BaitMonkey1984

I just made the switch to bait casters. With the exception of big swimsuits you can do everything with spinning reels, just won't be able to cast as far.

Reiterate what everyone said above. I use 12 lb power pro slick 8 with a 12 lb fluorocarbon leader (approx. 4 ft). When spooling up use line conditioner and fill the spool to almost full. This set-up will greatly increase your casting difference and is extremely sensitive- you will feel the fish breathing on the line. Plus it is durable, so you need not re-spool each reel every year. I usually put 200 yards on and get 3-4 years out of it. Every year i cut off the last 30 yards or so until lI get to the fresh line.

Field and stream makes the best one in my opinion. Padded backrest. Front indiiviudal pockets for sunglasses and for tools. Holds 3 3700 boxes.

I started off with the 3.5 inch and regretted it. One lb drinks will slam the 5" so don't worry about limiting your catch, even though you targeting bigger fish most likely.

I would also recommend that prior to purchasing one, you borrow a buddy's. I thought I would love kayak fishing, so kayaks were bought. I use the kayak for other things, but not fishing- I just can't do it comfortably and I have problems with too many rods/baits, it just want for me.

Took my first car (2001 mustang) out on the ice 10 + years ago. Ice was 20+ inches that year. Spent the whole day out there racing a full size truck. Have taken my jeep out on since, but nothing has come close to the fun of racing the mustang or just having fun doing donuts. P.S. don't expect the females to approve.

I am in the same boat. Here in the NE due to the article winters (shorter growing seasons) it is tough. My personal best since starting fishing for 10+ years is 6 lbs evens. I catch a dozen or so fish every year in the 5.0-5.5 lb range but getting into the upper 5.5 lbs is tough, even through the ice.

I am the big bait guy. Up here in Mass a 5lb bass is a giant. Usually get about a dozen in the 5-6 lb range a summer, I have only broken 6 lbs once though in 6+ years of fishing hard. Despite the fact our fish are smaller, I have these huge storm salamendar style baits that I throw to bedding bass that are 14+ inches and a few inches thick. I guess, it is the trophy hunter in me.

d**n that looks like a tasty morsel Shane. I was referring to the original post and he was looking for hard baits, thus the scope of my answer dealt with hard baits. I love to fish crank baits as it fits with my high speed personality but I have a Ranger and garage filled with enough soft plastics to make Strike kIng and Zoom jealous. If I am not cranking, I got plastics on and fish them in all presentations that get a bite. Also, I too would like the name of that bait. I have lots similar but not with the length of the tentacles. Plus, with a few more months of hard water I need to pacify the BaitMonkey.

I went to Naples last winter and could not resist wetting a line at the pier. I went to Walmart and got a halfway decent ugly stick cast rod for like $50.00. I was afraid it would break on the plane ride home, and I already have a few good salt rods so I gave it to a young kid watching other people fish. Best $50 spent and I didn't catch a fish, just put a smile on someone's face.

I don't fish tournaments but I take several friends out 4-5 times a week. Usually, they are helping themselves to my soft plastic (whichever lure I am killing them with that day). That being said summer full of beer, gas, and lures can add up- I refuse to take money though, as I would be going out anyhow. I may hate getting off the water. However, as i pull up to the ramp after sunset I am always much happier when I am fishing with a buddy that can back a trailer down to the water. Too many of my friends have no experience and are unwilling to try. So I load/unload myself while they stand by watching.

I live in Mass on the border of the New Hampshire. My local lakes are small and shallow (max depth) 25 ft. My lakes have LM and smallmouth, blue gill, perch, crappie, and some small cats. I would throw white and yellow spinner baits, some jointed rapalas, and some storm square bill cranks. These are easy to get started on, and easy to hook the fish once they bite. Try these and PM if you want more info.

Got the PLINe cx big spool on sale a few weeks ago. It has been a few years since I have used anything since power pole with the exception of one rod i have 100% bass pro xps fluro on. I thought that the co poly would be conparable to be the 100% fluro and always looking to save money on lining up 20+ set ups, however the few times i have used this line I have had problems, both backlashing and line digging into itself. My two cents..

I am very jealous-still ice fishing, and it is getting old quick.

B+, started using bait casters, learned different casting techniques and different presentations. By far the most 5+lb bass (caught approx. 10). Cant wait till ice out to try casey ashley new bait.

Never knew about this rig and immediately after the press conference on day three I was googling this bait. Last year I absolutely crushed the pre-spawn fish on the Howler, looking forward to giving this new bait I try. Also, it gives me a reason to bust out the tons of bags of soft plastic jerk baits like flukes that have gone untouched for years.

The bas pro versions aren't bad at all. I even use them for Micro guide rods and they work fine for that application as well. I wish I got them earlier as they work great, I just always would rather spend $100 on something than rod socks for my go to set-ups.

Forgot this- apparently the barren areas of Hartwell hold key fish during the beginning of the pre-spawn. Not sure if anyone else saw the few shots of Casey Ashley's graphs but there was no structure on he majority of the areas he was fishing. Goes against the norm- but likely that was where the herring was holding.

Abu Garcia Orras sx2 is a great reel for the beginner. It was my second bait caster and was very user friendly (read not a terrible amount of backlash). Stay away from the Quantum Escalade HD which looks great, is in the same price point, however is impossible to dial in and will backlash time and again.

Not really surprised by anything in the classic. It is such a different beast and thus there are no safe bets. The freezing rod guides was interesting thing to see the guys overcome. The only surprise for me was watching Dean "The Machine" Rojas with a spinning rod in his hand. I had never seen this before and had to do a double take. I know all the guys are pretty versatile, otherwise they wouldn't be at the classic however it still didn't look right.

Not to blindly rely upon BassTrak. Not only was Bobby Lane's location weigh off all tournament, his weight was up from what he estimated. I understand it is an estimate, however when he finally weighed in I was shocked by the discrepancy. Made the ending all that more exciting though.

I like seeing the best in the biz. fishing under not ideal situations every once in a while. Generally speaking they have the best equipment, newest lures that the fish have never seen, fishing the country's best lakes, and good conditions. I think it is more relatable for the average fisherman and more enjoyable to see them grind it out, and have to figure the fish out rather than just flat knock the snot outta them. Great classic, I really thought Bobby Lane had a chance and it was cool to see how excited Chris was for his brother. Casey didn't buckle under all that pressure and finished this deal out- I hope he savors every minute of the next year.

Congratulations is in order. Great job Casey in catching bass in tough conditions like us in the northeast are unfortunately pretty used to. I cant wait to try the fish head spin once my lake isnt frozen over. Enjoy it!

Cast for Cash and advertisements so close to the end of the final with in today killed me. I feel bad for Casey and Bobby as they sit there waiting to see which ones life is about to change forever.

And it looks like he is going to follow suit and win this deal- just like my beloved Pats (AGAIN).