Megastink

ALL Quantum Reels... and rods, for that matter......

Powerbait Chigger Craw is another good trailer... or by itself...

I love the rage tails also. But there are times where less is more. In cold water, or around spooky fish, sometimes a trailer with less, or "flat" action is more suitable. For that reason, i prefer ZOOM slim chunks or Super Chuck Jr.s.

as soon as the water comes up here in florida ill give them a shot around some docks... most of the lakes that have docks that i fish are ankle deep at the end of the dock . can you skip them? Yea, on spinning gear, but baitcasting gear is really tricky.

My flipping/pitching is mainly finesse. I know, it sounds weird, but i have come to the conclusion that a bass in a pressured lake (like ALL of the ones i fish in) would be more willing to take a small, 1/8 oz jig falling slowly then a 3/4 oz heavy cover jig. I dont throw big, bulky jigs much, i mainly stick with footballs. And those "small looking" jigs are jst that, ligt and small. No bigger then 1/4 oz (or maybe 3/8, i cant remember). They are meant to be a Finesse type jig. They work. I have used them on 17# line before in heavy weeds, and they catch fish, and big ones. But i mainly use them around docks and such.

I fish northern NJ, PA, and Southern CT. MY picks? Keitech Football Jig with a 3" Keitech Spider Grub. For bigger bites? Strike King Football jig with a Rage Chunk. I also like Bitsey Flip Jigs with ZOOM Thin Chunks. Ya know what, check these out: http://wackyworm.com/wwfamousjigs.html They are a small company from Pa. These little jigs just flat out CATCH FISH! When the going gets tough for me, I reach for a light baitcasting outfit and pitch these to docks with a ZOOM Thin Chunk. Seriously, I'm not sponsored by these guys, but i with i was!

I worry about the drag. Sometimes, i "finesse pitch". When i have, maybe 2-3 bass in the well, and need a few more, quick, i grab a 7' med action rod, 12# fluorocarbon, and an 1/8 oz jig. My problem with the Ardent F.n'P. reel is that the drag is set at 22# (non-adjustable). I would HAVE to use line 25#+... I dont have confidence in that. But, if you are one of those people that rely on heavy braid for ALL of your flipping and pitching, id say id make a good reel. Come to think of it, if tyou use 30# braid on it, it wouldnt be a horrible frog reel either....... hmmm....... interesting... -TIGHT LINES!

I think Brad got it right, tie it to the cleat of your boat. However, if no cleat (or boat) is available, then at least wrap you hand in your shirt first, then wrap the line around that.... or wrap it around a thick stick.... be creative... but definitly dont wrap it around bare skin: i have cut through watermelon rind with braided line, its tough stuff.

Hey, no problem. But honestly, i would START with the braid. My ratio is about 4/5 with it. But hey, fishing is a CONFIDENCE game: THROW WHAT YOU KNOW!

How did you cut it? Were you trying to pull a snag?

Ok, its your call whether or not you throw braid. Honestly, i dont care for it either. But after many frustrating days on the water, i now EXCLUSIVLY throw braid with frogs. I cant stress enough the importance on braid, and heres why: NO STRETCH! Mono, like what your using, stretches. You know that. But because of the stretch, instead of counting only one second, count two LONG seconds. This will give the bass time to push all water/air out of its mouth through its gills. In conclusion, i want to say one more thing. You talked about how frustrated you are because you miss so many fish on frogs. You also made it clear that you dont like braid, but use mono instead. You say, and i quote, "I dont care for braid"... Dont you think that the source of your frustrations might be the fact that you ARENT throwing braid? Mono works, but is mildly effective. Braid EXCELS when Frog Chuckin'. My advice, give braid another shot. LEARN to love it, and in time, you will. TIGHT LINES!

What line are you throwing it on?

Zell, you didnt like the Spro Frogs?

There is a Gander Mountain pretty close, ill try there... Thanks for all of the advice!

Tarpon, Granted, you FISH them two different ways (and sometimes the same way), youre EQUIPMENT remains the same. You SHOULD use the same length rod, heavy braid, and, you set the hook the same way: strike, pause one second, set the hook upwards. SO, although they are fished differently, they arent TOO far apart.

I dont know what it says on the Rod. Im going by what TT says. The tip is a blend of graphite and fiberglass. They go on to say that it creates a "slower reacting tip". I should mention these rods are designed for use with no-stretch superlines (braid, i guess). What Does this mean for the tip, do you think?

Im from NE PA/SE NY area. We do't have Academy out here.

I wouldnt call the Kerchal "Big Time". Unless youre being fasicious?

Ok, i just read RoadWarrior's definition of rod action vs. power. I get it! Thanks RW, i was always so confused. Now for my question: -The Lighting Rod Shock says they has a Strike Amplifying Tip, and that they say it is "slower reacting". What does "slower reacting" mean? Does it have a stiff tip, or softer tip? Would this be a good rod for crankbaits? Someone please explain so i dont lose any more sleep!

Use whatever youre comfortable with. But i am a DIE-HARD Spro Frog Fisherman, and i throw it on 30# Power Pro. I find that a heavy action rod is best, but with a fast-med. fast tip. A little "limp" in the tip will help to increase your hookup ratio. Personally, with that set-up, i keep a 4/5 hookup ratio. But hey, maybe it just works for me...

BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! Get the picture? 30-65#, but get 50#, its good all round. Also, IMO, i use at LEAST a 7' rod, and HEAVY action. Try just counting "1 Mississippi" after you see the strike. Go to this link: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1215907931/30 Simp had the same problem. Read the advise and reasoning i gave him. I think it may help you land some fish.

I can only tell you what i hear: - 1/2 oz weight to get to the bottom quickly and for good feel in the wind. -GULP, from what i hear, is SMALLOUTH CRACK! And they have a special GULP GOBY (worth trying, yes?) -Tube heads; depends on the wind. If its not windy, 3/8-1/2 sure suffice. If wind and/or depth is a problem, Mark Zona has a 1-1/2 oz Fat tube head. It is fatter near the line tie to make your tube look like a goby. -Personal tip: if youre gonna throw a tube on a big head like that, lube the jighead with Megastrike before inserting it into the bait. GOOD LUCK!

I have a 14' rowboat that im putting a deck on. I have a small trolling motor, and i want to buy a cheap fishfiner for it. I'm going to be fishing small lakes, most likely no deeper the 30-40 ft, so there is no need for a big expensive one. This boat if for fun-fishing, and im more interested in temp. and bottom contour. So, for under $120, what should i buy thats DECENT?

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... my mistake. Learn something new everyday.

Ok, i think there are three possible reasons for your misses: 1.) Your not using braided line: -This is key because of the no-stretch feature and it acts as a machete through vegetation. 2.) Your rod is not heavy enough: - Are you throwing it on at least a Medium Heavy Rod? If not, go get one (Heavy Action would be better). 3.) You are setting the hook immediatly upon the strike. - This is the most common mistake to frogging newbies. You must understand that when a bass sucks in a frog, it also sucks in water, air, and whatever cover youre fishing around. Wait an extra 2 seconds before setting the hook. This extra time gives the bass time to push the water and air out of its mouth, which can get in the way of a hookset.