primetime

I like to keep my line under 10lb test diameter and I have read most guys like a copoly or mono to slow the fall, and for copoly, I go 4lb yozuri as it breaks at almost 9lb test or close to it. #6 hybrid is 10.8 and thicker than a true 6lb test. I have been using Triple Fish Camo armor tough Mono in 8lb test, .008 diameter on yellow samurai braid 15lb but 2lb diamater, and I also favor the 1/16 for most set ups, but I think you should go with what you have confidence in. I like nylon mono or copolys simply because I trust my knots more, and trust durability of Mono in cold over Fluorocarbon....I have tried using a swivel and it causes rig to sink to quickly. I believe the 3 colors in camo line in tanic water is harder to see for fish than any other color. I love that stuff especially as leader since they make it in 2lb increments so you can do 20lb to 16lb etc..Triple Fish makes many of the lines mentioned in this thread, or did at one point, OEM's change all the time, but they are 1 of only 3 OEM's that manufacture Line like Fluoro and by buying OEM brand you save big money...They also add Silicone in some of the lines they make to cause them to float better which helps on the ned rig as some guys add fly fishing spray to make lines float and keep Ned Rig fluttering....

They Remind me of a saltwater weedless spoon that is sold here in Florida by a local company I think called Gator tackle? They make what is essentially a weedless spoon but has the exact same design and action of the vmc jigs, but they call them bait cradles and come with a grub on them. I use them for fishing grass instead of spoons or even with a senko to get some flash on the fall if shad are stuck in grass or the bass have them trapped on the edge... I would think a slider jig head or a lindy Ice fishing jig head would glide the same way and also have more applications where you can use them. I like the concept, but I don't like how close the bait keeper is to the hook, kind of odd. I think I will stick with Slider jig Heads for a gliding fall, and the cheaper spoon/baitholder for flash and glide.... a Luhr Jensen Weedless spoon would give a finesse worm a nice fall as well, I know many guys still love weedless spoons on shallow Florida lakes for various styles of fishing. I think VMC just changed the title but it is a spoon imo, but I am curious as I am enjoying my finesse fishing lately and light line results. I never thought I would say that I am using a spinning rod more than the baitcasting rod the past few months, and enjoying playing fish on a light action rod....

Bass Pro made a lure like the one on top for years, the Cajun Rattler but I am sure it was a copy..Some company I think Rebel actually made a chatterbait in the 60's that looked like the Berkley blade dancer pic (I also believe that is a luck E Stirke Lure) but if you go to bass tackle Archives? you can find almost anything and every lure you think is new, it was made and done before and now they just dust off old designs and modify the marketing and materials...tackle Trends are interesting... That bottom lure is a whopper stopper product??? I have seen it before, Nemire had a lure like that a few years back, part spoon, part spinnerbait... cool stuff. good finds.

I agree about Live Target when it comes to hardbaits and baitballs...I do like their frogs however, not my favorite, but a quallity bait for the money. I will admit that I am an easy target for tackle companies, good packaging is all it takes in a retail setting....

Ok Thanks, I will go 90mm then...I am not a confident person with buzzbaits so I will go smaller to start so I get more action. I purchased way too many big swimbaits and then found out I am not a patient person. I wasn't sure the 90 was good but glad to hear it...I have a Loon Color in my cart right now, I don't know what else to get at Bass Pro since they seem to be a bit more expensive than most, and I don't need any new tackle really. I figure I use it to buy some new Toys. Thx.

I think you should also buy the bigger model then.They are pure Eye Candy.I agree, they look awesome. I saw them on the end cap at Dicks, and I couldn't make rational decisions at that point since I was caught off guard. Then I see the Molix Beetle and it was trouble...I just wonder about hook up percentage with all the extra plastic for the tail etc...I figure coat it with Megastrike and they will crush it down so you get a good hook set. with the Mouse, you have to really bend the hooks up to not hook material on many sets, but once adjusted that is a winner as well imo. I am sure it will be fun to fish like all topwater baits and lures. Anyone use the Picasso Shad Walker? I bet it would be similar to that right? would love to hear anyone who has thrown that bait....

