I am going to build a new casting rod and I want to see just how light I can get. I am planning to use it for light bottom contact baits particularly shakey heads. I am planning on the Phenix K2 683 or 684 blank, which are both between 1.2 and 1.3 ounces. I am planning on TiSic micros probably in 5s...

Hey guys, I am building a rod for a buddy of mine as a wedding gift and I want a reel to compliment it. It will be a Rod built around deep diving crankbaits like the 6xd. He likes Shimano reels, what reel is the best for handling those big, hard pulling baits?

OK, I finally got to go to the lake. I went to a lake on the Tennessee River in northern Alabama and found fish between 1 and 10 feet of water with the majority in 2-4. I stuck with the 3/8 oz Strike King baby structure jig with a baby rage craw trailer. Additionally, I continued using the Aldebaran...

I am not sure if you are wanting that rainbow trout color specifically or just the shape. Looks like Megabass, Picasso, Revenge, and VMC all make comparable shaped heads. Here is the page I was looking at on TW.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Swimbait ... BJGHD.html

They seem to swim real well. The beauty of the design is when I burn the swimbait, the weighted "keel" keeps the bait from rolling on its side. I will echo the thoughts on the Keitechs, but with that said, the swing impact fats are much better then the regular. Not sure why, but I get more bites on ...

I use both tungsten flip/pitch and football jigs, and I believe that the footballs are better than their lead counterparts. They seem to be more sensitive and less prone to snagging in the rocks that I fish. Not so sure about the flip/pitch jigs, dont see the advantage there as much, other than may...

I love that rod for jerkbaits and I would think it would be great for smaller to waters like Popp-Rs and Jr. Spooks. I agree that the bigger baits might be a bit much. Give it a shot and let us know.

Thank you. Like I said if I ever get a chance to get on the lake I will update my thoughts.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I also have the Fortrex 112. I think I will give it a try.

I don't have any experience with the inlines, but I often throw the hollow bellies this time of year and instead of using a jig head I go with the big swim bait hooks from Owner. Usually have pretty good success and they come through cover fairly well. As far as baits, I like the SK shadalicious and...

I see the F&S store in Hoover, Al every time a go to my daughter home, just have not stop. Would also be interested in any comments. This is the only one I have been to. To be honest, I was impressed with the quality and quantity of their selection. Their prices seemed a bit high, but if they are a...

http://thmarine.com/g-force-eliminatortm-trolling-motor-prop-nut.html Has anyone tried this and have real world experience to support its use? It seems like a logical idea and the concept has taken a firm stance in archery, with shallow water spawning season upon us, I am just curious if anyone has ...

I like these baits. Most of them run true and the hooks are decent as well. I started using a clip with most of my crankbaits and I can tell any difference between these and the ones they are copying.

I get rid of them and immediately throw the baits in the planos. I like it better when they all get tangled up and I waste time shaking them and hooking myself trying to get the one I want...

I am a believer on top water baits like the spook, I was wanting to give it a run on jerkbaits this winter but that bite never fired up for me down here. I was thinking it might make a difference when the bait is suspending and sitting still. I switched out the front hooks to red to mimic bleeding g...