kickerfish1

Every place like this seems to have a couple "go to guys" and the rest are filler. I really only go there to get a feel for rods and reels if it is something I may consider buying at somepoint. All I really expect the staff to do is be able to tell me where things are located. I am not going in there expecting much advice. I may BS with a few guys there that know there stuff and swap stories and local reports. Also not all the guys there are bass guys which for a place like Cabelas is good for the diversity. My only gripe is with prices and shipping usually rather than staff. Rarely are the sale items anything I need.

Second what 21farms stated. Member goose52 has the same on a recon and loves it. I have a 714 recon and really like it for a sub $200 rod. It behaves more like a JDM rod with its taper.

I love fishing them weightless with a 5/0 hook and a glass bead in front of the hook. Sometimes on the surface or allowed to dive into pocketts in vegetation. They are also very under rated as a jig trailer specifically on a swim jig...

Well put Goose! I think you hit the big points...

Some of you guys are brutal. Sounds like he is doing just fine...

Digging the new handle knobs. Thanks for posting the photo Speed!

Warranty, balance, and the work behind the scenes of Gary and Richard are the strong points. Also price relative to the diverse amount of rod choices... ie full or split grip, various lengths, and blank types. I have 5 rods total and am fairly familiar with the lineup. Like anything else choosing a rod would depend upon weight of baits and price point limitations since you fish fairly diverse cover and bodies of water. A 3 powered rod would be a good starting point like a 703 or 743.

There should be a tutorial in the ending credits of all Lifetime movies!

Matt, I fish the i-shad typically when I am casting a drop shot rig. Usually I drag it but still give the rod a few twitches which causes the bait to dart a bit. It really is a do nothing style of bait that utilizes jackalls i-motion technology. Honestly it will get bit in so many types of scenarios it just down right stupid good. Plus the bait is fairly dense allowing respectable casting distance.

Outstanding! Seems at least to me that she at least has some level of interest in you. Thanks for the update...

No harm no foul. I was just pointing out the one flaw in the rubberband style colar and noting a few other options that are cheaper and in the same ballpark from a profile and quality standpoint. I am sure we both catch our fair share on jigs regardless of brand and collar!

Looks good Ripping!

I am fully aware of the remedies to deal with rubber band style collars. It is something that from a production standpoint is cheaper. Braid, floral wire, and copper wire all can be used to reinforce and increase longevity of said jig. Yes, the hooks and paint are good on Dirty jigs but Sibert offers various hook options and Northstars hook stick just as many fish for me and I fish these 3 brands along with Revenge Swim jigs a lot. I am not saying the dirty jigs aren't high quality rather there are several options out there that compete favorably on quality components as well as beating them by a good margin on price. For a guy looking at say the swim jig page on TW he would never see either Sieberts or Northstars California style swim jig there. And no I am not trying to toot the horn of the sponsors to do so like others do but rather out of experience with years on the water with all 3 and the fact that they are relatively identical to what he is looking for.

Unfortunately that is one bait I had high hopes for. Fished it last spring during a hot drop shot bite side by side to the crosstail shad. Never got bit on zoom z drop once. I will try it again in the fall as typically zoom products are among the best out there for productivity. Glad to hear encouraging reports though...

Sorry, I am just not in a position to flip/pitch much and don't really have the cover here to feel the need to do it. Therefore I can't suggest rod model numbers. I agree with Grant seeing that $250 is the limit about the 6 powered rod given a weight of nearly and ounce. I have seen GLX rods sell for $250 just typically not the real long and powerful models you may be after. Champions are within range and used DX should be close to your top end. The Dobyns may be the best buy given your situation. Lastly a phone call to Dobyns directly should get you to Gary or Richard the owners. That's how I would do it.