My main soft baits are: I used to be into Lake Fork soft baits for a month or two now they just sit...I go through phases... Culprit Ribbon Tails-6", 7.5", Fat Max in both sizes..... Power worms in 10", Chigger Craws Strike King-I like all their baits as do I like all of the GYB baits....I could fish either company and be happy with entire line. I like the price of Gambler baits & the EZ swimmer line is as good as it gets imo for soft swimbaits, they make great Florida Punch baits, and Havoc has good soft baits as well. I love a few baits by Larew-3 legged Frog, Tattle Tail Worm, Lunker City Sluggo, SS, Ribster series of baits & Salad Spoon. Bass Pro squirmin worms//Mr. Twister Phenom worms are the real deal as well. Brewer Finesse baits, Zoom has some baits you need in Florida as well.My addiction now is with Z-Man baits and Elaztach/ Strike King has the Zero which is made by same OEM for both. Still not sure if I am 100% on board, but I am as far as trailers for durability and buoyancy. At the end of the day, I would say you can't have a wrong answer since the "wrong bait presented the right way will outfish the Right bait presented the wrong way"...Fly fishing guys love to say that.....I stole it.

Rubber Worms......I probably fish a ribbon tail worm the most and like the 6" size since most guys use 7.5" and I also like a 12" Ribbon since most people use a 10". I actually like to use the old school twister tails or J tails as we call them, and I will experiment depending on the activity level of the fish. .I use straight tails and stick baits on most trips as well, and the Rage cut'r as mentioned above never seems to be the wrong bait. It seems to always send out good vibes like the Swim Senko. I tried one last year for first time and it is a worm or bait that I could pick as my "one lure" as long as I have some weights and hooks to modify it, but that worm will catch fish as a swimbait, wakebait, finesse worm, but I love pitching it and slow rolling it back....Cut Tail worms were created I believe when the fish didn't want a ribbon tail so they clipped off most of the ribbon and you had the cut Tail worm. Rage stepped it up with a better tail for action. I remember as a kid watching guys bite tails off of culprits in colder weather leaving just a small flange, I still do it at times. ...I am sure someone could explain if that is correct?

I have a gift card from the Holidays burning a hole in my pocket and I can't decide what to buy since I am stocked up well at the moment, but I have been thinking about buying a whopper Plopper for long time now. I noticed They carry them and was wondering what size is best? Does the 90 run ok or is the bigger size better in your opinion? I thought it was a gimmick as well but finally reading your post convinced me it is worth a shot on a gift card. I do like a few colors they have. Any advice would help, I don't want to buy a size that runs off if the bigger version is better.

I agree 100% about bass not knowing your bait is a Frog most of the time, just like I always wonder what they think my ribbon tail worm is that they love? I do like the unique colors and shape of the bait, and if it can give a different look during the post spawn when bass are targeting Bluegill, then I think it may add a few strikes. I don't know why the weight is bothering people. How many natural Zara Spooks have you seen swimming on the surface with 3 treble hooks hanging below? And that is in open water for most part. Black and blue soft baits? Never seen one swimming around yet. Scum Frog makes some killer hollow body frogs in the Trophy line that have a large Brass shiny weight and big shiny eyes and my best producing color is the blue body with a chart silicone skirt. I think the flash is a benefit at times, and like a bullet weight, simply color it with a sharpie.... I colored one weight red because the Bobby's perfect bleeding frog has always been a favorite of mine, and maybe it is the red hooks, but a wounded panfish with a target may help. I can color over it again. I colored one grey/black and it looks like every other hollow belly since they need a weight or everyone would be complaining about casting distance. Is it better than a hollow belly frog? Maybe, maybe not, but I like buying cool looking stuff. Live Target frogs are top quality, so I will give them a fair chance, the colors are fantastic as is the shape and detail. Add in Trokar hooks and it is actually a good deal since most frogs are $10. just my opinion, I am sure they will work, and if it gives me confidence on a certain day, then the purchase was worth it, $13 is cheap compared to $10 frogs with what you get imo. I am just as guilty as the next guy as being a sucker for buying lures that look good, but Koppers did well on the frog so they deserve a chance on the sunfish. If they colored every weight to match the lure, production costs would rise and lure would be $25, sharpies do amazing things really fast. Sunfish have spots all over the place that are not the same on every fish anyhow. So I like how it looks in my collection.

I have a friend who fishes a zoom trick worm 90% of the time since most water we fish is shallow. If he needs weight, he crimps on a split shot. His presentation is a long cast with a Mr. Twister Keeper hook, black trick worm (he may grab watermelon some days, but usually blk) and he just slowly reels it in. He also works it on the surface at times, but he flat out get's results. I often laugh at all the tackle I have and stressing over double uni knots to attach leaders when he has days that are impressive with a gold swivel I keep telling him is too big, but too him he says it looks like a small baitfish being chased. I still to this day would never use a shiny swivel, just can't do it but it works in strip mines with super clear water....or stained water but then he adds a bead (Red).

