Where are all the Illinois Guys ?

[Jig Rookie]

4 hours ago, JWall14 said:

As someone who is diving head first into the swimbait game this year this is very tempting. Any input on these?

No personal input--I've never fished them, I've got so many softbaits I won't be in the market for any more for years. But TONS of YouTube and online info, reviews and such. They definitely get bit (check the Swimbait Underground website for fish catches and reviews) and they go like hotcakes whenever there's a drop. As in, the drop happens at 8p and they're sold out by 8:09. Black market resale value is high on em too. 

Also, good luck with big baits and welcome to the game! I started throwing them in 2018 and it's awesome. Two things; first, be prepared to get skunked. Not sure what fishing stage you're in but if you're one of those "I NEVER get skunked when I go fishing! *beats chest proudly*" types, it's probably not for you. You will have skunk trips, maybe even skunk weeks depending how big the fish in your waters are. When I started throwing em I was at a point where I wanted to target the biggest fish in the body of water I'm fishing, not worried about the skunk. Catching a bunch of  1.5lb schoolies held no interest for me anymore.

Second thing: gotta dedicate yourself to it. Have trips where you take only the big baits out--if you bring your trusty conventional confidence baits you'll doubtless pick em up as soon as you start feeling that skunk coming on, and you won't put in enough time to really learn how best to fish them and how fish react to the big baits in your waters.

Good job man, love to see another bigbaiter join the ranks. 

[JWall14]

1 hour ago, Jig Rookie said:

No personal input--I've never fished them, I've got so many softbaits I won't be in the market for any more for years. But TONS of YouTube and online info, reviews and such. They definitely get bit (check the Swimbait Underground website for fish catches and reviews) and they go like hotcakes whenever there's a drop. As in, the drop happens at 8p and they're sold out by 8:09. Black market resale value is high on em too. 

Also, good luck with big baits and welcome to the game! I started throwing them in 2018 and it's awesome. Two things; first, be prepared to get skunked. Not sure what fishing stage you're in but if you're one of those "I NEVER get skunked when I go fishing! *beats chest proudly*" types, it's probably not for you. You will have skunk trips, maybe even skunk weeks depending how big the fish in your waters are. When I started throwing em I was at a point where I wanted to target the biggest fish in the body of water I'm fishing, not worried about the skunk. Catching a bunch of  1.5lb schoolies held no interest for me anymore.

Second thing: gotta dedicate yourself to it. Have trips where you take only the big baits out--if you bring your trusty conventional confidence baits you'll doubtless pick em up as soon as you start feeling that skunk coming on, and you won't put in enough time to really learn how best to fish them and how fish react to the big baits in your waters.

Good job man, love to see another bigbaiter join the ranks. 

Thanks did not expect that good of a reply! Those look very tempting! I am with you, I fish some water with big ones in there and I am really not interested in catching numbers anymore. I guess you could call my transition bait has been an A-rig but I am much more committed to throwing the big glides and softbaits. I agree with you in the sense that I should have some days where I only throw big baits. Not really concerned with the skunk as it will eventually get me a big one. Thanks for the input! 

[dgkasper58]

3 hours ago, JWall14 said:

Thanks did not expect that good of a reply! Those look very tempting! I am with you, I fish some water with big ones in there and I am really not interested in catching numbers anymore. I guess you could call my transition bait has been an A-rig but I am much more committed to throwing the big glides and softbaits. I agree with you in the sense that I should have some days where I only throw big baits. Not really concerned with the skunk as it will eventually get me a big one. Thanks for the input! 

I'll add skunks happen more than often for me when I'm "dedicated" but when you get one its awesome... Even when they are small you just cant imagine why that fish bit your lure...

 

4 hours ago, Jig Rookie said:

No personal input--I've never fished them, I've got so many softbaits I won't be in the market for any more for years. But TONS of YouTube and online info, reviews and such. They definitely get bit (check the Swimbait Underground website for fish catches and reviews) and they go like hotcakes whenever there's a drop. As in, the drop happens at 8p and they're sold out by 8:09. Black market resale value is high on em too. 

Also, good luck with big baits and welcome to the game! I started throwing them in 2018 and it's awesome. Two things; first, be prepared to get skunked. Not sure what fishing stage you're in but if you're one of those "I NEVER get skunked when I go fishing! *beats chest proudly*" types, it's probably not for you. You will have skunk trips, maybe even skunk weeks depending how big the fish in your waters are. When I started throwing em I was at a point where I wanted to target the biggest fish in the body of water I'm fishing, not worried about the skunk. Catching a bunch of  1.5lb schoolies held no interest for me anymore.

