rockchalk06

I have basically the same rod but in the Crucial line. I throw 3" tubes with a 1/4 oz internal tube weight all the time with no issues. It will launch them

Ya, I'd say you have a sure thing there!

When I run a craw only, I use a 4/0 Moaner Stroker hook. It lets the craw fall horizontally rather than vertically like with a Texas rig. For me, I have much better luck with horizontal fall than vertical.

I'd find a *** *** Black or a Shimano Clarus in 7' or longer in MHXF. I think with these two, your going to get the best sensitivity in the 100 dollar range. If you save 100 dollars more you can open your options waaaaay up. Bottom contact bait, you wait as sensitive as you can get. Just a suggestion though.

I'd stick with 6 or higher. Not all 6 gear reels are created equal. Make sure to look at the inches per turn or IPT. Some 6 gears will put out 26 IPT and some put out closer to 29 IPT. I'd stick with a reel that puts out no less than 26-27. You could even use a burner reel as the bait will not have that much resistance coming through the water.

Plano makes the FTO hook/weight box. It's made specifically to keep everyone together. Runs like 12-15 dollars and has 4 latches to secure it. Well worth the money.

If found that the 4/0 Stroker works perfect when side rigging it. It has the most kick arse fall. I killed the pre spawn bass on that and a rage rigged craw both in green pumpkin purple gold. Also when you side rig it, throw it with braid, copoly, or mono and use something fast 6 gear or higher. Don't let it sink but burn it back then slow down. Makes for a small buzz type bait. Displaces a ton of water for how small it is. Makes the bait pretty versatile being they are pricey. Well worth it though!

I don't think you gonna find many people who disagree with you, especially here. But my question is why beat a dead horse over the comparison of the G to the E series? Everyone knows this. The G may not be what Shimano wanted them to be, but they are d**n sure quality reels, work great for me and blow everything from Abu I've ever used out of the water.

Thanks sir!

You really don't have a clue do you? A swim jig is designed to pull through weeds and grass.

I might have invented a few new cuss words after that

np

I usually never use my deep divers as I don't have water that deep, but when I do cast them, I reel for a 5-7 count very fast and then slow my speed to a normal cranking speed. You will want to get them down to their running depth quickly to maximize the time they spend in the strike zone.

Do the Claws float? the Rage craw is my favorite trailer, but the only complaint I have is the claws don't float very well.

You have to rig the Shell Cracker straight as possible other wise it tends to make it twirl.

For heavy cover of weeds grass etc, i use the 1/2 to 1 oz North Star Custom Baits Flip n Swim jig. It comes through the grass very well due to the head being more rounded. For heavy cover of Timber or Brush, I use the 1/2 North Star Custom Baits black Series. Color depends on water clarity. Clear I use greens Insanity, Frogger or browns, brown craw or black and brown. Dity water I use Black and Blues or the Mistake flip n swims.

I cant predict the future, but, i can say I seriously doubt that will happen.

Except for John the Mgr of our local BP fishing department. That guy makes me feel that going to Prison, really might not be such a bad thing!

Me personally, I have not. I'll be honest, I will probably never try it. A quick search here will come up with 20 plus negative experiences with it. That said, the same thing can be said about Berkley Vanish. I've had some decent luck with a test spool I got, but due to the track record of it, I won't recommend it. Same goes for Nanofil. I suppose if you were not worried about loosing a big fish or fishing for money, give it a shot.

Same here. I just googled it. I thought with the quality of the Loomis line of rods the TFO's would be great. I've had Ugly Sticks that felt better. I'm hoping it's not a Bill Dance thing where he sticks his name on every product he can, wether or not its junk

Mono will work fine for it. Unless you need the Fluoro for abrasion resistance, I really can't see a need for a fluoro leader attached to mono. Even if you have a fluoro leader, your still gonna get plenty of stretch with the main line being mono. If you have and can afford fluoro, braid shouldn't be to hard to afford. If you have fluoro, I'd use it as a main line over mono m

Ya it will work my only question is why would you go mono to fluoro in a leader? If your fishing grass you need a jig with a thin profile to rip through the grass. The North Star Flip n Swim or original swim jig would be your meal ticket. The rounded head of a football or wider head of a flipping jig will get hung up easily in the grass. You nailed it on technique. Just let it fall and work it on the bottom. You will need to give it a hard pop to rip it through. Also tske the swim jig and burn it over the grass.

Grab some rods socks and Academy H2O reel covers. I have each combo packed in both. I take one out when I change combos and repack it each time. It's a pain and takes time, but if your sporting 400-500 dollar combos, the extra effort pays off. My stuff at 1 year old still looks new.

True, but for 80 bucks the Shimano Clarus is dang hard to beat too. I really liked how the Omens felt, good enough to get one out of a "want only" part of the wallet, but in my short time with my Clarus, it has impressed me more than any budget purchase every has.

Bobby (the owner) recommended the original l. Said it was his favorite. I took that to heart. Works pretty d**n good for me. My next order, I'll get all 3 for grins