drew27c

Senkos don't really cover water so I'd stick with the spinner bait or a swim bait and cover water looking for reaction strikes. Once you find bass holding an area wear out what lure got you there, then throw some finesse to attract the more finicky ones.

I posted a similar thread after I had already purchased my setup (curado 300e, st croix premier), but I can tell you with certainty you want a quality reel and $100 is a little low. I highly suggest any shimano with the VBS system (citica, curado, chronarch). This system is awesome for learning. When setup properly you can pretty much cast without thumbing the spool. As you get better you can takes some brakes off which will allow you to cast longer, or re-apply them when it gets windy. All in all I say double your budget spend 130 on a citica and 70 on a decent stick...you'll thank me later! Good luck mate.

I agree with this completely. I actually have a higher hook up percentage using a circle hook on a wacky rig. On top of that, once you learn to calm down and not set the the hook, the feeling is awesome knowing your bass is taking your bait for a 2-3 second ride before he hooks himself or you start reeling. The bonus is a corner mouth hookup, solid, yet easy to get out.

Just looking for different opinions on drop shot rods. What do you bassmasters like to use? I like a ML 7' with a fast tip.

Here's an update. I decided to go with 10# mono to start. I put all 6 brakes on and kept the spool tension to a point where my 1/4 ounce weight fell slowly. I threw it in a field for about 20 casts with zero issue. Went down to 4 brakes and threw another 50 casts again with zero backlash. I think I'm getting the hang of it pretty quickly if I do say so myself! The only thing that takes some getting used to is the release point as compared to a spinning setup...it's much earlier. Once I get that down I'll reduce the brakes down to 2. Many thanks to all of you.

Hey Y'all I just spent a pretty penny on a Curado 300E and a St Croix Premier PC66MHF2 6'6'' Med-heavy. Eventually I'll be pitching plastics into heavy cover with this using heavy braid and mono or tape backing. I bought the bigger more robust 300E so I can do some occasional pike and muskie fishing. My question is this: Should I just spool this thing right up with mono to get used to baitcasters, or should I just go right to my final setup? I know the learning curve can be a tad steep. Thoughts, opinions, advice?

Even the most efficient palomar on a 4 inch crank wastes at least 5 inches of braid. I'll have a look at these options so far. Thanks guys.

Hi all, I use the palomar for everyhting. Strong as heck, easy to tie and all that. My only concern is when tying it on bigger lures and cranks, you need a big loop and thus a long tag end so expensive line is wasted. Is there another knot that you folks use for bigger baits?

Anyone know of a senko or senko-style soft bait that will remain floating at the end of my C-Rigged setup. The bass on my lake really don't take well to a lot of action...less is more... hence why the fall of a senko works so well.

Hey Y'all I fish smallies on a small lake. It becomes difficult when it is very hot in the middle of the day and I don't have a depth finder to find good deep water structure or bait fish. Any tips?