fishballer06

I know the new Berkley Digger cranks have came up a few times on here, and there isn't much information on them out there, so I decided to order a couple in and check them out for myself. These were designed by David Fritts, which is the same guy who designed the DT series for Rapala, which these seem pretty similar to shape wise. So I made this little video to show a side by side comparison of the two baits and give an overview of the new Digger. Check this out if you've been wondering about these baits. PS. These new Fusion 19 hooks are very nice. Super sticky, and they seem to be a little heavier gauge than than the VMC's that come on the DT's.

I suggest watching this before buying the J braid.

I won't even go into tackle, but as far as reels and rods this winter... New Reels: Metanium 101 standard Stradic 3000 FK Stradic 2500 FJ Used Reels: Curado 51E (tricked out) Curado 200E5 Curado 301D Chronarch 51MG New Rods: Dobyns Fury 795SWB Abu Ike Series 7'2" MH-F Add in a Revo MGX that I bought and flipped as well... Now that I look at it, my reel to rod ratio is way off. I should probably fix that

Pike usually aren't found in deeper water, so if you can find some fish in 10+ feet of water, you'll have less of a chance of catching them.

Is the $30 make or break for you? I'd buy it and keep your old whitey. Both are great reels.

I stocked up on some new wiggle wart colors with the Presidents Day prices.

I've never had good experience with Red Label. The fact you bought it at Wal Mart might not help either. I like to know my line is fresh, and hasn't been sitting on the shelf for years.

I like to upgrade my Shimano's to the 96mm Metanium handle. They're around $38 and much cheaper than some of the aftermarket carbon fiber handles. However, Hawgtech does make some very nice handles. I believe theirs are around $60 for just the handle. Some of the smaller Shimano reels come with 80-84mm handles. I prefer the feel of a little bit longer handle, because I feel like I have more leverage on the fish and it's easier on my wrist.

I would just stick to the big seller items that everyone uses I.E. Rattle traps, 1.5's, DT's, and maybe a spinnerbait or two.

Sounds like a great choice.

Bagley bb2 and a KVD or LC 1.5

Jerkbaits and topwater

I prefer a fast action myself. You should check out the Abu Ike power series 7'2" MH. It's an excellent jig rod in your range.

Squarebills, DT4 and DT6, Wiggle Wart. All are solid choices.

Eh, it's easier to ask the internet's opinion, than to get the facts straight from the source.

1. Chatterbait 2. Squarebill/DT6 3. DT10 4. Texas rig/jig 5. Topwater (buzzbait) Even though I usually always have 8-10 rods with me, those 5 are always tied up and ready to go.

Cavitron Buzzbait

A 4 pound bass will eat the same as a 10 pound bass...

Post up some pictures.

Wiggle Wart. Hands down.

I usually prefer to throw some sort of craw or creature bait, because of how you drag a c-rig along the bottom. However, I know a lot of guys throw worms and have good success as well. Much like a Texas rig, there's really no wrong way to fish a Carolina rig either. If the c-rig bite is good and you want to give them a different look, don't be afraid to throw a swinging rugby jig either. A 3/4oz. with a Biffle Bug or D Bomb was one of my better deep water lures this year.

I know a lot of guys really value the older Smithwick Rattling Rogues. Today I came across an old shop that had a bunch of the old one's left over. Does anyone know what these are worth, street value, these days? And what makes these old one's so much more valuable?

I have broken off 3/4-1oz crankbaits numerous times whenever throwing them with 40lb. braid with a 12-14lb. FC leader, and it always happens in the middle of the leader. It always happens on the release of my cast too (if I'm casting hard). Because of the braid, the 12-24" of fluoro isn't enough of a shock absorber to handle the jolt from a heavier bait. However, I never seem to have this issue whenever throwing 1/4-1/2oz lures. So this leads me to believe it's solely from the heavier baits.

That's a pretty broad question... Where are you located? Spinning or baitcasting? What lures are you fishing? What type of cover are you fishing? Someone in Florida fishing matted grass in stained water is going to need something totally different than a guy in Canada fishing gin clear water with a sandy bottom.

Either a jekbait, a small Keitech swimbait, or a jig. If this weather keeps up, it could happen later this month.