I just grabbed one in each size and have only tested it but I like the action as it has an arch, and it is a bit harder than a LT Frog, more like a Spro Frog material which I like since the Trokar Hooks are money & it makes a nice jumping/slashing action due to the shape. I like it. The Weight is in middle of body and some have complained about it, but it adds silver flash, but I colored mine to match the baits and made one red...I like the action of the bigger model, the small one is small...Dicks just had them for only $12.99 and the detail is great imo for that price. They Seem just right, not too soft, not too hard but I only took a few casts which each and liked what I saw. Can't imagine them not working, but looking forward to using them soon. So many colors.....

I love the big ones fished like a fluke or spook over grassy areas when fish are active. Rarely get small bites. If you get the glide just right, it is awesome to see a fish come up and just grab it & vanish while your line starts to move...I fish all sizes on different set ups. You can make a senko work in any situation.

I never really bed Fish on purpose, but the guys I know who do it, say a drop shot on the right spot is best way once the male is off the bed. I don't enjoy messing with bedding fish if I see them personally but I am sure it is ok if you don't gut hook them.

soft plastics that land softly but make sure you have a rod that allows you to skip baits under overhangs and areas other people miss. The Fat IKA with a Nail weight rigged backwards has been fun to fish, skips great,and it can be bombed weightless a mile and mimic anything....cool bait like all GYB stuff. When all else fails, Swim Senko or Rage Cut'r Worm like a wake bait on weighted hook letting it fall every so often. Toads, Speed Worms when fish are active, Finesse rigs small baits always worth a try. 6" Culprit hard to beat in ponds.

Siebert Punch Skirt in brown with a 1 oz weight, and ZMAN Turbo Craw Trailer as I was about to lift it out of the water to make another pitch....Maybe 8.5 lbs. Probably 7.5 lbs in reality...Can't tell anymore, I just know they are not 10.

Good Jig Trailers for slowing fall and adding bulk to skirts on jigs...Quick option if you want a jig to look bigger, flutter down slowly since drop speed on a jig is so imporant and a spider grub gives a Jig some added "Flare"..I pitch spider grubs on same tackle as any texas rig. If heavy cover, heavy guage hook, pegged sinker, but they can work on a jighead etc...Great bait. If using on heavy braid with a jighead just make sure they are not "Finesse Jigheads" especially in heavy cover...

I spend most of my money on jigs, weights, terminal tackle etc...I find most of my rods end up rigged with jigs and soft plastics at the end of the day lately, and maybe a jerkbait. I try to limit my colors to 5-7 in total, and a few different sizes and actions... most days a Jig of some style, or a soft bait of some style will work...In fact, I could probably fish with a Power worm or Culprit and some weights and be good most days...

Funny this topic is up today. I went to Dicks sporting goods last night to get some Bull Shot weights and a few Bitsy Bug Jigs when I noticed all the New Live Target Sunfish on an End Cap but what really caught my eye was this Molix Supernato Beetle and I figured I needed both. I went fishing this morning in one of my favorite ponds & with the warm weather they have still been crushing topwater frogs, so I figured I would give the $15 Molix beetle a try. On first Cast, I went to skip it under some branches from a fallen tree on the shoreline accross the creek, and I overshot my target and bait landed in the sticks and became stuck. I could not shake this thing loose, and finally figured I would tighten drag all the way down, and just pull. I broke it off and all I see is this awesome looking Lure hanging from the branches. I decided to walk around the pond and through the woods to retrieve the lure. I was about half way down the fallen tree when I realized it was going to be a tough task but I took the extra step anyway. After falling in the water and being stuck in between all the branches I panicked (not sure why but I was like a little girl) and I did everything I could to get back out of that nasty water and when I did, I noticed the lure is now gone..... I did learn one cool thing....The water I assumed was 3-4' was over my head so it seems the reason that spot was so good to me over the years is the water is 6' right on the bank which is undrecut, so hopefully I find the bait floating later today on the shoreline. I just can't afford to buy another $15 Molix Beetle, never saw the action, but based on looks, it could be the ultimate Fisherman catcher I have seen how they package it etc...I will stick with my Pad crushers so I don't cry when I lose baits anymore.

