abkeenan

Looks like the keitech was the "Don Brown Deal".

Yup. What he said. Move along, nothing to see here.

Don't stop posting new baits because of the negative feedback on the lure, it was't personal. But ya, I won't buy any of these as I really so no difference at all in this vs a soft swimbait or hollow belly paddle tail rigged on a weedless jighead.

Sebile came out with a "weedless" crank similar in nature to this a few years back. I believe it was called the Lead Balloon Crank.

Can't believe you are discriminating against poor Kentuckies and Largies. #BassLivesMatter #ConcernedAngler1950

Obama? Waterboarding might take a backseat to having to watch Tiger basketball for more than one half.

Also, the Type R is pretty much identical to the stardard Tatula. Only difference is in the color scheme and .3oz weight difference in the Type R which is negligible. No need to spend the extra $ on the Type R unless you want to look of the Type R cosmetically.

Yep. I bought mine before that promo deal dang it. I bought some HUK Kryptek gear and I really like it. Link for freebie hoodie: http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/PDF/DAIHUK.pdf#zoom=100

I actually have always kinda had a fancy for ice fishing. Instead of drinking on a bar stool watching sports on TV, you can be drinking in a recliner while watching sports on tv with a chance of catching a mystery fish from below the ice. Seems like a winner to me???? Unless I would be forced to watch MIZZOU basketball while in the ice shack then that would just be cruel and unusual punishment.

Wow! I bet that drag was screaming. Shocking you got him to the boat on light gear. I have caught some decent bass on ultra light gear while crappie fishing and they were more than a handful. Can't imagine that beast on light rod/reel/line. Nice job!

I probably throw a 1/2oz 90% of the time. Just a good all around weight/size fishing from 1 foot out to 35 feet. I'll go 3/8oz at times and also 3/4oz at times when the situation dictates. I don't bother with the 1/4oz as if I have to go that small I'll probably be throwing something else on spinning gear. I also don't bother with 1oz+ jigs as there aren't any grass mats or pads to punch on TR. Some may like the heavier weights but I find they just get snagged more than the lighter weights. The 1/2oz is magic number for me but everyone fishes different.

I never throw a jig without some sort of a trailer. I like Netbait Paca Craw's personally but there are a zillion different baits to choose from for a jig trailer. Any will do just fine just a personal preference type thing.

Per Lil Jaspers post: "Wart in watermelon seed and Bl/Blue 1/2 oz jig was ticket. "

Blind, The jig and craw trailer is maybe the most versatile bait ever invented by the bass fisherman. It's a must on any body of water in America. You can throw it year round on any body of water and catch fish. I have one tied on 100% of every time I fish. Bo aka Merc1997 (OP of this post) makes NuTech Jigs which I fish almost exclusively as my jigs now. They are awesome and come through cover like no other. Worth a look if you are going to get a handful of jigs to start out.

The "I need more space" excuse to hamstring poor Donna and keep her relegated to the back of the boat. Afraid if she was on the troller someone might get beat.

It's a badazz reel. For the $120 at SO's it's a steal. I have Lew's.....I like the Tatty more. That's saying something. Durability is still up in the air as I haven't had it long like I have the Curado E7 green tank. But so far it's fantastic. For the nerds (like me): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFRFAXeosnY

You will love it. Reminds me a lot of my Curado E7 which I adore. Solidly built reel, smooth and has incredible casting distance. Plus is looks it just looks cool. Oh and the Mag Z cast control breaking system is super neat. There is a youtube of it online if you want to get technical that is nicely done by the guy who posted it. It's lengthy and nerdy but a good tutorial of how it works mechanically. It's basically magnetic and centrifugal combined into one.

I also have one Shimano Clarus and I will agree, one of the best bangs for your buck out there....at least when it was still a lifetime warranty replacement rod. Hate the Shimano did away with their rod warranty program. Can't imagine that hasn't done serious damage to the sales of their rods. Would love to see their revenue and sales numbers since the switch to 1 year limited warranty on all their rods. The Clarus is still a fantastic rod for the price. I have the 7' MH TC4 Crankbait model and it's a great all around rod for trebled baits. Loads just perfectly to launch 3/8oz-3/4oz baits. One of my favorite rods.

A few sneak through Beaver. They are a rarity though. Bet that was fun to tango with on standard bass gear.

I also like the Duckett Ghost. The build on them isn't the best as guides are misaligned on a lot of them. The attention to detail just isn't there. But as far as comfort, actions/tapers and sensitivity I REALLY like them. Wish they put a little more effort into the quality control but I like the blank they use on them. I still think the Falcon BuCoo is the best bang for your buck @ that $100 price range and they are made in America. They have a better build on them too and the balance is just right. Can't really go wrong with either. As far as the reels the best deal going right now is the Daiwa Tatula's at Sportsman Outfitters that you can pick up for $100 also and the Type R model for $125ish. I have the type R and you won't find a better reel at that price and they cast out of sight. I've never had a reel cast anywhere close it. That T-Wing system is a winner.

While I somewhat agree, there are certainly times where a baitcaster just isn't the right tool for the job and the spinning gear is a better play. Casting lighter stuff, dealing with wind and having lighter line spooled up really can't be done as effectively with a baitcaster.

I think last year there were ballpark 600 participants. It seems to go up every year so I would guess they may be more again this year. Heck, even Champ is fishing it! He carries such a big stick that is like 10 boats right there the way he chews up water. There is no "launch site" as you may launch anywhere you wish and be on the water but may not cast or wet a line until the official start of the tournament in which you receive via text to your phone. There is only one weigh in sight though which is the BPS Long Creek Marina (Old Gage's Marina). I believe you are allowed to trailer at anytime during the tournament including to the weigh in at Long Creek. Rules are posted on the Big Bass site. I'm sure Mark can chime in on # of participants last year and projection for this year. I'll be there and look forward to it.

For $99 that Lew's setup is gonna be nearly impossible to beat. Especially for a starter combo for someone new to baitcaster reels. We didn't know your budget so it was hard to dial you in but looks like you made out well for just a Benjamin.

Nice work Champ. Don't you think it's a little extreme to use whiteout all over that jerkbait or pealing the paint off to conceal the brand?