FrnkNsteen

Throw a clear Zara Puppy while the Fish Flies and Mayflies are hatching. Seems like they can't really see it, but see movement and can't seem to resist hitting. We had one year during the Mayfly hatch where we hit it just right. The smallies were literally jumping out of the water and catching the clear Zara Puppy as it was landing. Nothing other than clear would work. I have witnesses!! ?? I only had one of the clear and my friend and nephew were ticked off! For me,... I'd like to get better at crankbaiting. I've caught some fish on them, but not often so I tend not to use them much. I watch these shows of people tearing them up on cranks and have never had much luck.

So you're saying you can manually mill a diagonal slot? ? You probably do pretty well on an old etch and sketch too! ? Mine look like a set of stairs when I've tried it! Hadn't thought about how that could be of help as I am comfortable with either direction as well and I've spent my fair share of time on a Bridgeport mill or a Lathe

I like those guys,... but that's funny!!! (Because it's true!!!) ?

I use shims for RC cars. You can get a set from Amain Hobbies that has 4mmx7mm shims in three thicknesses (.13mm( about .005") .25mm (about .010") and .5mm (about .020")). The sets come with 20 of each thickness and I just checked and they are $5.29/pkg. Do a search for Amain Hobbies 4mm spacer shim and it should pop up. They also have 5mmx8mm in the same thicknesses if you have Lews/Doyo reels

I use some flouro when pitching around mild laydowns (17 -20 Abrazx), but always braid around vegetation. We don't have much vegetation here in Indiana. Flood control reservoirs water levels fluctuate too much for it to flourish. But,.. up in Minnesota,... around the reeds, cabbage beds and pads..... Straight braid on all jigs and texas rigs!!! Lost a couple large smallmouth on cabbage bed sand flats. They pick up the bait and take off through the cabbage when you set the hook. With braid,... the cabbage stems just go pop, pop, pop as the make their run and braid cuts through!!

I don't use them much. Probably should try them more!! I have Rattle Traps, Red Eye Shad, and Rattlin Raps in my box. Probably caught more on a chrome Rattle Trap with blue or black back than any of the others. Reason?.... None really other than the Rattle Traps were the first ones I had and kind of grab them by default

I always have one in the boat. I may not use them for small fish under 12 inches, but anything of any size usually gets netted. Its better for the fish than flipping them into the bottom of your boat (I hate that) and if for no other reason, it at least protects rods from high sticking and keeps hooks under control better so nobody gets stuck. Lifted a small northern by the line one time and the dang thing flipped while lifting it causing it to come loose. When it did, the line stretched then sling-shot the lure right into my arm embedding the treble in my forearm so deep I had to push it through then cut off the barb. I use a net most of the time now! ? I prefer the solid rubber mesh nets.

I'm pretty impressed with the smooth casting of both my SLX MGL 71's and my Curado 71's. I have alao enjoyed the Alphas 800, but I think the Shimano MGL 70 series are better for casting. Alphas has better control though.

I need to try a Cara! I hear a LOT of good things on those rods. The only Falcon rods I have tried are a couple Lowrider spinning rods I picked up used.

Agreed, but for the uses mentioned, I think I would go with the Sierra 734c due to it having a little slower action. Maybe even the Sierra 733c if you are looking at 1/8oz - 1/4oz or weightless plastics. I really like my Sierra 734c for swim jigs and chatterbaits. Works good for the rest though too, except maybe the frogs.

To me, I would say it depends on how you plan to use them. I like the extra sensitivity of the Champion Extreme for certain bottom contact tecniques like jigs and worms. However, I wouldn't spend the extra money for other techniques. I've got various levels of Dobyns rods for various techniques. In my opinion, a Fury works fine for moving baits like spinnerbaits or buzzbaits, or even a 705cb for mid depth cranks. I use my Sierra 734c for swim jigs or things I want a little slower action like my 682c for topwater poppers. I like my Champion CB rods for the variety they offer (704cb, 705cb, 735cb glass and 736cb glass), but have to give credit to the Champion 734c for the variety of things it does well. I guess I'm saying that determining bang for the buck really depends on how you plan to use it.