Second thing: gotta dedicate yourself to it. Have trips where you take only the big baits out--if you bring your trusty conventional confidence baits you'll doubtless pick em up as soon as you start feeling that skunk coming on, and you won't put in enough time to really learn how best to fish them and how fish react to the big baits in your waters.

Good job man, love to see another bigbaiter join the ranks. 

 

Softbaits for days?  What do you have?  I seriously only toss hudd 68 and magdrafts freestyles.  I'd be open to experiment

[JWall14]

11 hours ago, dgkasper58 said:

I'll add skunks happen more than often for me when I'm "dedicated" but when you get one its awesome... Even when they are small you just cant imagine why that fish bit your lure...

 

 

Softbaits for days?  What do you have?  I seriously only toss hudd 68 and magdrafts freestyles.  I'd be open to experiment

Not a glide bait guy??

[dgkasper58]

2 hours ago, JWall14 said:

Not a glide bait guy??

I was talking strictly soft baits.  I have a few glides but have not dove into the deep end yet...  I almost bought an Islide but will wait until I lose an S waver lol.  I am going to try and stop buying "big" baits as I only heavily fish the spring with them around here as I rarely get to go out in the fall. 

 

My swimbaits fit in 1 3700 box and still annoy me at how much it costs lol

[Bdnoble84]

19 hours ago, Jig Rookie said:

No personal input--I've never fished them, I've got so many softbaits I won't be in the market for any more for years. But TONS of YouTube and online info, reviews and such. They definitely get bit (check the Swimbait Underground website for fish catches and reviews) and they go like hotcakes whenever there's a drop. As in, the drop happens at 8p and they're sold out by 8:09. Black market resale value is high on em too. 

Also, good luck with big baits and welcome to the game! I started throwing them in 2018 and it's awesome. Two things; first, be prepared to get skunked. Not sure what fishing stage you're in but if you're one of those "I NEVER get skunked when I go fishing! *beats chest proudly*" types, it's probably not for you. You will have skunk trips, maybe even skunk weeks depending how big the fish in your waters are. When I started throwing em I was at a point where I wanted to target the biggest fish in the body of water I'm fishing, not worried about the skunk. Catching a bunch of  1.5lb schoolies held no interest for me anymore.

Second thing: gotta dedicate yourself to it. Have trips where you take only the big baits out--if you bring your trusty conventional confidence baits you'll doubtless pick em up as soon as you start feeling that skunk coming on, and you won't put in enough time to really learn how best to fish them and how fish react to the big baits in your waters.

Good job man, love to see another bigbaiter join the ranks. 

My goal is a 4+ 20” smallie this year. I lost 2 that were pushing last year. Plus nothern are plentiful in the rivers I fish. I get more and more away from finesse fishing each year. So im ok with the skunk. I have days where i just want to catch something but i can throw the smaller stuff those days. Ive been going enough that i can put the time in. My biggest issue is i am in love with throwing spinnerbaits so thats the one think its hard not to put on some days. But this whole swimbait/ glide bait thing has me intrigued.

 

what do you use for a rod. I have a catfish rated rod that ive been playing with, seems ok as i get into it. But if im going to commit ill have to get a better setup without breaking the bank.

[Jig Rookie]

11 hours ago, Bdnoble84 said:

My goal is a 4+ 20” smallie this year. I lost 2 that were pushing last year. Plus nothern are plentiful in the rivers I fish. I get more and more away from finesse fishing each year. So im ok with the skunk. I have days where i just want to catch something but i can throw the smaller stuff those days. Ive been going enough that i can put the time in. My biggest issue is i am in love with throwing spinnerbaits so thats the one think its hard not to put on some days. But this whole swimbait/ glide bait thing has me intrigued.

 

what do you use for a rod. I have a catfish rated rod that ive been playing with, seems ok as i get into it. But if im going to commit ill have to get a better setup without breaking the bank.

Start with the Dobyns Fury series--the Fury 795sb (7'9", Medium Heavy/Fast, rated 1-4oz) and the 806sb (8'0", Heavy/Fast, rated 2-8oz) are on TW for $129, that's the best price you're gonna find for a quality Swimbait rod. I own both and have zero complaints. It's good that you've got pike in your waters--I never caught a pike until I started throwing big baits but no I've caught a bunch, they're a nice side catch when the bass aren't eating. Later on you might want to get into the higher end, custom built rods (for which you can spend upwards of $1k or more for DRT, Deps, Moams, Low Down Customs and others), but just getting into the game I'd start with the Dobyns.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Dobyns_Fury_Casting_Rods/descpage-DFC.html

