin used on a spinning rod. My son used this combo from 5 years old to 9 when he went to a standard spinning combo. Tom

No the giants have disappeared for over 5 years now. Casitas was very low pool about 30% full for several years and when the rains came last year the run off was toxic from fire retardants used during the drought period. Castiac isn’t much better off but it still produces adult size bass but no giants for several years now. Tom

Most hand pour soft plastics will float unless heavy salt impregnated. Roboworms Uptons Customs Double Z Put the hook you plan to use rigged in the nose and put the worm in a bucket of water, the worm may sink but the tail should float upwards. Tom

If you enjoy being skunked come and fish lake Casitas, I don't know of a keeper caught this year! Tom

The new series is being introduced at the classic, has anyone tested this rod? Tom

ALF has the GLX at $310