Crestliner2008

Absolutely....but I'm not so sure you'll find them in their actual store. You're probably better off going online in order to get the sizes & colors you want.

Lost my last one about 2 years ago.....the old Heddon Sonic. Can't tell you how many smallies fell for that hunk of hard plastic. Wish they'd bring it back.

Right on!

Welcome aboard! J Franco gave you the best source for DS information. Pay attention to the hooks Rich Z. is using. You never want a "beaked" type hook. Rather get the straight point as he describes. The small 2 3/4" fluke type plastics make outstanding DS baits. And do not forget to get several bags of Roboworms.

The slower the retrieve the better. Try the larger sizes in chrome or gold.

I like the 7" in summer.

Hasn't been a problem for me in the lakes I fish. You do get some scraps on it, but it's not a big deal and easy to bounce off. I've been using this rigging for several years now too. I do fish rather deep (30' - 50') though and most of my presentations are verticle, rather than casting.

We cannot use lead on several quality fisheries in MA. Consequently I've gone to steel, since I'm too cheap to buy tungsten. I buy them at WalMarts; 1/4 oz. "Bass Casting" steel weights for about $1.25/8 pk.. To these I add a split ring and drop shot swivel. Complies with the laws at a very respectable price. Here's what it looks like:

I don't ice fish, but my son consistently catches bass (and other species) through the ice (he caught 3 yesterday!). His fav bass & walleye lure is the jigging Rapala, during this hard water period. So I guess the answer to your original question is - absolutely yes! Now, that being said, I love fishing water between freezing and 50 degrees. Very productive time of the year for me - IF - you know your quarry and it's habits. Bass have a tendency to bunch up in deeper holes when the water cools down. This is because it likes stable water temperatures & conditions. They do feed quite a bit less, but are suckers for an easy, non-energy expending free meal. You've just got to put it where they are. Try casting the jigging Rap, or Silver Buddy (both snap jigged off the bottom, if the bottom is gravel or sparse weeds); also try the drop shot, and/or jigs. Another alternative is to use suspending jerk baits, which are very productive up here. Regardless of what you you use, a slow and methodical presentation will definitely put the odds in your favor. It's all about location during this cold water period. Always keep in mind that a bass's nature is such that it cannot pass up an easy meal, regardless of the water temperature. And also keep a positive attitude.

Sorry....posted in wrong place! Mods, please move for me, Thanks!

Has anyone seen or heard of when/where they will become available? I have been using the 6" (rof12) & 8" (rof16) trout quite a bit last season (with limited success). Knowing that one of our main forage fish is yellow perch, makes me anxious to get my hands on a perch pattern Hudd. Checked the main site, but no reference to one yet?

THANKS roadwarrier! Been using Fireline for many seasons now and I have no complaints. I also fish PP in heavier pound test as well. Both very good lines. This new 832 is just another tool, which we can have in our inventories, to give us more presentation flexibility. A braid that sinks has been long overdue. I plan on getting some as well this season.

Try these folks: http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/

Just remember, fish can see in water a much greater distance than humans can. 8" water visibility probably translates to a couple of feet or more to a fish. And don't forget their lateral line. Slow roll a rattletrap type bait and see what happens. Large spinnerbaits presented in similar fashion can usually be effective as well. And something I've never tried - yet - but plan to: chatterbait jigs!

Visit BPS.

Well, there have been a lot of great suggestions here already. I have nothing new to add; rather I'd suggest if you have not read Buck Perry, you are missing out on the basic knowledge that will make you the best fisherman you can be. There are also tons of great bass fishing reading right here on this forum. This place is a compilation of some of the best fisherman in the norther hemisphere - period. The articles here and the commentary will help out anyone in pursuit of bass.

I think I would be more concerned with size than with color. Fatheads are small compared to the smallest Sebile. You may want to look elsewhere?

Saw that same show. I'm going to give them a try for sure. Can't see how they wouldn't work. Just a smaller version of a "Slammer".

I like the action of the rof12 in the 8" size (for the depth of the water I am targeting). I also have an rof5 in the 6" size, but I'm not crazy about the action with that one. Seems that you have to run it rather fast to get the tail action of the 8". 5, 12, or 16? Depends entirely upon what you are trying to do. That is, are you wanting to slow roll the depths (20' , 30', 40'), or are you paralleling shallower points? These sink rates merely give you the tools to probe various depths and retrieve speeds. Remember what Buck Perry said, "the only thing that matters in fishing is depth & speed control". With swimbaits specifically, no truer words could be spoken. Lots of rigging options out there. Google is your friend.

I looked on both Thurs. & Friday and didn't see it listed here in MA? I have all the sports channels, including Versus and WFN.

Before I forget, I want to wish you all the very best for 2011. I've learned a great deal over the years on this site and I respect you all; holding everyone here in very high regard. Thank you for such a great place to talk about this sport we all love. God Bless you all and keep you safe, happy and prosperous. (Also Lord....please rid us of this ice and cold as soon as possible! I need open water!)

Interesting looking reel handle indeed. Sort of matches the functionality (lack thereof) of the split grip rods.

I've read the articles on this new sinking braid and plan on getting a spool of either this or the 'other' sinking braid, Spider Fluoro-Braid. It's yet another great tool from the fishing industry. IF, it lives up to the hype! The presentation options are becoming endless!

I started carrying a bottle of 7-Up with me after reading the article about it last year, but have yet to test it out on a bleeding bass. I use barbless hooks most of the time (except drop shotting), so the only time a bleeding injury occurs is if a bass takes a worm hook into it's gills. Very infrequent occurrence, if you're on your toes.

I started carrying a bottle of 7-Up with me after reading the article about it last year, but have yet to test it out on a bleeding bass. I use barbless hooks most of the time (except drop shotting), so the only time a bleeding injury occurs is if a bass takes a worm hook into it's gills. Very infrequent occurrence, if you're on your toes.