[Bdnoble84]

5 minutes ago, Jig Rookie said:

Start with the Dobyns Fury series--the Fury 795sb (7'9", Medium Heavy/Fast, rated 1-4oz) and the 806sb (8'0", Heavy/Fast, rated 2-8oz) are on TW for $129, that's the best price you're gonna find for a quality Swimbait rod. I own both and have zero complaints. It's good that you've got pike in your waters--I never caught a pike until I started throwing big baits but no I've caught a bunch, they're a nice side catch when the bass aren't eating. Later on you might want to get into the higher end, custom built rods (for which you can spend upwards of $1k or more for DRT, Deps, Moams, Low Down Customs and others), but just getting into the game I'd start with the Dobyns.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Dobyns_Fury_Casting_Rods/descpage-DFC.html

Thanks man, appreciate it

[JWall14]

16 minutes ago, Jig Rookie said:

Start with the Dobyns Fury series--the Fury 795sb (7'9", Medium Heavy/Fast, rated 1-4oz) and the 806sb (8'0", Heavy/Fast, rated 2-8oz) are on TW for $129, that's the best price you're gonna find for a quality Swimbait rod. I own both and have zero complaints. It's good that you've got pike in your waters--I never caught a pike until I started throwing big baits but no I've caught a bunch, they're a nice side catch when the bass aren't eating. Later on you might want to get into the higher end, custom built rods (for which you can spend upwards of $1k or more for DRT, Deps, Moams, Low Down Customs and others), but just getting into the game I'd start with the Dobyns.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Dobyns_Fury_Casting_Rods/descpage-DFC.html

The dobyns swimbait rod is the standard for that price point. Really great steal of a rod.

[Jig Rookie]

23 minutes ago, JWall14 said:

The dobyns swimbait rod is the standard for that price point. Really great steal of a rod.

100%

[Kevhead19]

7 hours ago, Bdnoble84 said:

My goal is a 4+ 20” smallie this year. I lost 2 that were pushing last year. Plus nothern are plentiful in the rivers I fish. I get more and more away from finesse fishing each year. So im ok with the skunk. I have days where i just want to catch something but i can throw the smaller stuff those days. Ive been going enough that i can put the time in. My biggest issue is i am in love with throwing spinnerbaits so thats the one think its hard not to put on some days. But this whole swimbait/ glide bait thing has me intrigued.

 

what do you use for a rod. I have a catfish rated rod that ive been playing with, seems ok as i get into it. But if im going to commit ill have to get a better setup without breaking the bank.

I use a lot of 1-4oz lures in IL waters. I have an Evergreen ND180 rod (basically 1-4 oz, 7'8) and a custom 7'8 1-5 that I rotate through. I have also used a Dobyns Champ 796 but disliked the shorter handle.

 

Dont feel like these are secrets but the following work well for me:

 

Jenko Booty Shaker 6 inch ( budget WCZcitizen option )

WCZ citizen 6 and 7 ( spendy )

Megabass I wing 135

Megabass Magdraft 8inch

Spro Rat 50

Valley Hill Boogie Back (JDM harder to source)

 

Grab one of the Furys, a 200 sized reel, a softbait and a topwater and have fun.

 

Wakebaits work well and are easier to recover if there is an issue. 

[Jig Rookie]

1 hour ago, Kevhead19 said:

I use a lot of 1-4oz lures in IL waters. I have an Evergreen ND180 rod (basically 1-4 oz, 7'8) and a custom 7'8 1-5 that I rotate through. I have also used a Dobyns Champ 796 but disliked the shorter handle.

 

Dont feel like these are secrets but the following work well for me:

 

Jenko Booty Shaker 6 inch ( budget WCZcitizen option )

WCZ citizen 6 and 7 ( spendy )

Megabass I wing 135

Megabass Magdraft 8inch

Spro Rat 50

Valley Hill Boogie Back (JDM harder to source)

 

Grab one of the Furys, a 200 sized reel, a softbait and a topwater and have fun.

 

Wakebaits work well and are easier to recover if there is an issue. 

Dude, this post is spooky... literally three of the six baits you mention stay in my rotation: caught my first big softbait fish on the 7" Jenko Booty Shaker; the Spro Rat 50 and the Boogie Back are my GO-TO topwater baits, caught my first ever 5lb bass on the Boogie Back. Like minds, ha. 

23 hours ago, dgkasper58 said:

I'll add skunks happen more than often for me when I'm "dedicated" but when you get one its awesome... Even when they are small you just cant imagine why that fish bit your lure...

