NorthernBasser

@ol'crickety good luck, and report back! And if you plan on trying other creature baits, the Berkley Pit Boss is a must-have. FYI- there's also a mid-size Brush Hog now, which I like a lot.

This also works for rods/reels. Including Megabass, Shimano and Daiwa.

It should still function properly. But it would get the best of my OCD, for sure.

Copperstate Tackle 20% off. No code needed.

25% off Dobyns at ALF again...

I'm glad you're enjoying that Combat Stick! Some people like the tip a little softer for jerkbaits. Some like it a tad faster so you can impart action a little easier. It's honestly personal preference. You definitely don't want the rod too heavy/fast since you're usually dealing with lighter wire trebles. Something to consider re: St. Croix. Their XF isn't the same as most companies XF. They're usually a little softer.

For those who haven't checked their emails yet.

I like Daiwa rods. Really nice stuff. But I like Shimano's line of rods better, personally. From Zodias to Expride to Poison Adrena. Great rods you may wanna check out as well.

Stocked up on a few more TW exclusive black/blue Jackhammers. They're my new favorite. Got more Vapor Shad's. The Hematoma Red Glitter color is different. The blue in it is translucent. I notice Berkley isn't making the Powerbait Bunker Hawg anymore, so had to stock up on some I found. Will probably get more. They have the MaxScent Creature Hawg now instead. It's almost identical, but it's $3/pack more ($6 vs $9) and comes with 2 less baits. The Bunker Hawg is one of my favorite punching baits, even though it isn't overly durable. Took advantage of Dick's buy 3/get 3. $5 EVOs is a steal. I should've got even more.

Agree with this, too. 12-14# leader would work fine.

Personally I'd drop down to 30# braid. You can use straight braid for topwater, but some like to add a shorter mono leader for walking baits because sometimes the hooks can get tangled with the trebles while walking it. Swim jigs you can go straight braid, but if fishing really clear water you can add a fluoro leader if you want.

Never fished this rod before, but Dick's has the 13 Fishing Meta (6'8 M Casting) for $75. Regular $150.

Get the 'gel control'. Works great.

Love that jig paired with a Strike King Scounbug (which might be the worse name of any bait ever made...unless somebody can tell me what the heck a scounbug is).

For those who do color their line, the quickest/easiest way is to get one of the chisel tip Sharpies and take a razor blade and make one slice down the middle. Slide the line in there and and just swipe up and down a few times. Much easier that way IMO.

Yeah, but that thing can weigh a fart down to a tenth of an ounce.

Hmm, interesting. There aren't any nicks in any of the guide inserts that the knot/line could be catching on, is there? I have the 7's MH Expride A and always run braid to leader with no issues. I use the Alberto Knot for connecting my leaders.

Oh I get that, for sure.

That's good they price-match, but then I'd just rather get them from TW or another place where they aren't trying to rip people off.

Good deal. But it's still annoying they charge $20 for their Jackhammers while they're $16 retail everywhere else.

Dang. I had a rod in my cart that I've been hemming and hawing over (I'm officially old). I guess they made the decision easier for me. 😅

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