Nice update! Sounds like things are progressing slowly but in a good way. The fact that you have had several brief conversations with her is encouraging. The next step would be engaging in longer conversations. I know you mentioned various obstacles: picking up your brother, next class starting, classmates in the way, and students physically in the way creating barriers. If you can, see if you can meet her at the library or student center some time to study or prepare for a test or assignment in the class you have together. This will allow you more one on one time without as many distractions and ultimately more time. Keep the conversations at first to school and the task at hand. If she seems to be smiling or enjoying going over the study material possibly bring up something like... how did your weekend go? Did you catch the _____ game? Enjoying the fall weather, etc... she how she responds and what she might be interested in outside of your study matter for that class. You can play it slow and continue with more study sessions or ultimately go for it and ask her out to do something that she may have hinted that she likes. Say watching a certain football team, going to certain style of concert, a certain type of food, or whatever it may be. Also don't rule out the idea of a group setting. Something where there would be a handful of people in a casual environment. Something like hey my buddy is having some friends over for the game. If you would like to come over and watch it with all of us you are more than welcome to. At this point if she says yes it will give you an excuse to ask her for her number and give her yours. You can tell her you will call or text her with the address and details etc... I am not trying to be mean but if you really like her and don't move in a logical progression you will either be placed in the friend zone permanently or be too late to the party and someone else will have beat you to it. Most guys including myself have had this happen at one point or another. Remember that should you happen to fail or find she isn't interested there are plenty more. Also it will help you as a learning tool for the next time you have to approach someone and try to progress things. I am rooting for you as is many others on here. Good luck with everything!

I drop shot quite a bit and have found that certain baits are more homerun hitters then others throughout the year. Lots of baits can be used effectively when fish are active but only certain baits will work on a tough bite or when the water is cold early and late in the year. For me I could never choose one but the baits that I have with me at all times are the following: Jackall I Shad Jackall flick shake - rigged wacky as opposed to nose hooked Jackall cross tail shad Roboworm 4 in straight tail Roboworm Sculpin FX Keitech Sexy Impact 3.8 and 4.8 inch Keitech Swim Impact 4 inch None of these baits are ultra high priced - all offer a good combination of action, scent/salt content, and color options to match your water clarity.

There are several other jigs offered at a price that is lower and once can argue that the quality and durability are better. The dirt jigs California style heads use rubber band colors which over time just won't last as long as a wire tire. Do I still own various Dirty Jigs swimjigs? Answer is yes but mostly to locate some "Cool" colors as I am a bit of jig junkie and a sucker for wicked cool color combos. Now what are the others that are close that are less expensive and feature essentially the same head design? Check out Northstar's flip and swim jig and Sieberts Tournament swim jigs. Both are about a $100 cheaper per jig and both are Site sponsors who will from time to time offer jigs at 10-20% off making them an even better buy. Not as many colors but still a great range to choose from and fish comparably. As far as trailers I like a few. Once you get up to a bigger jig with more skirt strands and heavier weight I opt for bigger trailers. Reaction Innovations big dipper, Keitech 3.8 and 4.8 Fat Swing impacts, and generally any larger paddle tail style trailer...

I would break it down a bit by price. For example if you buy a Loomis look for a GLX or NRX - If used is out of the question then look at "Rep Sample" from a reputable dealer - All of these will be around or well under $400. If you are looking at say $300 or less for the rod I would get the Dobyns rod no question. I fish both brands on the mid to high end of the spectrum for their offerings. Both make great rods with a loyal following on both sides...

IAY and Greeneye - Very nice reels/rods fellas!

Bump... for another Tuesday update possibly...

Black, and rarely do I need to use anything else. Hard to explain why but it just does. Also excels at early morning and evening periods.

I have caught some nice fish over the years but my biggest accomplishments come from helping others. There is no better feeling than seeing a youngster or friend learn to fish or catch fish using a new technique. For me once I removed the competitive aspect out of fishing it makes it more enjoyable. Just an overall change in thinking would sum it up best.

Rolo and Paul nice to see you gentleman weigh in on this. Great info!

Nice snag!