 

 

Softbaits for days?  What do you have?  I seriously only toss hudd 68 and magdrafts freestyles.  I'd be open to experiment

Missed this post somehow. Man I've got some of everything as far as softies go; Hudd 8" and 68s; Jenko Booty Shakers; Beast Coast Creeps; Keitech Fat 7.8s; Savage Gear Pulse Tail Trouts, Gills, and segmented line-thrus; Swamp Trout shads (these are like direct knockoffs of Citizens); Shellback Customs; Real Prey shads; then two summers ago I bought a couple molds and started hand-pouring my own 7" softies with plastisol. Seriously, if I can keep the bait monkey away I shouldn't have to buy softies for a LONG time.

 

Pics below are my softbait box and that Swamp Trout bait.  Not sure if he purposely designed it like the Citizen, but it's a close rendition for sure.

[JWall14]

12 hours ago, Jig Rookie said:

Dude, this post is spooky... literally three of the six baits you mention stay in my rotation: caught my first big softbait fish on the 7" Jenko Booty Shaker; the Spro Rat 50 and the Boogie Back are my GO-TO topwater baits, caught my first ever 5lb bass on the Boogie Back. Like minds, ha. 

Missed this post somehow. Man I've got some of everything as far as softies go; Hudd 8" and 68s; Jenko Booty Shakers; Beast Coast Creeps; Keitech Fat 7.8s; Savage Gear Pulse Tail Trouts, Gills, and segmented line-thrus; Swamp Trout shads (these are like direct knockoffs of Citizens); Shellback Customs; Real Prey shads; then two summers ago I bought a couple molds and started hand-pouring my own 7" softies with plastisol. Seriously, if I can keep the bait monkey away I shouldn't have to buy softies for a LONG time.

 

Pics below are my softbait box and that Swamp Trout bait.  Not sure if he purposely designed it like the Citizen, but it's a close rendition for sure.

Thoughts in the savage gear pulse trout? Their price makes them very tempting.

[slonezp]

If you have young kids, CCFD has an event at Bode Lake on Sunday to look at aquatic life. Weather permitting, I'll be there with the grandkid. Will probably drop a line as well.

 

https://fpdcc.com/event/pond-dipping/

[Jig Rookie]

4 hours ago, JWall14 said:

Thoughts in the savage gear pulse trout? Their price makes them very tempting.

I think they're awesome--paint jobs are detailed and durable, bait is durable, really natural looking tail kick and slight head wobble at slow speeds. They're a Hudd alternative and honestly in my experience the paint job is way more durable than the Hudd--I lose paint off the Hudd just from bottom-bouncing it, the only time I've lost paint on the Pulse is when it got wrecked by a pike. Pulse Tail comes with nail weights and has a chamber in the tail where you can add a rattle. Also, the new version of the Pulse, called "RTF" (ready to fish) comes with a jig hook and a built-in stinger (with the Hudd we often add a stinger, which isn't super difficult or time-consuming but Savage addressed that by just standardizing that option). I know experienced bigbaiters who choose the Pulse over the Hudd and claim they get bit way more, in fact some guys have NEVER been bit on the Hudd but slay on the Pulse. 

For my money it's Pulse Tail for the win. The action is pretty much the same as the Hudd but price, durability and that ready-to-fish jig hook+stinger option seal it for me. Below pic is that RTF. Note: when you actually have it in hand you push the stinger down flush so you don't see the wire or hookeye, just the two visible  prongs of the treble. I guess in this pic they've got it lifted a bit so you can see what the rigging actually looks like. 

[Jig Rookie]

Man I hope some of  you were able to get out there today, it was FISHY.  I got out to a pond this afternoon on the way to work--it wasn't pouring yet but it was a constant drizzle with up to 30mph south winds.  I decided to throw the Tiny Klash (actually a blank knockoff Tiny Klash that I painted a Golden Shiner pattern) and stuck a good one one, she went 18" and 3.19lb.  Went to work and an hour after I get there my buddy texts me that he's about to hit up a lake less than 20 minutes from the casino.  I'm like Man, this weather is so fishy I'm gonna run over there with him for an hour.  I play poker for a living so I'm able to skip out any time and I run over to the lake.  I'm working the TK, looking at my buddy's lure and not really paying attention to what I'm doing when my rod almost gets ripped outta my hands. This one ends up being barely twice the size of the lure, aggressive little dude.  It was good to get this one day of great conditions; now we're back to another week of up-and-down unstable and cold weather.  