I have been experimenting with the Ned Rig for about a year now, and I have tried many different heads & I am starting to think that the Mushroom style jigheads fit the bait perfectly, the light wire hooks & Light weights of Jighead are what make this bait different when paired with a saltless or broken in Zinkerz cut in half. The TRD is probably the best buy only because they float tail up for most part out of the package and the colors stay vibrant. The half Zinker seems to work better if you soak it in gulp overnight, and then stretch it to break it in. I have found that I do just as well with a few other Jigheads & Modifcations since the Zman jigheads even with a weedguard are not all that weedless here in Florida. Here are a few rigs I now throw on my medium & medium light spinning real...Both have 15lb Daiwa Samurai Braid (2lb) Diamater in Yellow for watching your line. Quick interesting fact (Half a Zinker without salt will float on the surface with a 1/0 Lightwire Worm Hook, and 8lb Mono leader. (I find I get more strikes in clear water or tanic with 8lb/10lb Triple Fish mono Camo line) Just don't let your knot get near the reel. 6 foot leader is about what I use. I view the Ned Rig as a concept, Any Elaztach bait seems to catch more fish than if I use a Slider worm and jig side by side. Key is making sure hook is small, light, & tail stays upright. You need some Megastrike gel at all times when your bait is saltless as fish seem to hold it less, but Megastrike fixes that issue & the sponge texture holds it longer than any other brand of scent. Gulp is gone in one cast. Lazer Trokar Makes a Boxer jighead in 1/16 oz with a #2 hook that is more sturdy but you have a long enough hook shank to texas rig it and use glue. 1/8 oz. are good for Deeper water/faster fall. super glue is a must for texas rigging. I also use small worm hooks offset #4-#1/0 or Gamakatsu Split shot hooks and NEKO rig the Worm with a Nail in the end, and weedless hook in front. It stands 90%. any Jighead with a hook under 1/0 or #1 lighter wire even a simple ballhead walleye jig head works well. kalins makes a 1/32 & 1/16 Darter head jig which is deadly on the Finesse Shads for suspended fish in brush. they have a weedguard as well. I probably now use a 1/32 & 1/16 Bullshot Split shot crimped flush to the bait with a Split shot hook, or Small light wire worm hook most often, & a light nail weight in the end for it to stand. You can slow the rate of fall by adding Silicone Fly Fishing spray on your line, & I get more fish texas rigging a TRD with a really small Worm hook, and 1/32 bullshot flush, or 6" in front for covering water. When the worm is right, without the shot, it will float almost any bare hook like a small zara spook on top. The problem with most shaky rigs is the hooks are all 3/0 and larger, but this bait will stand any ballhead jig, Oldham wire guard Tube hook, or even on a darter head it still does the job. I am still experimenting as I have been impressed with all the ZMAN baits which fish rarely see since I doubt most companies like this rig or even hearing about the Turbo Craws as a punch bait since 1 pack lasts forever. If you like to wacky rig a senko, I would encourage anyone to spend $4 and get a pack of 5" Zinkers and simply wacky rig with your favorite hook & I think you will be surprised. If you like to Flip or even Punch a Stick Worm (Popular in heavy weeds)1/16-1/2 Tungsten & Zinker worm broken in will kill em in the cold water if you shake & soak the bait after getting through the weeds after a cold front.

Everyone has their favorites and all my point was to offer suggestions of lures that may fit the bill better for $20, and I have never called it a bad bait, I just don't think it should be sold and marketed as a glide bait when it walks and really does not glide. I purchased mine when they first came out and swimbaits were new to me and when I think of a glide bait I think of Glide baits like the River 2 sea wide glide and was not aware that they were making glides in small sizes. I don't know about sanding them or whatever someone said fixes them but I am sure I like a bunch of lures other people think are junk but whatever... The Giron really doesn't swim, it walks but when it comes to reviews, I challenge you to find bad reviews on expensive lures, it never happens except for a few people just trying to make a point. I know they are a quality lure but for the times I have tried them they have not produced for me, yet I do much better on other lures that are very similar...If you want to get really technical, the industry is moving in a direction to make one piece glides better seller's in the bass market since Musky and pike angler's have always done well with bass with the huge glides they throw and now Strike Pro and other Japanese high end companies are offering 1 piece bluegill colored and shaped glide baits that do one thing and that is glide....To me personally, trying to swim a giron is like swimming an S waver and it just doesn't swim well, I am sure I would like the new Ganteral much better as it looks fluid in the water and like all Jackall baits the finish on it is awesome and realistic. I just don't like getting bit off by gar with $40 lures and I don't have the money to spend or fish with a $40 lure, I would probably use wire because at that point it is not worth it for me, but if I made more money I am sure I would have lots of expensive lures because I have impulses to buy things I can't afford. Not sure why people take it personal if you don't like a lure that they like. If you like the Giron for $20 and feel it is a good value, enjoy fishing it, then who cares what people say as you load the boat with fish....People ask for opinions all the time about lures and when someone suggests options to look at or things to try I look up the lure and I have found some winners by getting suggestions from other members which was a good thing. If you don't want to know other people's opinions than why read lure reviews anyway? Most people catch a 5 lber first cast anyway.

