fishballer06

I don't need any more jigs. I don't need any more jigs. I don't need any more jigs. Ok, maybe I'll just take a look around...

I drew him last year. I believe I sent him all crankbaits and topwaters

This should help. Let me know if you have any more questions about these reels. I'd be glad to help. I've got two of them now and I'm looking to add a third.

Plastic: Lucky Craft RTO 1.5 (or an RC if you can find one) Wood: Bagley Balsa B Stanford Cedar Patriot Shad (discontinued as well and ran about $20 each whenever they were new)

Always remove electronics and rods/reels from the boat. Leaving minimal tackle in the boat is a good idea too. Talk to the hotel you're staying at prior to booking. Ask if they have parking for trucks/boats and if they have an area you can plug your boat in so you can charge your batteries.

I always open up all my boxes once I get home and let them dry out overnight. Also, if you leave plastics with salt in them on hooks and store them while still wet, they will rust.

In the winter, sometimes it's more about the temperature of the water rather than the depth of the water. Prime example - Got a creek that runs into the pond that's bringing in water that's warmer than what the pond is? I bet you the fish are congregated in that area. Have an area of the pond that has wood/stumps/docks in it? Items like this hold in heat from the sun, and are usually a degree or two warmer than the rest of the pond/lake and will hold fish.

Hedgehog Studios in Japan is where to go if you're looking to bling your reel out. If you're just looking for different handles and knobs, those are readily available from various sources in the States, some of which you have already found.

If you looking for name brand company jigs, check out the VMC Dominator Marabou jig and the Outkast Tackle Feider Fly Marabou jigs. Both are quality hair jigs and are readily available from places like TW.

I highly recommend the S Waver for the budget priced glide style swimbaits. It definitely performs above it's price point.

Both are quality rods and are regarded as best of the best in the sub $200 category. I'd choose whichever feels best to you, or whichever you can get the best deal on. Things to keep in mind, one has a cork handle, one has EVA foam. One has a hook keeper, one doesn't. One is made in the USA, one is not. Both have good warranties and customer service.

Please refrain from posting fish less than 10 pounds in the future. Thanks.

8-10 pounders in PA huh...

The waters around here are already in the 40's. I've personally never had any luck with topwater once it gets down below 59-60*, but I've heard of guys catching them in 55-56* water on top. So results may vary, but I wouldn't expect much luck now.

Damiki Vault and the Lucky Craft ILV 50 are my personal favorites due to quality and color selection.

I'll agree to that, but on the contrary, you and I have never caught a 2 lb. fish that could get us a $25k+ check either.

Thanks for doing this Deak. I'm in.

It sounds like you're familiar with how to setup the brakes and how to adjust them. So I have to ask, is your spool overfilled?

Shallow/Squarebill: Mann's Baby 1- Lucky Craft 1.5 Strike King KVD 1.5 Mid: Rapala Shad Rap Rapala DT6 and DT10 Storm Wiggle Wart Deep: Rapala DT14 and DT16 Strike King 3XD/5XD/6XD Norman DD22

Ned heads are very light, and the river current is going to carry them downstream on you. If you're going the Zman route, get some in both 1/6 and 1/10oz. If you want something with better quality, go with Siebert's Morel jig head.

Menace Grub, hands down. Bluegill and Smokey Shad for moving bait trailers. And for jigs, green pumpkin, watermelon seed, and my personal favorite - green pumpkin w/ gold/purple flake.

If you're going to throw #5 Shad Raps, you're going to want a ML powered rod, or a softer M power.

Sign me up, Deak. Let me know if you need any help.

I would say you want the 894, unless you're throwing them into heavy cover, then I'd jump up to the 5 power.