[Junk Fisherman]

Hit up Newton on Monday and it was slow.  The cold front seemed to really turn off the fish.  Around 35 at daylight and it only got up to 45 by the end of the day.  Tried shallow and deep and a variety of baits with not much luck.  I did have one little flurry at the end of the day.  Hit a shoreline I had done well on in the past and caught a few fish with one being 17 inches.   Decided to make one last pass before leaving and am very glad I did. My bait was hung up in some rocks and when I unsnagged my lure, a big fish hit instantly. I was using light line and the fish wrapped me around my Livescope down rod.  I knew it was big and I figured I'd lose it when I unwrapped my line. I had to raise the pole and unwrap my line and the fish was still surprisingly hooked. Landing this fish makes up for several fish I have lost this spring including a big bass in a tournament that was a couple feet from the net.  The fish weighed 6.18 lbs.  This fish definitely saved the day for me.  (Sorry I had to block out the background.  I usually turn away from obvious background sites but I wanted to get this fish back in the water.  And anyone who fishes Newton would know where I was and I don't want to give this spot more attention.)

[JWall14]

1 hour ago, Junk Fisherman said:

Hit up Newton on Monday and it was slow.  The cold front seemed to really turn off the fish.  Around 35 at daylight and it only got up to 45 by the end of the day.  Tried shallow and deep and a variety of baits with not much luck.  I did have one little flurry at the end of the day.  Hit a shoreline I had done well on in the past and caught a few fish with one being 17 inches.   Decided to make one last pass before leaving and am very glad I did. My bait was hung up in some rocks and when I unsnagged my lure, a big fish hit instantly. I was using light line and the fish wrapped me around my Livescope down rod.  I knew it was big and I figured I'd lose it when I unwrapped my line. I had to raise the pole and unwrap my line and the fish was still surprisingly hooked. Landing this fish makes up for several fish I have lost this spring including a big bass in a tournament that was a couple feet from the net.  The fish weighed 6.18 lbs.  This fish definitely saved the day for me.  (Sorry I had to block out the background.  I usually turn away from obvious background sites but I wanted to get this fish back in the water.  And anyone who fishes Newton would know where I was and I don't want to give this spot more attention.)

My brother fished the High school tourney last weekend. Seems like the fishings hot! Nice fish!

[slonezp]

On 3/30/2022 at 10:33 AM, slonezp said:

If you have young kids, CCFD has an event at Bode Lake on Sunday to look at aquatic life. Weather permitting, I'll be there with the grandkid. Will probably drop a line as well.

 

https://fpdcc.com/event/pond-dipping/

Event was canceled do to low registration numbers.  

[Junk Fisherman]

Hit up Newton again on Friday and had a much better day than on Monday.  It was cold to start but by around 1 PM it got sunny and was quite pleasant.  Water wasn't as muddy as I expect with all the midweek rain.  Figured it would be slow again with the big cold front that hit on Thursday.  Water temps were in the low 50s and fish were deep on points and breaklines.  I caught a few and marked a lot with my electronics, at least I figure they were bass.  I had nothing going on in the shallows.  Moved to a steep dropoff where I caught a 6 lber on Monday and caught 3 fish in the 18"-19" ranged.  I had to use finesse since fast-moving baits and bigger jigs and plastics got no action.  Overall, it was a good day.  If I didn't have to leave I feel I could have caught more fish eventually.  Definitely, a big fish area.  

[Jp_midwest]

hey i have a question for all of you guys does anyone know who does rod repairs in the NW chicago suburbs i popped the insert out of the tip guide and i was wondering if anyone professional can do it. its a st.croix bass x and i know st croix has the warranty i feel like spending 50 dollars for a replacement rod when a repair would be cheaper im guessing. 

[Skunked again]

You should be able to do it yourself. Just look on YouTube 

[Bass Rutten]

 

8 hours ago, Jp_midwest said:

who does rod repairs in the NW chicago suburbs

There’s a guy in elgin, he’s on fb, goes by tricky sticks

[Bdnoble84]

On 4/7/2022 at 11:15 PM, Jp_midwest said:

hey i have a question for all of you guys does anyone know who does rod repairs in the NW chicago suburbs i popped the insert out of the tip guide and i was wondering if anyone professional can do it. its a st.croix bass x and i know st croix has the warranty i feel like spending 50 dollars for a replacement rod when a repair would be cheaper im guessing. 

Just buy a replacement tip to install. Super, super simple fix. You can get generic fujis from any sporting good store or if you want to upgrade. U can look online. Depends how much braid you throw. Typically most guides have been a 5 or six size that ive replaced

[slonezp]

Took dad to do a little meat fishing on the Fox. The kitty was the big fish of the day, maybe 5-6 lbs. Funny thing was, we probably caught over 40 juvenile bass.