RyneB

the Trokar tube hook is the only hook I use for tubes. I've even flipped creatures and beavers with it as well. Awesome hook.

I have a MGX paired with a IMX and it is a match made in heaven.

Tough to beat an MGX for light techniques. I have a Gen 2 Revo Premier that can also cast real light baits with ease.

I am around the $1,500 mark. I bought a Helix 10 last month, so that is a huge chunk of it. Other than that I just re stocked on my main baits, and grabbed all my line and hooks. Miscellaneous stuff like non piercing cull tags, megastrike, G Juice, some JJs.

first tournament and middle of the pack is solid. It took me 3 years to win my first club tournament. I, like you, got tired of losing to bigger bags. Even though I caught a limit or caught fish. The only thing that helped me, was getting better. Presenting my bait better, becoming a better caster, learning how to fish focused with someone in my boat, etc. Then I started to find more success. I still lose more than I win, but that's the name of the game. Acquire enough information and put yourself in a position to where you think you have the best chance to win. If there was a certain secret I knew to catch bigger fish, I would be fishing for a living.

it's hard to explain, I use my rod tip to kind of drag it and jig it. Almost like you would a shakey head. I try and move the weight a few inches and add a little jig if need be. If I get caught on vegetation, i will give it a little pop to free it up. A lot of bites come that way. When I first started throwing this rig, I took it to a price lake with gin clear water, worked the rig so i could see it. That helped me learn what the tube was doing with certain movements. I guess you could say I'm obsessed with tubes, I have the nickname "tube."

all great advice above. I love the c rig. There are so many variations, and most mentioned above. One of my favorites rigs to fish when I need a limit is a finesse version of a C Rig. I take a 3/16 oz tungsten, then put 1 or 2 punch stops, and then my hook. I can adjust as needed. I like to throw this anywhere from 1-10 feet around scattered vegetation. Almost any bait will do. A few of my favorites are a 6 inch finesse worm and lizard, but a 3.5" tube is my favorite. It mimics everything, a craw, shad, bluegill, goby or darter. That rig with a small tube has outfished a wacky senko many many many times. Another little tip, I like to use spinning gear with 8lb high viz braid with a mono leader. Some bites are very subtle, that high viz helps a ton. I also love to drag around 3/4 oz on the ol ball an chain with a 8 inch lizard or 10 inch zoom ol monster.

my wife's family has an old sand quarry that is now a lake. Since I started fishing it 8 years ago, it was the same way. tons of 12-14 inch fish. And get an occasional 5 lber once a year. We started taking out the 12-14 inchers and we started noticing the average size fish was getting bigger. Still not catching many big ones, but it seems to have a lot less 12 inchers and average catch is better quality.

I restock line, Trokars, and whatever baits im low on. Usually pick that stuff up during the Tackle Warehouse black Friday or 25 days of Christmas sale. I usually have a pretty uneventful winter as far as fishing gear purchases, but 2 weeks ago I splurged on a Helix 10 SI. so I'm done spending for awhile.

I got my 580Gs off eBay. No problems whatsoever.

I prefer the Trokar big nasty flipping hook. I say any hook you prefer as long as it gets through the mat and has enough strength to not bend or flex. I prefer a straight shank so I can snell my knot.

When I'm punching I have 3 baits tied on #1-Gambler BB Cricket (bowens silver) This is my main bait that gets used most because it flat out gets bit. I have not found a bait that gets in and out of a mat easier. Don't let the small size fool you, big fish will smash it. #2- Gambler Why Not with a punch skirt. I'll punch this when I need a kicker or working water I feel is holding fish. #3- D&M punch craw. For when I already have my limit and need a kicker. I don't get as many bites on this bait as the baits above, but the quality seems to be better. I tend to stick with black and blue or Junebug.

How do you guys fish a burner worm, or speed worm? I got a few packs laying around and wondering what the most effective way is too fish it.

that 1/4 oz black on black cavitron buzzbait is a awesome buzzbait. Enjoy everything, but especially that buzzbait.

A must have for me is a shallow water anchor. I will never own another boat without one.

this a simple rig that will catch fish. a pegged 1 ounce tungsten weight (or heavier, if that doesn't penetrate). A 3/0 HD trokar straight shank flipping hook, 65 lb braid, and a Gambler BB Cricket in either junebug, Bowens silver, or whatever color you prefer. If the fish are in the mats, the BB Cricket will get bit.

1. 8 inch Junebug Lizard 2. 8 inch Junebug Lizard 3. Gambler BB Cricket (bowens silver) 4. Gambler Why Not with punch skirt. 5. 10 inch Rage thumper on a C Rig.

No, not MEGA. the Gen 1s

I have noticed that baits with salt will freeze, and then when they thaw. They will get wet. Not sure if the salt traps moisture and freezes. If they are air right in a bag or box, they'll be fine. But if you leave them out, they'll freeze and then get wet when they thaw. Ruined more baits than I'd like to admit because of this.

You can find a Helix is 10SI for under your budget. that's the route I'm going as we speak.

Sweet Craw is a killer pattern up here in the north.

I have tried Tatsu, Sniper, and Invisx. But I use Red Label. I can get a 1,000 yd spool for under $50. While those other lines are great lines, I didn't notice such an advantage to justify the extra cost. I fish A LOT. Fun fishing and tournaments. I will go through a couple 1,000 yd spools of fluoro a year. I just can't afford to do that with those more expensive ones. Also, KVD line an lure conditioner is a must.

it may cause bleeding, but it shouldn't necessarily ruin your baits. Unless it gets so hot that they melt. Which would have to be really hot.

tough to narrow it down to one. So I'll go with my favorite way to fish, which is punching mats. And my favorite bait is a Gambler BB Cricket. Junebug or Bowens silver

My favorites River2Sea S Waver 168 Smashtech Head Smashers Hudd 68 special strike king shadalicious