heavyduty

Exactly. I also like to bend down the end of the guard above the hook, imagine "L" shaped, just the last 1/16" or so. What I can grab in a pair of needlenose pliers. I think it aids in the guard collapsing when the fish bites down vs sticking in the roof of the mouth. Just a personal preference.

Undercover Baits in PA for soft plastics North Branch Tackle in PA for all sorts of jigs, jig heads, and especially their "sled" jigs. Similar to a weighted swimbait hook but with the weight more forward for tubes, craws, creature baits FITT Lures in PA for soft plastics River Rock Baits in VA for soft plastics

Another partial order arrived today. Still waiting on GP/black flk and GP/amber, the two I really wanted. I had some Berkeley Fusion 5/0 EWG on hand and are a great fit

Excellent point!

From reading y'alls posts, I went to check my order status. Mine are to arrive Monday as well. I was tempted to buy some in stock locally but decided to wait.

Fishing rivers, weight is determined by the current for me. I want to control what the tube does, not the current. If the tube is tumbling downstream out of my control, I need to go heavier, but just enough so I make it move, but not so heavy that it becomes an anchor. The fall is not that important to me. If the weight is right, you can feel everything that tube comes in contact with and you'll get a feel for just what that is; wood, rock, sand, mud, grass. More often than not, the bite is suttle, the smallie just picks it up or just a little tap. You'll learn that feel but only if you can stay in contact with the tube with just enough weight. Most of the time, 1/4oz for me, less current I can get away with 1/8oz, especially with the 2.5" tube.

Understand and totally agree economically for them. As you stated, make it clear on the website about the availability/backorder situation and in todays world of instant info, use a canned email response to keep the customer informed on order status. Not to beat a dead horse, just stating these two issues because I know you will give them feedback. Thanks!

Probably the only reason I got an order # is because I ordered some craws and not just the Yamatanuki baits. The craws were available to ship so that part of my order moved forward.

The only email I received was one that stated "awaiting shipment" the day after I placed my order. On that email was a 5 digit order #. You have to then go to the baits.com site, scroll to the bottom of the page, click on "order status". Type in your email and order # and it will give you a shipment update thru FedEx. That original email is the only communication that I received from them after placing the order. The only reason I ordered from them is because I thought I was going directly thru the manufacturer who should certainly have them instock. Live and learn....

Order arrived today minus the 4 Yamatanuki, 1 each in a different color. When order was placed there was no info given that these were backordered. I'm now on hold to find out when these will be shipped. No email or communication since order was placed that these were not in stock to be shipped immediately, that they are on backorder, or estimated shipping date. When I check my order status online it just says my order is complete.... and it is not complete. Frustrated to say the least.... Update: After speaking with Denise, the customer rep by phone, she stated they are backordered 2-4 weeks, possibly 30-60 days and the only communication that I will receive going forward is an email once they are shipped. Last time I will order from baits.com Hope the rest of you that placed an order have better success getting your items.

Order placed, enough to get free shipping. No free bags noted when order was placed.

I'm a fan of the Nikko craw. I can choose my weight depending upon current, using a sled jig. I'm sure these sleeper craws will work but I don't see them replacing the Nikko.

Order placed, thanks!

Stanley Vibra Wedge trailer spinnerbait in Toledo Gold.

From the Arkie website: From Swim Baits to Tubes and Trick Worms, a true Multi-use Head. Designed with the weight forward, so that actions such as "Walking the Dog" can be done with fluke style baits. Super Sharp wide gap 4/0 hooks in both red and black nickel compliment the hooking power of these in larger soft plastic bodies.

Gorilla glue gel has worked well and lasted for me. The cap has a metal pin that goes into the hole to keep the nozzle clear. Heard a lot of good things about the Avid Anglers super glue but have not tried it yet.

Congratulations sir! Thanks for sharing!

North Branch Tackle for finesse football jigs with living rubber

May I ask which one you throw for smallmouth in stained water? Thanks

Check out 3B Outdoors TV on Youtube. They fish your area and share a lot of info on tackle they use.

Just purchased some "Crubes" tonight. I fish a lot of tubes for smallmouth and these looked good. Like the solid head to be able to rig on a sled head vs standard tube jig. We'll see, good luck with them!

Rasslin....Love it!!

Another vote for North Branch Tackle jigs. You can contact him and he'll make what you want.

Why do you specifically call out Harmony? Just curious

North Branch Tackle. On FB or google for his new website. Skirted or non. Ryan Alunni is the owner. He's a guide and tackle maker. Great guy and great tackle!