BaitMonkey1984

I like the 6" BPS stick-o-worm. Much bigger presentation then then 5" GYCB. I use the GYCB and Stick-o worm almost exclusively in that size. I have the utmost confidence in a GYCB worm, but this comes pretty darn close.

St croix rage.

There used to be a small shop, run by an old friend a mile away from my office. I was by far his best customer, I used to stop by on coffee runs, or slip away for a 15 minute break to just talk fishing. Never left without $20 of merchandise. Sadly, the military moved him to the western part of the state and he had to close the business. Really enjoyed walking in and getting that personal touch of a local shop. Plus, he always knew what they were biting on in my neck of the woods and would offer tips, etc. And if you caught fish on lures bought at his shop, he posted it to their website. Lots of my fish adore his website. d**n I miss that shop.

Fish a GYCB senko and a no name knock off for a week each. I have no doubt that GYCB is going to do better on the law of averages. Better ingredient, better quality, more supple, more action etc should catch more fish the majority of the time. But sometimes, the fish want more action/less action. That is when you really need to get into the nitty gritty details of the baits. My rule of thumb, don't knock cheap baits that work but also don't be gun shy to try the more expensive lures.

I really like the St.Corix Rage, one of my favorite rods. I jumped on a halo twilit series rod during the 25 days of christmas and really like that rod. Light, and loads up nice too. TW might still have them for like $60.

x2.

I watch all these guys. Glenn may, tackle junky, *, onerodonereel, fishing the midwest, fishing with flair,bigbassmastersone, lunkerstv etc. They all have their strengths. Tacicalbassin is probably the most informational and in depth- but there not a lot of new videos being posted. A lot of other people are posting more content, which gives me something to watch during the winter but not nearly as informational. But everyone is looking for different things, entertainment, education, a mix of both, etc. I like to watch educational videos so Glenn has always been my favorite, regardless of the number of subscribers. Lunkerstv is a great channel I just found a close second.

I will have to give it a shot. Only because you have the same boat as me in your thumbnail. Diff color but same boat. If only mine wasn't still sitting in storage under wraps.

Welcome Sam. I am from the MA/NH border..what lakes do you generally fish and then I may be able to give you some specific tips/tricks. PM Me if need be.

Interesting I never thought of that. I have a few senkos colors that I have no confidence in (pink, white, red) wonder if I cold get red of them this way.

Arkansas shiner.

I 100% agree you dont need to spend that kind of money on your first set up. However, if you can I Would. I started with an ugly stick MH 6 ft rod and it served me well for 5 years as my go to rod. I still use it on occasion for heavier spinning applications. However, I could not detect a seiko bite for the life of me. Upgraded to a better rod and it was night and day. I guess on the flip side, a cheaper rod is usually much more durable and more forgiving then a better rod. Still, If you can afford it get a decent rod and I think you will feel the bite better.

I would say a spinning outfit. It will be easier to learn and it is essential to fishing. You will not get aggravated as you will when learning how to fish a bait caster. I would recommend getting a decent rod ($150) St Croix Rage is great rod in M-MH dependign upon where you fish. I would spool that with 15 lb power pro braid. For lures, a 5" GYCB Senko, a spinner bait, and a grub on a jig head are dummy proof.

I used to bring everything I own. Then I ran out of room. Then I bough a bigger boat. Then I ran out of room again. I bring way too much. I have 18+ Plano 3700 boxes of my "go to" soft plastics. A couple boxes of worms separated by colors, one box for craws, one for tubes, etc. Then a garage full of the extras. Was, did my GF put you up to this question?

Yup. These things float brand new. I was throwing a strike king3x worm weightless and it floated on the surface.

Someone else recently I have a 2001 Ranger R81vs with 150HP Yamaha 2 -stoke. It was cherries by its original owner and has been cherries by me for the past 5 years. My marina charges $90.00 per hour in labor. I don want to lose any time here in the summer , because we already have short seasons so I am very good with routine and preventive maintenance. I was unaware of the last time the boat was tuned up so after year 3 of owning the boat, and not having a single issue with the boat I had a full tune up. If memory serves me correctly it was about $300.00. That was money well spent for me. For you, I think it is money well spent. Now you know it had a thorough tune up. Keep a log of all repairs and maintenance, so that as the years come and go you will know what routine and preventive maintenance needs to be done.

I have had many fish spit the hook at the side of the boat or the moment I get it in the net. Add onto that, the number of fish that you land without issue and then when you go to remove the hook, it pops free with little effort. Up here a good fish is albs, a great fish is 5lbs+. If it is over 3, i get the net, no exception. I keep my net hooked up to the seat on the rear deck via bungee and a carabiner. It is always right there, only one carabiner clip away from use. I don't stow it away because I wouldn't use it as much if it wasn't so easy to use.

They were at the local sportsman club this year. The girl on the website sadly was not. Great looking creature baits that are huge, salamenders, plastic frogs and finessee worms. I bought some of it all. All looks and feels great, will report back after the ice on my ponds melts.

For cranks a red rapala ike custom ink or red livignston howler produces great. For worms, I can't get a bite on a red worm, yet the same worm, same size, in watermelon creme gets the party started. Whether it is color choice or simply my confidence, you can decide but I will very rarely be throwing a red worm or a black back crank. Experiment with all different colors and see what works for you.

Sammy octopus hooks. They basically set themselves. Very sharp hooks too.

Buying a new boat is a good way of making lots of new friends.

x2. I rarely fish a crank deeper than 6. I have boxes of mid range cranks that I need to give a fair shot but I just love throwing square bills. In my limited experience throwing the mid range depth, which for NE, I would say is 6-12 ft I would say the scatter rap. I have done very good with this lure, just as good as the livignston lures cranks that are double the price. I know a lot of people on this site don't like them but they work for me, and anything from rapala is a confident bait for me.

I have a few of the bull cranks but don't believe I even threw them once. I bought a few of the other cranks to give a whirl. As I said, got a lot of confidence in their lipless. Thanks MTB.

The lipless cranks that they make are my now go to lipless cranks. The rattle is crazy loud and they flat out catch fish.

It is included when you make a purchase. I know because I just bought a plano 3700 box full of lipless baits. Thanks for the great find.