Native

I agree with the rest here, that's a great philosophy Don. Definitely something to be considered the next time we're on the water. Thanks man! Tim

I've never been able to side arm lob the baits cast nor have I seen anybody else cast it this way without the swimbait tumbling badly. The key to casting this bait is to reduce the tendency of it to tumble using the Pendulum Overhead Cast. Side arm lobs can't cast the bait with tumbling, that's why the overhead cast. I'm going to put on my teacher's cap so bear with me as I try to explain it. Basically, leave about 12-18" of line out from the tip to the bait. Starting your backswing you with the rod tip and bait over your casting arms shoulder, gently swing the bait back and forth from the tip of the rod until it has gained enough momentum to to be almost horizontal with the tip. At this point be prepared to begin your forward cast by slowly beginning a progressive loading of the rod tip with the bait. Now, as the bait moves in front of you on the cast let 'er loose. From the side the rod, rod tip and bait should be at a 2 o'clock position over your shoulder at the beginning of the rod tip load up which also coincides with the bait reaching the horizontal position of the baits Pendulum swing at the beginning of the cast. As your moving forward during the cast, your increasing the force of the cast forward until you reach the 10 o'clock position in front of you which is when you begin your release of the bait. At this point the bait should now be horizontal in front of you with the baits tail pointing at the horizon. The bait should be sailing forward tail first and should result in a slightly softer landing in the water. It's not a hard cast master but takes some practice to learn to slowly/progressively begin to increase the speed of the bait instead of just laying into it full force. If you do it right, it makes it much easier to throw heavier baits without as much hand, wrist, arm and shoulder strain. I occasionally practice this cast with a weighted tennis ball in the nearest empty field so I don't risk line and reel problems or bait loss issues. Hope this helps a bit. Tim

+1, there are so many others out there that are similar and better, more cost effective, $4.99 ea.? Ummm, ... don't think so. Tim

And it casts great with the right stick and line. Don't know that you can get away with using your generic Bassin' rig for it but it's not an extremely heavy bait. In my opinion, it's a much, much better bait than the Baby in every way. The Wake Jr. is 3.1 oz. and the Hyper Herring is 3.0, it shouldn't cast much differently would be my guess. Tim

Yea the Jr. definitely makes a clacking noise between the joints. Tim

Unfortunately, It's been a common problem, one that Ken Huddleston didn't seem to take seriously when I called him about the same issue. He replaced mine but the replacement bait had the same problem. He acted as though it wasn't the baits fault when called him again. Some things to try that helped me: use a lighter line like 15#-20# instead of 25#-30#. Don't use a split ring or snap between the line and the eye. Try using a drop loop style knot rather than a knot that cinches tight to the bait like the Palomar (this ultimately resolved the problem for me). Resolve to yourself that it's not a good swimming bait and slowly drag the bait along the bottom rather than trying to use it like a jerkbait or ripbait. A retrieve that is slower than crap is the name of this tune. Hope this helps you. Tim

If you want the best swimbait reel in the 300 size I'd encourage you to consider the Daiwa Pluton (ignore the 200 in the model number, everything about the reel is 300 class). I know this is going to sound like a commercial but it's an incredible reel! I also have the 400 TE and my go to reel is always the Pluton. Check it out for yourself. Tim

20-25# mono or 30-50# braid here as well. Always err to the side of caution when you can. These baits cost too much to risk a crack off because your spools line fluffed a bit on the cast and caused a birds nest. Tim

I think alot of it comes down to the thickness of the paint coats. I'm guessing here but I'd think that more coats would probably result in a softer finish which wouldn't take much for a sharp hook to penetrate. The other issue might also be whether or not the finish is baked on which really hardens a paint coat but also adds $ to the cost of the bait. Sure looks that way on my 3:16 baits at least and I've heard rumors that Mickey gets nuts with multiple coats and may also use some higher end auto industry finishes. Like anything else, its probably a compromise either way. Tim

Just a quick wipe to remove the material from the tear site then glue away. Very quick and easy. Amazing how quick that glue gets the bait back in the game. Tim

Crap, just occurred to me that you're in NY. Do you know for certain that your bass population have come off of their spawn? That could be it in a nut shell if they haven't ... Bass stage at different times around the country and stage differently in different parts of the same state. Just because one lake you fished may have been hitting well doesn't necessarily mean they've finished on your lake. May want to talke a walk around your lake and see if you see any bass sitting on nests ... Good luck. Tim

Have you tried using cover scents like Smelly Jelly or Pro-Cure? Soft plastic has a habit of absorbing oils (scent) from your hands and if you aren't adding a cover scent then that might be the problem. Worth trying. Tim

Not quite, ONE individual asked for someone to produce video like the catch-release style vid Butch makes of a 3:16 FS catching a bass. THAT'S when the drama started. BASS, you might want to consider being more accurate with the facts when these kind of situations pop-up. It's when you generalize that you start the DRAMA. Tim

Congrats on the fine Smallmouth! Nothing fights like a Smallmouth that's for sure. Might want to try a couple of Mick's Shad's also, smallies just pound them. Denver Swimbaiter, Sure took you a freakin' long time to drink the cool aid Jamie, christ! LOL. It's been a year since you used my Jr. Sissy ... You'll enjoy catchin' Smallies on the Baby but the LMB big girls prefer the Jr's and larger. Tim

Terrific Chunks Ben! Very nice stick. Sweet Jesus you folks grow 'em big out there!!! Tim

Helluva nice fish Geoff! Congrats!

Very, very cool guys! Great looking fish. They look like an absolute ball to catch as large as they seem to be in the photos. Thanks for sharing. Calicos look like a great fish to torture test the 316 plastics if they have a mouth full of sharpies like most other Saltwater fish it seems. How long do the Rising Sons and any other 316 plastics used to catch those babies last with the Calicos before you have to change them out? Was toying with the idea of using a larger Rising Son for some of the Pike we have in the area but if they get torn up too quickly, then I'll save a beater plastic swimbait or two for them. Tim

Dam that fish is awful sweet! Very nice catch. Keep it up man! Better still, pay it forward and buy the 'ole man a FS Trout so he can share the fun with you. Tim

Good job! Looks like a pretty darn nice fish too. You picked a great bait to catch your first SB fish on as well, AC Minnows rock! Keep it up.

Dang, that's a great fish! Congrats! Tim

Colors definitely look off the charts! Interesting design improvements that differentiate their products from other similar baits. That top jig hook model with the break free hook design looks perfect! Congrats on joining the family! Would definitely like to try one if possible? God I wish spring would get here already ... Best of luck on your future success. Tim

Dang, now that's really kickin' it! God I love those Stripers, terrific BIG fish, wish we had 'em here ... Nice fish Robbie! Tim

I'd love to see a Red Headed pearl white FS trout. Better still, how about a Chartreuse Headed white FS trout or even a full Chartreuse (styled like the Sissy in a Dorado-like yellow-blue-green) FS trout. These patterns would really kick some butt. Well, here's to hope ... Tim