Smirak

Ever have that happen? I’ve got a $40-ish voucher at FishUSA from my birthday (returning something). I don’t NEED anything at all, but I just HAVE to spend it on something, right?? Me and the soft bait monkey have a relationship already, a pretty deep, intense one. So, no soft plastics for me. I have pretty much everything I need to fish. What I don’t have are larger swim baits/glidebaits/etc (I fish the magdraft freestyle and love them - largest bait I throw). Mainly don’t fish them because I don’t know how to, when to and where to. It’s just something I haven’t ventured into. Heaviest rod I have can throw up to a 1 1/2oz. If I wanted to venture into the world of “larger” swim baits, where would I start?

Because of the 4th of July sale at TW, as well as a $20 coupon for TW, I was able to pick up a Lews lfs speed spool 8.3:1 (one of the best $100 reels in the game IMHO) paired with a 13 fishing fate black 7’-4” Heavy XF rod for just a hair over $100. looking forward to throwing some frogs on it.

I knew I wasn’t crazy…the 6th Sense Divine Spinnerbait has a screw lock keeper. https://6thsensefishing.com/collections/divine-spinnerbait/products/divine-spinnerbait-shad-pro

I don’t specifically know if it was a chatter or spinner, I know some of my jigs are screw lock. A-Jay - that is exactly what I’m talking about…spinning the body and flipping the tail a few times… thanks!

So, I know this is probably a stupid question, but… when I use a spinner bait/chatter bait/etc (anything with a trailer) that has a screw lock keeper, how do you attach the trailer? Do you hook it as normal and then just rotate around the lock? Reason I ask is because I have to “loop the bait and tick it in” while I’m trying to rotate around the screw lock. Makes sense, but wanted to know if that was the right way, or if there’s a better way? thanks, Kevin

Got some money saved up and want to get something a little more higher end because I want it: not because I need it, or even deserve it. Id like for it to be something that I reach for quite often. Currently, I reach for my Curado 150 mgl on a st Croix 7’6” MHF Mojo Bass nearly 90% of the time. I throw pretty much everything on it. Don’t have a heavy or a fast (8.x) reel. Got everything else covered with the exception of light/UL. let’s say $1000 baitcaster/rod budget. Kevin

I sight fished three fish on consecutive casts this weekend on a ned…found a bluegill bed, threw on top and got big mama. Threw again and got a small dink bass. Last throw another small dink bass. dragged it in front of the larger bass in the area (probably around two lbs or so) and he didn’t even flinch.

Crocs or Oofos sandals for me. Kayak or bank fishing. If it’s “chilly/cold”, I have some HUK deck boots that I wear.

Some more shroomz ned heads, replenishment of finesse TRD’s and rod socks.

Thanks all. i think I’ve decided to go with a Lews speed spool lfs in the 5.3:1 gear and then a 13 fishing crankin rod, which I believe is medium moderate (confirmation please?). This would be a dedicated crank bait rod. thanks, Kevin

To resurrect this thread, I have changed a few things around and am looking for more advice… reels: curado mgl 7.4 slx dc 7.2 lews SS 6.8 rods: same as above, though the BPS is now a 7’-3” due to a warranty issue I’m looking to add another setup (baitcaster) because of the infamous bait monkey. what would you get (not specifics, but like “I’d get a 8.1 reel and pair it with a medium moderate or whatever…) thanks

I’ve got a couple SLX DCs and a Curado (non-DC). I had a Curado DC, but I really didn’t see a $70 difference between that and the slx dc, so I got a non-dc Curado. If money were no object, I’d get a metanium dc.

While I’m not sure if it qualifies as a “beginner” kayak, I bought a Bonafide SS127. I absolutely love it. I do wish I had a pedal drive sometimes, but I think I’m going to just save up and buy a torqeedo. If money was no object, it would be a hobie PA (length undecided - probably a 12).

I have a slx dc and depending on what I am throwing, I can get it to where I want it. I don’t often try and throw as far as I can because I mostly kayak fish and can maneuver to where I want. On topic, I didn’t find the Curado DC $70 better than the slx dc, so I got rid of it and just bought a Curado 150mgl. That thing will bomb whatever I want (within reason).

I am retired/disabled at 48. I suffer from severe PTSD (thanks Iraq). I’m a 100% SCDV and draw my SS as well. Funny thing is that I make nearly as much in retirement/disability pay when I was making really good money working as a director for the man. That’s all thanks to no deductions/taxes. as for fishing, I can go nearly whenever I want. That is to say whenever the wife “allows” it.

Sorry - meant to say spinning

I’m looking at building an ultralight combo to add to the arsenal. I’m trying to keep it around $150 and from TW (I have GCs for TW). what you got? Kevin

For whatever reason, I love this line. Have all of my baitcasters spooled with 50lb.

You’re good! Still might take a trip anyway. I fished guntersville on Sunday from my kayak and was literally sitting on top of beds with fish on them about 3 feet deep that were not interested in ANYTHING I threw at them. They’d just run away and come back like 60s later. V frustrating!

real quick - where in N Alabama? I live in HSV

Thanks all. I actually fished it the way that valvo initially replied. All in all, everything was good with the exception of like 19trillion lbs of eel grass at Lake Guntersville currently…

Just thinking out loud and would like some advice. I’m trying to get a better understanding of technique specific type of stuff vs just throwing what I have. Tell me what you would pair up with what and why. Also, if possible, please let me know what I should be throwing with each combo? I’d appreciate it much folks! Reels (baitcasters): Lews Speed Spool 6:8.1, 30lb Seaguar Tactix Braid SLX DC 7:2.1 50lb Seaguar Tactix Braid SLX DC 8:2.1 50lb Seaguar Tactix Braid Rods: 7’-6” Heavy, extra fast BPS Carbonlite pro or whatever the model is called 7’-2” St Croix Medium Fast Mojo Bass 7-0” Dobyns Fury Medium Heavy, Fast Thabks, Kevin

I’ve got the Huk’s. They are great. I took a swim in mine the other day and they kept my feet nice and wet all day. But seriously, they fit great, are warm if needed. I recommend.

I was army from ‘93 (deployment to Somalia) until ‘04 (deployment to Iraq). Was Air Force from ‘05 - 14 (both Iraq and Afghanistan).

Hey Luke…I too have major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety and PTSD (thanks deployments!). Like you, I have constant mood changes as well. However, I don’t work any longer as im 100% P&T, and still have wavering thoughts. Hang in there bud and keep thinking about it!