j bab

No but I love the crazy eyes on the top one

popper: 1/4 oz Yellow Magic, White Shad wake bait: LC Wake 3/4 oz, TO Shad

Let's just say that Toledo Bend is currently the #1 bass fishing lake in the country (according to bassmaster) and also has a very healthy population of carp/buffalo

Would you use something a little bigger, like a 4 or so, for a 6" bull shad?

Excellent point. My dad and I both started throwing jigs a LOT more this year and have caught a lot more bigger bass

Then don't throw big baits. In my opinion there's not much of a point unless you know that you're around big ones. See this thread for proof that you don't always catch big fish with big baits! Not saying you can't throw them, just giving my 2 cents

You ought to be throwing a Gantarel around in there with big bluegill like that swimming around

Where do you get these prices? I feel like there are a few secret places that I don't know about

From what I hear, Megastrike Cavitron buzzbaits are good. For worms I'd use any Zoom product in black. Like a lizard or a Mag

How do you like your slide swimmer 175? Is it worth the money instead of something like an S-waver?

Those suck, I've tried ebay lures before

Something is only "worth" how much you're willing to pay for it. So if you don't think they're worth it, if you get the same results with a $15 crankbait that you do with a $6, then there's your answer: it's not worth it to you.

I've fished it some more the last couple days, I've caught most while reeling it at a medium speed, a few after giving at a twitch and pause during the retrieve What size for a 6" bull shad? Like a 1 or 2?

While throwing big baits?

Didn't measure or weight it... I'm guessing maybe 12 inches, 1 pound

That's a 6" bull shad in my pic That'll be my next swimbait

Is that an 8" Hudd?

Post your pics of small fish that bit a big bait!

I switched from snaps to speed clips for crankbaits recently. I've found that they don't catch as much moss, but they're also a little harder to use. As far as straightening one out goes, there's no way that will happen on my crankbait rod. I would straighten a hook before I'd straighten a snap, and even then if your rod is limber and your drag is loosened a bit you'll be fine (knock on wood).

Dip the tail in garlic chartreuse Spike It and spray some Spike It garlic on there too. That's for soft plastics. For hard baits I don't use anything, but I just bought some smelly jelly yesterday I'm excited to try out.

I would definitely jump on that deal... The Aird is great for the price, especially that price. I've used my roommate's a few times and was very impressed

Change out the hooks for what kind? These seem like good hooks to me

Why do they get picked on? I assume because of the less than pristine, hand made look that it has (which I actually like). I sure like it so far! I haven't caught a fish that size out of that pond in a long time. I didn't even add any smelly jelly to it yet since I was just testing it out, but that fish sure didn't care. Any recommendations for modifications to maximize bites on the bull shad?

I got a bull shad in the mail a few days ago but I hadn't had the chance to throw it yet. Today I hit up my usual pond for 15 minutes so I could try it out before work. I was just trying to get used to throwing it and testing out retrieve speeds. Before long I got a bump and soon I saw a small follower. Nothing came of it so I kept casting around at different spots. Suddenly, bam... A 4.5 pounder crushed it. I was super surprised to get a bite so soon, especially being my first time throwing the bait. The fish fought hard and jumped a couple times but I cranked it in because I've heard that they throw those big baits easily. I had to leave for work immediately after releasing it... It's safe to say I've been itching to go back out and see what else is interested in the bull shad. Beginners luck... I'll take it

I don't think that's necessary, personally. I'd get a fast action since you're dealing with a single hook. Might be just me though