I have not used Hollow Belly Frogs much in the last few years since I used to get annoyed at all the missed strikes and even when I would swing, I would still miss more fish than I liked. I tried bending out hooks, trimming skirts etc. but I eventually started to go back to other options for fishing over mats and heavy cover. I am letting the rod load and I get most fish hooked well if they commit but I feel that way to many fish are missing it even in open water areas. I am now fishing some backwater lakes and hollow bellies are the best tool for the job with the cover being super heavy, and my wallet does not like paying north of $8 for a frog, but after using a few of the higher end frogs, (the most expensive one happened to be my favorite before I lost it in a tree after about an hour and was on sale for $11.99). I now see that not all frogs are created equal and some are much better than other's. I really didn't know how much variation there was between brands and models. I have been using the Spro Poppin Frog's in lighter cover and have always liked that frog and the booyah poppin frogs are ok once they heat up a bit. I need to figure out which walking frogs are best for heavy cover and if I should be adding rattles, heating them etc..I just purchased some Academy frogs to try out and they look promising, and I own mostly Bully Wa's, Strike King and older scum frogs which I like but they are too light and poor quality for the few benefits they offer imo. I need to replenish my box and was wondering what frogs I need to buy, or if I am missing some mods on my current frogs like a trailer hook of some kind. Do you really need a ton of colors, insert rattles etc? I have been told by a few people the Phat Frogs are the best frogs on the market in terms of overall value and versatility? I see they make about 15 models and have no clue what is different between most of them. I am curious to see what most serious frog fisherman like to use? Any suggestions or advice would be helpful. What is the Best Frog when it comes to value and I don't care if a frog tears easy etc. if it catches fish. Thanks.

I plan on heading to Academy for my second time tomorrow afternoon, so If I find them for $4 I will grab some and let you know. We have some new stores in Orlando and I will be in the area and those stores are dangerous but awesome for deals.....

The key to the Magic swmmer by Sebile for me is making sure they fall correctly, I do well with both the hard and soft magic swimmers, never used the strike king versions, and the storm doesn't seem to be as productive for me as the Sebile but I also have not fished them much so could be a confidence thing...I am always trying to get better with swimbaits and if you watch the Sebile demo's all his fall perfectly, only about 70% fall like that out of the package...If they fall with any odd movements it seems to cause following fish or any fish in the area to back off, I experiment with all swimbaits in some clear ponds and if they fall with any odd movement's it really seems to be a negative que and fish back away....I would imagine the Stike king version is similar and online you can find demo's from almost any lure and it helps to see what it is designed to look like, at least for me so I have a starting point.....Swimbaits are complex but fun to fish and every day is still a learning experience when I throw them. I notice that Sebile has some color's they can't sell and they also used to be way to expensive, now you can find them for $10, I am sure strike king's will be solid as well especially for $4. Strike king makes good lures for most part, I would have more confidence in Strike King than Storm imo. I can say for sure that I do better with the Sebile than I did with the Cabela's version that looked identical but much less expensive, they would fall with odd movements that would turn fish away, for chucking and winding they are all good I would guess.

I think with many lures, first experience and confidence turn out to be the main factor if it becomes a bait that is in the rotation or not...If a friend who I know is a good topwater guy and he tells me I need to try the new Rover and just pay the extra money for the pro tuned, I would bet that I would do well the first time I use it as I will have high Expectations, will be focused and will also pick a good time and place to throw it...It would get best rod and reel as well....If I just picked one up in a clearance bin, I doubt it would ever separate itself...I like the Crème Mad Dad Swimbaits because a friend handed me a few as they handle the weeds really well and are a really good cheap swimbait, and I have given a few to friends who fish saltwater and they have not thrown it yet because "It needs rattles"....we are all crazy at the end of the day, but I do like buying those things and crème sends 4 random baits for $10 free shipping, I have about 30 and will be over this phase soon I am sure.