Ersteman

Hi, I'm looking to buy a Gander Mountain Tournament Medium 7' spinning rod. Black and Red color. I use this rod for a specific technique for a specific species of bass. If you have one available for sale, please let me know. Thanks, Mike

You're going to hear many things from different people. Use what you are most comfortable using. The smaller line and longer the spinning rod, the further your cast will go. If you're in clear water, you'll want to cast it far. I use 8lb braid to a 6lb or 8lb fluoro leader. My bro uses 6lb straight mono and he usually outfishes me on the ned. If you're fishing near a bunch of rocks, I like the football Ned jigheads with a metal weedguard. Good luck on your trip! Let us know how you do.

I actually have that Sellus rod and use it for jerkbaits. It works for sure. I wanted to upgrade and treat myself a bit to a lighter rod and one that was more comfortable in the handling.

Go with the 705cb if you want something longer. Buy on sale close to $200. I have a Fury 705CB. seems a bit too whippy. Does the Champion have similar action to the Fury?

Interesting. I'll check it out. Do the stock hooks on those stunnas hold up for smallies or do you change them out?

Thanks A-jay. I'll look around for when I can get one on sale. I saw American Legacy had 25% off all St. Croix rods, but they were out of stock of that particular model. Do you have a second best option just in case? Have a good one. Thanks for the options. I'll look into it. I had a feeling someone was going to mention the Expride. From Tactical Bassin's videon on jerkbaits recommending them to Omnia claiming it's their best selling jerkbait rod. I might have to bite the bullet.

Hey guys, I'm hoping someone can help me find a very particular style jerkbait rod to fit my needs under $200. I'm throwing 1/2 oz jerkbaits such as vision 110s, jackall reranges, stunnas, and xrap10s. It has to be a slower loading jerkbait rod to pin big smallmouth, but still has a decent tip to snap jerkbaits. Not slow like crankbait rods; a little faster than a crankbait rod, and like I said with more of a tip. I need a shorter rod handle to work the jerkbaits. I also don't want a light, wimpy rod. I'm not looking for a ned rig powered rod. The Veritas 7' Medium comes very close to what I need, but I wish it loaded a little slower and or had a little more give. I strongly dislike XF actions, such as the lews kvd jerkbait rod, so all quick loading rods are out. I'm most comfortable throwing rods with a length of 6'10 to 7'. I cannot do a 6'6" or a 6'8" rod. I don't want to venture over $200, so please keep it under $200. I would also prefer recommendations from people who have used the rod to throw jerkbaits. I've found certain rods labelled "jerkbait rod" to come up short for one reason or another. I realize I'm very particular here, but hoping someone can relate to what I'm talking about. Thanks! -Mike

Thanks for the reply. I have a 16' Lund Fury, so it's a mod V style (not a flat bottom). Yes, I would say I'm a beginner when it comes to launching a boat. I've watched videos and know how it's supposed to go, but I just need to practice more. When it comes to St. Clair, I just want to error on the side of caution and be safe. I will be able to pick the day/conditions when I go, so that helps. Also, is there an inland lake by St. Clair that has decent smallmouth in case I need to hit a smaller inland lake? Thanks!

New boat owner here so I'm not great at launching the boat yet. I have never been to Lake St Clair before. I could use some help from you seasoned veterans out there. Where is a good place to launch the boat on St Clair? and does it make sense to launch and fish Anchor bay for it to be protected more by the wind? Ultimately looking for a good place to launch a boat and fish where the ramp has adequate space and it's not jammed with people watching me launch the boat. The kicker would be to also find a place that is less affected by the wind since it's my first time on the lake. I don't plan on fishing too far from the shore. If you could also give me a good cutoff for the wind, such as "don't fish any wind greater than 15mph" or something like that so I can plan my trip accordingly. Thanks for the help guys! -Mike

Pull start.

Hey Guys, I recently bought a used boat. I have a tiller style boat and my boat motor does not have any electronics. Am I okay hooking up the boat electronics (bilge, lights) and a rear trolling motor to the same battery? Anything I need to be concerned about with how I hook it up? I'm very new to this. Thanks, Mike

Walmart in Western Pa is dog feces. Never has anything in fishing on sale. :spits:

Amazon has the 200IPG as RH. I'm beginning to think there is a typo in the Amazon listing and that the CU201 PG is the Lefty one.

Looking to make a reel purchase on an older Curado, but need to know the difference between the Shimano Curado 200PG and the 200IPG? I know you guys will know. thanks!

