Megastink

I haven't caught a smallmouth since October and I've had enough! I live in the Quakertown, PA area and have a 16' Jon with an electric motor. I want to find smaller lakes within two hours that have good populations of smallmouth. Something I can run around in my boat on without needing an outboard. Preferably under under 800 acres. I know about the big lakes that have them like Beltzville, Wally, Nock, Blue Marsh and all the rivers, but I don't want to get caught in boat traffic or current. Does anyone know little lake where I can get my smallie fix?

All the jigheads I own are too big. Im looking for a jighead for 2.75" or 2.8" swimbaits like the Rage Swimmer. what do you all use? side note: I'm hoping to find one with a relatively short shank and pretty stout. Thanks!

It could be several things: 1) dull hooks (sounds like it's not this) 2) Rod is too stiff/too soft: ideally you want a Medium Power, Fast Action to impart a tion yet have some give during the fight. 3) Line: mono is standard, but braid can be used when paired with a softer rod. Too light of mono stretches too much and might hinder hook penetration. 4) too much slack line during the hookset 5) too hard of a hookset: should be more of a sweep.

I think it'll work well in any open hook presentation. I'm not sure that it'll work BETTER than other hooks.

I've tried them on several outings. I had a larger than normal percentage of missed hooksets with these hooks. I remember one day I was flipping laydowns during prespawn, had around ten bites and only landed two. I believe the problem is that the plastic DOESN'T slide down the gap like it's supposed to. Instead, it gets trapped in there and prevents deep penetration most of the time. I read good things about them, but I don't share that opinion. I think as a treble and drop shot hook it'll be quite effective, but I'm not sold on them for Texas rigs. My my most successful hook is still a 3/0 straight shank for flipping/pitching. I'm all about innovation and I think these guys are onto something. But I think their offset style misses the mark.

Looking for opinions on the rod. Considering it for punching. I've been using a 7'7" H White Ice lately, but I've been catching several 4-6lb class fish and I have a little trouble hoisting them out of the grass. Strickly looking for opinions on that rod for punching. Thanks!

Now that ICAST is over, tell me what you DIDN'T see that you were really hoping to. I'm talking about things that aren't necessarily real or even in the works, just something you had your fingers crossed for. Here are mine: 1) Baby Rage Bug (3") 2) Strike King 2.5 sized Wake Bait (like a 1-) 3) Lews Tournament MB in 8.0:1 gear ratio lefty 4) Strike King KVD Sexy Frog Jr 5) KVD 1.5 Flat Shallow Diver 6) Duckett rod with traditional guides, 7'10" XH 7) 3" Ocho

Some strike king cranks come with Trokars and some with Gammys. I agree the typical stocked hooks are crap, I swap mine out for Mustads. that being said, if you don't want to invest in new trebles, spend $5 on a file and touch them up yourself. Even if they come out of the pack sharp, they won't stay that way.

Duckett will be unveiling the Black Ice Rods and Series 400 casting reels. Both will be their top top of the line ($350-$400).

You mean it isn't the MEGASTICK?????????? ??????

Can we get back on track and post new products?

I'm guessing Abu is releasing a Gen4 Revo line, seeing as everything is on sale right now and it's been a few years since a Revo revamp.

I know Duckett is working on a new high-end rod, the Black Ice. Not sure if it'll be at ICAST this year or not.

Sure you can!!! Topwaters, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, flukes, swimbaits to name a few. Not sure if jigs, buzzbaits, crankbaits have a place. florida is also FULL of smaller lakes and ponds full of big bass. You won't have to let anything go to waste.

New box?

It's that time of year!!! Post about the new baits, rods, reels, whatever you hear about. I'll go first: -Strike King Mini Menace -Strike King 2.5" Rage Swimmer -Rapala Ripstop -Shimano Curado K -*** *** reel -Lews Superduty Thats all I've got. Post what you see out there!

I sell mine. I have about 200 of them in a box. I'll probably get $40 or so and sell to someone with a trot line or a catfishermen.

You the man! Thanks!

I have the same problem. I have three batteries that last around 1.5hrs each. The Cam Do looks great, but I own a Jon boat with no USB plugs on it. I have a few small 12v batteries for my fish finders. Can I rig it on them somehow? They have Flag terminals.

Your pan fish must have been huge!

Both bottom fish are bluegill. I believe the very bottom is a make, and the one above it a female. That largemouth doesn't look very big. I hope it was the minimum size to keep.

I have a Garmin 73SV on a portable transducer mount for my Jon. I have two of these batteries: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Rechargeable-Volt-Battery/700551.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3D6v%2Bbattery i use this mount: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Portable-Transducer-Bracket/699847.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dportable%2Btransducer%2Bmount and have Flag terminal connectors on my Garmin: https://m.lowes.com/pd/Morris-Products-100-Count-Flag-Wire-Connectors/4618184?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY-_-FashionFixtures-_-SosAtg-CeilingFansOutdoorLi-_-4618184:Morris_Products&CAWELAID=&kpid=4618184&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=0153ede4-57c8-5c09-0ae7-000058267f74&gclid=CJOqmYDv0dQCFVeBswodb1cEpw one battery will last around 10-15hrs of fishing. I've gone on three day trips without ever charging one.

Welcome! I'm also in eastern Pa. what part are you in?

Anyone use starflash (round silicone) skirts on jigs? I've heard of them on spinnerbaits. are their pros and cons to starflash?

RIP to the Series 5XD I lost on the second cast with it last weekend.