A-Rob

I have fished one pond and the bass only hit worms and reaction lures....I can't catch one on a jig or craw. No where else have I had this issue....it must be the exception to the rule. I can't explain it, I catch fish on a jig/craw everywhere else

I fish that worm as well...easy to get that tail flapping! You are right, a good producer. I use a similar setup you described for the UV worm

Thanks, I'll mess with the weight sizes until I get a better action

KVD 2.5 bluegill color

crankbaiting

I'm looking forward to catching some more bass on my KVD cranks!

I've used clear and green. Never noticed a significant drop off in bites between the 2 colors I couldn't get Yo Zuri hybrid in green (wasnt in stock) so I'm going to catch them with clear!

15# Mono for me Maxima makes great mono But I got a bulk spool of Big Game on sale so throwing it this year I've never used braid b/c I like the stretch of the mono to absorb the impact. But bass don't care what line you use when a spinnerbait goes by their face so use whatever you prefer the "feel" of.

Sometimes the gear ratio doesn't always translate into a slower retrieve...so double check the inches per turn. I recently picked up the Abu Winch as it was on sale. I'm not saying this b/c I spent money on it, but I am very impressed with it. It casts 3/8 oz+ cranks very well. The braking system (centrifugal brakes) are simple but work great. Drag is silky. The retrieve is effortless and "buttery". I've been more than happy with it and cannot wait for post spawn up here in the great white north. Although I will still use it to fish some shallow cranks to get some time using it!

both!

Triple Back jig for all around (I also use a locally made jig to) Strike King Hack Attack was great in the slop for me.

I like the 1/4oz weight as a good starting weight. If I end up slow rolling it thru pads, cane, or shallow veg I may lighten up as it digs in less and if I'm out deep I'll go heavier. I feel like i lose bites when I go to heavy.

the xcalibur square bills are good cranks as well and will go 1-3' for ya. Or up your line size to 20# test should keep those cranks up a bit shallower for ya

I've always had good customer service with TW I'm sure some of the sponsors for this site would have the same great service. I just have not had the pleasure ordering from them yet.

Paddle-tail version (not the ultravibe) I think the line was too heavy and hopefully the drop in line size will put some more action into that worm. I just couldn't get it to kick while slow rolling it at all. I had to burn it and twitch the rod. But this was too fast a retrieve for the bass at the time.

heck ya!

buzzfrog hollowbelly frog

I use 3/0 to 4/0 VMC fast grips (single hook) I have a good hook up ratio

works well for smallies to I restrict their use to certain weather conditions (as opposed to the cover I'm fishing as you can throw them everywhere) when the clouds come and there is a chop on the water...its time to spinnerbait!

wacky rig 5-6" senko (no or liight weight) Smallies will come a long way to hit it. fish a 1/2 oz spinnerbait in choppy water or low light conditions. Try burning it, then try slow rolling it deeper crank bait in the morning/evening works nice to.

for open flats I'd switch to a crank or spinnerbait/chatterbait depending on the weather....but you said plastics so I would maybe tie on a fluke (texas rig, little to no weight) and fish it fast enough to cover water. I'd try a speed worm with a light weight (1/8). So I guess I'd start fishing more horizontal in the open situation you described

Switching to straight braid in milfoil/hydrilla will be a good move even if not matted. The weeds will disguise the braid, you won't loose bites. Braid gives you better feel of your lure and will contribute to you not getting gunked up as much either. With stretchy mono or FC you will get that elastic behavior of the line and it'll snag up more weeds. Straight shank hook, hide the point half way back into the plastic. Then when you fish it in the grass move it easy through the weeds. With the braid you will be able to feel it out and have good control of you plastic so that you won't be "setting the hook" into every weed getting snagged. google video: How to snell a hook the easy way Real easy snell knot.

The OP disclaimed that he had not fished it. He wrote up a review of his opinions based on how it felt in his hands (again this was disclaimed). Take it for what its worth. Nobody should personally rip the guy for his opinion. Accusing the OP of being inadequate starts fights and does not contribute anything positive. (I fish abu)

i switched to a san diego jam and never looked back. Works for mono, FC, and braid. Just vary the amount of wraps.

I'll get right on that hahaha