I really admired Johnny "Firecracker" Bazinski. He was known for throwing lure retrievers at nearby boats and also for sneaking up on boats and throwing firecrackers in their boats, hence the nickname. I went fishing with him one day and told me if he got in the way of his back cast that I was liable to feel the power of a real man's hookset. Then, after moving to a deep structure spot, he proceeded to push me off his boat in the middle of a lake for out-fishing him with a drop shot rig. I also found out he won tournaments by verbally and physically threatening people to not weigh in their bags. He won a 3 day tournament on Pickwick with a 5 fish limit of 3lbs-4oz as a result. Truthfully though, I grew up watching Bill Dance and Roland Martin. I ended up liking KVD the most though, probably b/c he won so much. Nowadays I'm a fan of most anglers who are polite and professional.

Awesome fish. Was that beauty released?

Don, How did you do on your Traverse City Smallmouth trip with Tony? We went July 10th with Tony on the East Bay and landed 35 smallies between me and my 2 brothers. Most fish were 2.5 to 3 pounds; only caught 2 dinks. Caught about 4-6 fish around 4 pounds as well. It was a beautiful calm day; much calmer than average days and Tony put us on quality fish. I was amazed at how well we did as these trips are few and far between for me. Tony said that our fishing day was not a typical day, so I'm really grateful and fortunate at the quantity and quality. Needless to say we tipped him very well.

My brother lives close to Watauga and I'm going there in August. We were going to head out and do some bass fishing. I know there are some trees at the end of Roan Creek and a little sunken forest at the far eastern side of the lake. Any tips on where/how to fish Watauga in August? Any help is greatly appreciated. I don't know much at all so we're kinda going out blindly. Would appreciate some Bass Resource advice. Thanks. -Mike

Did I lose more than 5 lures? Did I have more than 4 backlashes? Did I lose a 3lb+ fish? Did I bury a hook in myself? If the answer is no to all of these, then it's been a good day on the water. As for a pure fish count perspective, if I've caught 1 fish, then I have at least proven to myself I can catch 1 and it's been a good day.

I only buy my jigs through Mike and Siebert Outdoors. His Arky jig with the stronger weed guards is the only jig that works on my lake. It's the only jig that doesn't get hung up in the sunken trees. Every time I've ordered through Mike, he's been exceptional.

I have a $200 (sale price) Future Beach Voyager Angler Sit in 9.4 Kayak that I bought from Dunham's like 3 years ago. Still going strong. Got the paddle on sale at Dick's for like $50 and the life jacket from craigslist. Bought the car top carrier from amazon. Put an extra towel in the middle so it doesn't scrape the roof of the car and I tote it with a 4 door sedan. No trailer; minimal fuss. Kayak is 42 pounds so I can carry it myself and not have to worry about it being on top of my car. Yes, it's light and gets blown by the wind, but I don't fish in the wind or if it is windy, I hit the protected banks. Plenty of space for me at 6'2" 240, and room behind me for my backpack that I wear while fishing and room for a small fishing bag in front of me. 2 rod holders and a drink holder as well. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

Captain Tony DeFilippo is top notch and I have used him numerous times in the Traverse City area. He's very professional, reasonably priced, and most important, puts you on fish. I have a trip booked for July and I can't wait. Be sure to hit a few wineries when you're there, for the wine, appetizers, and views. And don't go during cherry festival, unless you like the hustle and bustle life.

I hate polyester stuff (which HUK uses), so I go with Colombia or other brands that are cotton. It's cooler and breathable and feels better on the skin.

Mike makes high quality jigs. To answer your question, What is the hype about", let me tell you. (1) The paint is adhered to the jig optimally. It doesn't chip off like some of the other brands I've used when hitting rocks and trees. Mike uses a solid system of heating the paint on his jigs. (2) The jigs I use (1/2 oz Arky/Derocker) have strong hooks with very little if no flex and when I lean on a fish, I need to move them and can't afford much give. (3) I like the copper wire tie option. On jigs with rubber bands, I hate it when the rubber band breaks and the jig falls apart. Wire ties ensure the jig stays intact longer. I've had some jigs I've used for many months. (4) Mike has been great to work with. He responds to emails and is spot on with his recommendations. I use the Arky with a firm weed guard b/c the area I primarily fish is a flooded forest and your average weed guards don't cut it. I need the firm weed guard to keep the jig out of the brush and maximize my fish time and less snag time. (5)Lastly, for virtually custom made quality jigs, you get them at a very reasonable price.

seriously though, there's going to be numerous options for you. I use the Bass Pro backpack b/c it was on sale. My brothers have the spider wire backpack. Both work well. Most bags are going to have spots for your pliers, line, scents, a place for small items, a large section for plastic containers and another compartment for food/drinks and or soft plastics. Check out some backpacks and check out the components and make a choice. I'll attach the link to the 2 aforementioned backpacks. BPS http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Stalker-Backpack-Tackle-Bag-or-System/product/1304050935/ Spider Wire at Dick's https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/spiderwire-fishing-backpack-15spiuspdrwrbckpctbx/15spiuspdrwrbckpctbx