WI_Angler1989

My biggest mental block, if that's what it can be called, would be habit. I need to fight my habits and not just fall back to my same fishing spots and techniques. If a spot is hot, no problem, but I tend to keep going even if the bite has moved elsewhere (smallmouth seasonal patterns). I need to keep an open mind and get on the canoe a lot more and stop fishing for ghosts.

The moon has an effect on nature. Plain and simple. Even something as simple as watching a nature show can be enlightening. Animals don't have calendars or schedules so they use moon phases, along with temperature, barometric pressure, and a host of other environment factors to time their biological "happenings." My understanding of it is far from knowledgeable, but that basic thought process of it is interesting and makes a lot of sense. Understanding and applying it all to fishing.....well that's a different story. Good luck!

I plan on using a mono backing for my braid reels, as well. Personally, I want to have enough braid to make it through a seasons worth of tying on lures and leaders, but use enough backing to make it actually worth it. I'll probably do 50/50 or so.

I just received my new Shimano Stradic FK 2500 from T.W. today. My question pertains to the extra washers that came with it to adjust how the line lays onto the spool. What is the reccomended use for them? Add a washer? Dont? I don't wanna spool up and find it isn't what I expected then have to remove and re-spool it all.

4" kalins lunker grubs in a variety of colors. I got them at $2.99 and $3.49 last year. The last super long, assuming the tail doesn't get stolen by a crappie. I've had grubs survive a dozen smallmouth and a few pike easily.

I can see why people would have an issue with that. Like if you actually back reel while fighting, which I dont. But after hearing they got rid of it to increase the durability, it changed my mind. Not having another spot for water and crud to get into the inner workings makes them that much more durable and increases longevity of the reel. Works for me since all I use it for is getting slack for a cast.

It's finally here! Feels awesome in hand. Gonna spool it up with 15# hi-vis Power Pro and a Sunline's Super Sniper fluoro leader, tie on a Draggin Head and a Tube and get to work! I do keep reaching for anti-reverse switch that isn't there....but I'll get used to it haha. Throw it on my St Croix Legend Tournament Bass Dropshot rod and I've got my best and favorite combo!

Watermelon blue flake. Easy choice for me. There are colors that work better at times but this is my favorite. It is my goto tube color for craw imitations, on a grub or Swimbait it's a bluegill. Those 2 presentations are all I need here. I wish kalins lunker grubs came in this color too btw! They have a "blue gill" color but it's flashy and bright. Watermelon blue is simple and effective for me.

I've only used lighter tests of the sniper, but can attest to its quality. I highly reccomend it to anyone who asks about fc. Even on spinning gear. I use it as leader material a ton and the thin diameter doesn't mean weaker or less abrasion resistant. A quality line for sure.

It's hard to beat the thrill of a popper haha. If you have crawfish then any jigs, plastic craws, tubes, etc on the bottom should work well. It's a slow, patient game though.

Mine are: 1) 2.5" cabin creek tube on a draggin head 2) 4" kalins grub on mushroom head jig 3) Rapala Husky Jerk 4) silver/black rebel pop-r 5) bomber 4A creek craw color

My Stradic FK should be here today..... <insert hyper-ventilating>

I like this question. Its not "what rod does everything" but what you would be satisfied with. It's the sacrifice. Me, I'd take my 610mlxf St Croix Legend Tournament Bass spinning rod. I'd spool it with 15lb power pro hi-vis and a 10# super sniper leader. The lure is wayyyyy harder to pick for me...... maybe a spinnerbait? Or Inline spinner? Maybe a Finesse jig? Wait no, Texas rig Power worm? Plastic craw? Oooo a jerkbait?! Gah...A Grub?......... I think in the end I'd settle on a 2.5" watermelon blue fleck Cabin Creek tube on a 1/4oz draggin head. I can fish a tube traditionally, hop it, swim it, dead stick it, flip it, fish deep shallow. A lot of things can do that but I just like tubes. So do the smallies here luckily! Honestly, I'd regret not picking a grub if I picked a tube, and wish i had a tube if I picked the grub. Good thing it's hypothetical haha

Well, I don't think I'd do anything differently in terms of competitions, but I would fish more. I didn't get into fishing until I was around 19-20. I'd have wasted less time loafing around and fish sooner.

