softwateronly

Agree with everyone else before me, the crazy thing after throwing swim baits for a few years is how I never think about 6” baits as special anymore. Bass up north will all hit a bait that size. I think @8” is where you start limiting bites. scott

You can skip right to the 10”!! https://www.magnumbaits.com/store/p4/10"_MagStick.html scott

This guy have friends yet? https://thehookuptackle.com/products/dice-rubber scott

I bought these 2 on BF without checking here first like I should of, but I'm gonna give them some cold water time, hopefully I'll have an answer this year..... https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_HyperJerk_Finesse_Jerkbait/descpage-HJS.html https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Evergreen_X-Over_XV5_Shad_Crankbait/descpage-EGXO.html scott

I fish about 45mins S of Kalamazoo and my local shop has had a pretty decent selection of p5's over the last year or two. DM if you want me to see if they're holding the models you're interested in. scott

When the ice comes off, nothing beats a blade bait, damiki vault specifically, for me till the water warms into the 40's. scott

One of the many things I love about Dobyns, with a xtasy 755 all 4 of these reels are perfect on it. Definitely made me a believer in how balance affects my enjoyment. scott

These are the best four that I own as well. They each have minor differences but to me the bantam and zillion sv on the jdm sites are just the best deals currently. One for rods that want a heavy reel and one for rods that want a light reel. scott

I think I don’t understand. What gap are we looking at? @ironbjorn Mine look the same as @Bass Rutten scott

I have 5 model A’s and all of them tighten snug with no discernible gap. My reels are both shimano and diawa. I think you have a reason to send it back. scott

Similar but not the same, the gambler otter was one of my most successful pitching baits and finesse jig trailers last year. I could see an oversized version having a place. scott

Thanks……… ya jerks Now I have to get my butt up there from the southside to be in a real shop. I have enough problems buying stuff with the internet. If either of you fish SW MI, this place has a pretty great selection too. https://www.clearh2otackle.com/ scott

I have many exprides and love them. But I would take a chance on the legend elites at that price. scott

Mine have. I'm a fan of keeping them in their clamshells. scott

Haven't listened to this since I posted it a couple months ago, but here's an interesting interview straight from his own mouth if you haven't heard it. scott

I’ve set the no jack on a 7’6 MH expride without too much trouble. Reel down/sweep at the waist. I do prefer a heavy though because there seems to be more room for operator error. scott

The duo realis spybait is on my radar for this year. Got a couple to try and think there's a handful of opportunities for me in both cold and warm water. Otherwise, the okashira head is my most important prop bait. It removes skunks for me. scott

Add in the blade bait and tailspinner for a triple threat of dying shad. scott

Never tried the mullet but I think it would work. Although a different profile, the tails on the jsj hitch and trash fish move nice and subtle as well in cold water. scott

Early/mid fall for me. Without electronics I have a hard time locating them till the water drops into the 50’s. scott

Miss those things, all they ever did was catch for me. scott

What a tank! scott

I think what I called the skinny is the standard but I don’t know the 2.5”. Sorry. scott

Usually, no. But occasionally work takes me out of town for weeks/months and traveling with gear helped with weekends that I didn’t go home. scott

I just bought 3 major craft 2 piece rods for this. On average $145 shipped, but there’s really good options in the $115ea too. So far I’m happy. scott