Jrob78

You should get the Core now and then the CI+ in a month or two, whenever they come out, so you can give us a full report.

I try to have at least 2 of everything and at least 4 of the baits I use a lot and have confidence in. I try to keep baits in 3 or so key colors so it doesn't get too out of control.

From what I understand, they key to getting the best action out of the bait is by starting and stopping your retrieve. When you fish the bait erratically, it behaves more erratically.

That should cover you well. Use the EWG hooks for creature baits and big worms and use the offset hooks for thin baits. The main idea is to use a hook with a large enough gap so that when the worm bunches up, it doesn't block the hook point and keep you from getting a good hookset.

X2

It depends on the bait. For thick baits, I will use Trokar or Gamakatsu EWG hooks from 3/0-5/0. When fishing thinner baits like worms, I use Trokar or Gamakatsu offset hooks from 3/0-5/0. I try to keep things as simple as I can.

The Sufix monos are great. I prefer the Elite but both are really good.

Strike King 6xd and Bomber Fat Free Shad are 2 good ones that don't cost a fortune. Color depends on the water color.

I use a Toro Winch for my big bait fishing. I found it new on ebay for about $200. If I hadn't found it, I would have gotten the Curado. The Lexa wasn't out at the time. I wouldn't worry too much about reel weight for the simple fact that the rod is going to be tip heavy. A little added weight at the reel will help balance things out.

I can't wait to check out the new Lucky Craft "flake flake" color patterns. The two new baits from Big Bite Baits look awesome too. They will come in regular colors and hand painted colors.

You can buy Abu eva knobs at TW, i'm just not sure if they fit Quantum handles or not. Heck, you could buy an Abu power handle with foam knobs if you wanted to. I think the non carbon fiber handles are reasonably priced.

I'm definitely interested in the KVD Flat, although I don't think it's a shallow crankbait. At least the one I saw wasn't, it looked like a mid depth bait. I'm also a sucker for poppers so the KVD popper will be one i'll buy a few of. That Rage Blade is crazy looking. It doesn't have a head, the weight is offset on the blade. It's cool to see new ideas on proven baits.

What kind of reel? Shimano handles are different than Abu/Daiwa handles. How much do you want to spend? After market handles with fancy knobs aren't cheap.

Exactly

It's a straight up scam. The stuff isn't counterfeit because there is no stuff. They will take your money and you will never see it again. If it seems to good to be true, IT IS!!

If you use snaps you need to remove your split rings and snap directly to the bait. Also, you need to make sure to check your line often and retie when needed. Snaps can help develop some bad habits if you aren't vigilant about your line, you still have to retie.

Very cool concept, definitely not just a paint job. I think I read the Bait Balls will retail for $19.99.

Yes they are. Those suckers are big. I bought a couple packs a month or so ago but I haven't used them yet.

My favorite time of year. I haven't seen much from today yet, but Bassmaster posted some new pics. Some cool new stuff from SK and Sebile. Check out the new bladed jig design from SK! http://www.bassmaster.com/slideshow/41-never-seen-products

Another vote for the PQ/Carbonlite, great budget friendly combo.

Those reels came out in the mid 90's and there are still tons of them in use, they hold up really well. They are big and kind of ugly but very solid. They are good multi purpose reels, you can use them for anything really.

If the reel is in normal used condition and in good working order, that is a good price.

Use it and enjoy it for what it is. I don't see a used 1980's Zebco 33 ever having anything but sentimental value.

That might not be right but that's all I could figure out. I watched the broadcast closely to see what he was using but it was hard to tell, it seems logical that he would use the baits he's been using for the last 10 years.Edwin was with Pradco for years. They make Bomber, Yum, Booyah, Rebel and several others. Right before the season started he signed with Zoom, War Eagle and Megabass. Megabass is his new hard bait sponsor but I can totally see it taking some time to get used to their crankbaits and how they run.

It looked to me like he was using Bomber Fat Free Shads, from his old hard bait sponsor. That's why he didn't give specifics. He signed with Megabass right before the season started, he probably didn't have much time to grow comfortable with their baits.