Thanks a ton! That a heck of a list. Yeah my though wasn't to "save" in a traditional sense, but the jigs I wanna make (someday) are ones I use a ton, that I anticipate will be a staple for years. I use them for tubes, craws, shakey head, finesse anything honestly. Plus, i've wanted to try my hand at tackle crafting for years and that seemed like a good starting point. Thanks again for the awesome outline and help guys!

TW. It won't let me type out the whole name but I think you get the jist.

I fish out of a canoe or on shore. And don't get me wrong, saying I fish from shore is not a bad thing. I've been fishing some local waters the entire time I've fished and know spots that are honey holes from the bank. That being said, less is more for me. I have 3 rods as of now. I've used some less expensive rods: Shakespeare, Abu Garcia, Pfleuger combo rods. I love St Croix rods. I jave always loved them and im from WI a d like the "local" aspect. Versatility is key. I have a rod for finesse and bottom bouncing baits; 1 rod for spinners, small cranks, topwater and grubs; 1 rod for jigs, frogs, jerkbaits and any heavier lures. The more a rod can do, the better. Honestly I would like another rod but it wouldn't be practical to lug 4 around most days.

I don't have personal experience with siebert spinnerbaits, but I've seen them reccomended a lot on here. I've checked them out and the skirts are out of this world.

-war eagle McClelland Finesse Spinnerbait -strike king mini king -terminator to in your preferred size I like smaller and lighter spinners personally. They still cast well and trailers can add bulk. But that's just my preference. You may be better off with a tradition 3/8-1/2oz bait if you catch big largemouth.

I just pulled the trigger on a new Shimano Stradic FK 2500 spinning reel! I. Am. Psyched!!! I also got a 600yd spool of 8# Yo-Zuri hybrid line too. It's (14.99 vs 12.99 for 275yd...seems like a good deal). After xmas gift cards and a few promo codes the $220 order was $127.

What a ballpark guess of the cost to get into pouting my own jigs. I love Confidence Baits Draggin Heads but it's pricey to go through them. Plus I've always wanted to make tackle someday. I have nothing for it. No melting pot, molds, paint gear, materials, etc. Anyone have experience and a cost guess for starting up? I'd just be pouring for me alone, so all gear can be small and not put out tons of jigs. Also, I realize it's an investment and won't pay off for a while, but I'm just doing a Lil research.

What, if any, modifications do you guys use for jigs? I'm talking about my Siebert Sniper jigs specifically. So a small, finesse style jig for some flipping to cover. Hopping, and just general use. the cover is fish varies A LOT so it's hard to have my jigs mod'ed for each type. I fish a LOT of rock and hope to pitch to wood next year and bunch too.

I really like kayakbassfishing too. It's how I learned about the Draggin Heads that are irreplaceable for me now. Educational and fun too.

Slow is key for me around here. Letting a tube sit for upwards of a minute before dragging 6 inches is not too slow. Same with a jerkbait. I'll twitch, then let sit for what feels like ages. Dead stick it up and you're sure to catch something. But by the sound of it those hot springs make faster possible for you. I'm stuck fishing the Arctic here in WI. Gold luck

I do. I try to take my business to Buroker's Taxidermy and Bait as much as I can. That being said, I don't have a lot of extra money. All of my big purchases: rods, reels, etc, are made with "special" money like taxes and xmas or bday money. When it comes to tackle I like going there for some my mainstays like Mepps and powerworms. I don't shop local exclusively, but I do what I can because I like local, the people are very nice and to support them.