NorthernBasser

Bait monkey? Pshh. More like bait ape!!

Funny you mention that, because an MS Slammer has been on my list for a while now as well. What size do you use?

I've had decent success on wake baits over the years. Definitely had more success on other topwater presentations, but then again I throw them a ton more than wake baits. I'll admit I am a tackle junky, so that's probably part of the reason I want a PB Rat. I realize there's other baits that'll catch more fish than a large rat, but I just love catching bass on bigger baits. I also like the fact that they're made of resin. Should last a long time. And lets be honest, they just flat-out look cool with the color swirled in with the resin. I definitely can only get one tho. Leaning towards the 2 piece but was hoping to get others' opinion on them.

I've been wanting one of these for little while now, and think I may pull the trigger. It'd definitely be the most money I've spent on one bait, so I'm a tad apprehensive. Just curious if anybody has experience with them? And if you prefer the 2-piece or the 3-piece. Appreciate it!

RIP, Legend. So sad.

Funny you mention the RkCrawler. Got my first smallie on it the other day.

This really sucks. The world needs more Aaron Martens.

The bottom lip doesn't appear to extend out far enough.

Here I thought I was the only one using it as a "toad". You're right, the fact that you can pause it makes it even more deadly. I would like to see an even larger version...maybe a Papa Goat or something like that.

How about "if the bass aren't biting it's because they're already full and there's literally nothing you can do about it". Come to think of it, that one I made up to tell myself on days when I'm struggling.

That's what we were thinking as well. It HAS to have smallies and skis. H moved up there last summer, so he's put some time in there. He has caught one smaller musky and bunch of pike. Regarding the DNR site, I don't put much stock into that. Pewaukee Lake is a popular smallie lake here in south/SE WI. Yet their site only lists musky, panfish, largemouth, pike and walleye.

Not sure which part of NW WI you're from. But my buddy just moved up near Park Falls. Do you know how the fishing is on Butternut Lake by any chance? Supposed to be smallies in there, but' he's had no luck so far and rarely sees anybody fishing out there.

I fish black skirt/toad-style trailer 95% of the time. Gold or red blade. White skirt/toad the other times. Usually silver blade. I honestly don't think blade color makes one bit of a difference, though. It's more about the commotion and the color of the skirt/trailer.

Nope.

Awesome. I was just up in NW WI last weekend. Didn't get any smallies quite that big tho.

Dick's blows. I'd have more luck shopping at a Goodwill than I would at any of my local Dick's.

I love country music. Not a fan of Luke Bryan (good guy, tho). Really, really enjoyed this.

I don't own it but I have used a friend's. Great squarebill rod. As well as medium-diving cranks and lipless.

It's not comfortable that way. And it doesn't align better with the bail. And better question, why can't you use braid on a 3000 spool? Or use a 3000 with a med-light rod? Yeah, mine either.

You can always rig the hook a little deeper into the bait so that that knot isn't even exposed. The weight will fit flush against the bait as well.

Looking at stock photos, it looks like it's the norm. I just can't believe I haven't seen any reviews mentioning it. It's quite uncomfortable, and I have average size hands.

I recently purchased a Vanford 3000. I paired it with a 6'9" med-light Zodias. Great looking setup. I took it out for the first time a few days ago and noticed how uncomfortable the reel feels in my hand. The problem is the distance between the reel foot and the 'arm' of the reel is smaller than any other reel I've ever used. So my knuckle actually rubs on the bend ('arm'?) where the reel foot angles down and connects to the body. Strangely, I haven't seen this mentioned in any reviews I've read. Does anybody else have this issue? Is it possible it's just an issue on the reel I got...as in being a defect (unlikely)? Here it is compared to a Tatula and President. You can see how narrow that gap is compared to the others.

The medium, for sure..

I just got the 6'9" med-light today. Paired it with a Vanford 3000. Super light setup, and balances perfectly. Not to mention they look great together.