I use both, but I've got far more lefty reels than right. Basically, anything I am pitching, casting and need accuracy or to react quick, or when working the bait, like a popper, spook, jig or T-rig, I typically use a lefty. If it's a cast & retrieve technique like a spinnerbait, buzzbait, crankbait, etc,... I can use either. For instance, my deep cranking rods have right handed Revo Winches on them that I picked up for $79 a piece when Academy was clearing them out. I am more accurate casting with my right and feel more comfortable working the bait with my right. If I am fan casting a weed edge or creekbed with a crank or spinnerbait, I can do that with either left or right so either works. The big bonus is I rarely turn down a good deal because its the wrong handed reel. I can usually use it for something! ? That's my excuse anyway!! ?

I got it on mine. Kind of hard to avoid. I just wiped it back off.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and a happy upcoming Christmas season!!

You all couldn't be more right! Kids and grandkids just left. We have lost all parents, aunts and uncles over the last few years and we are now the "Old People". Have to appreciate these times while you have them. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!

I think mine is currently on a Dobyns Fury 733c with a Curado 71 8spd and 12lb big game.

Agree that the racks for the H20 Express baits and tackle are pretty empty. We were there yesterday and they had very little of their name brand product. They did have a little bit of the new H20X branded stuff, but we will have to see if it fills back in next spring. I understand fishing sales typically drop during the winter, but I buy year around and I'm willing to bet others do too. Yep,.... That's why I mainly use them for moving and reaction baits that don't need as much sensitivity.

I have some H20 Express rods in the Ethos series, and really like the Ethos HD with the cork handle or the Ethos Nano with the cork handle. The Ethos Nano with cork grip are harder to find. I just don't see them there often. I have one in 7' MH with a Daiwa Tatula CT Type R on it that works great for lipless cranks. They also make an Ethos Nano with a rubbery "Wynn" style grip that I initially liked, but came to realize they feel more tip heavy than the cork handled ones do. The Ethos HD's typically run $79 and are often on sale for $59. Great rod for that price! My main jerkbait rod is a 6'6" MH Ethos HD with a SLX MGL on it. Casts the jerkbaits great and doesn't slap the water when working it back. I also have a 7' MH Ethos HD for a bang around rod I can throw in the back of the truck and go fish a friend's pond. Awesome balance on these! The Wynn grip Ethos Nano are normally $99 and occasionally on sale for $79, but I honestly stick with the HD. I have rods ranging from cheap Berkley Lightning Rods to Dobyns Champion Extremes and judge them all by feel, not cost. Personally I really like the way some of the H20 rods feel in the hand and have had no issues fishing them with reaction baits. They have their place on my rod rack!

It's listed under Daiwa Casting reels as Zillion SV TW right under the Zillion 10. When you click on it, it opens up to show you the full description "20 Zillion SV TW 1000" and then the suffix for whichever gear ratio you choose.

That one gets good reviews, but they are talking about the JDM Zillion SV TW G. I believe the JDM version is the 1000G and the US version is the 100G, but I may have that backwards ?

On a 4" paddletail, I think I would go with the 3/0 hook. You dont want the hook to impede the action of the tail, so I don't like a hook that is more than about half the body length, so I THINK the 5/0 would likely be too big and the 1/0 would likely be too small. As for the spinnerbait,... I typically don't run a trailer, and the hooks are fixed, so no choice to make there. In my opinion,... Don't overthink it. Start with a 1/4oz or 3/8oz in a colored skirt you like and go for it. Can't beat a white or white/chartreuse spinnerbait to start off with. Expand from there. Only thing I would suggest is round Colorado blades in muddier or stained water for more vibration, or thinner willow blades for clearer water

Worth a try.... Nothing to lose!

I haven't tried the newer dark blue Eagles. I have a couple of the older Eagles that were kind if greenish gold colored that I like. One is a 6'6" ML that I have set up as a Wacky rig for my wife.

That's terrible! They have been very helpful to me as well when getting parts for some of my Daiwa reels. Hope it's because they just decided it was time and not because they just couldn't make it! Seemed like a good group of people when I talked to them. We had a gun shop in our area that we really liked and went there often. Went in there one day and their shelves were near bare. Asked what was going on and was told they just decided 45 years was enough and they were just shutting down. Miss that place!

I fish a spinning rod with three fingers in front off the stem so I like a spinning rid with a foregrip. My favorites in the price range you mentioned right now would be the Daiwa RG or Tatula rods or the Falcon Low Riders