wallyc

Nice fatty's Londonmitch, I'm hoping to get a couple thru the ice like those this weekend.

I won't be tossing it till spring, but, what kind of rod will handle a 13" Matt Dead Twitch Trout ? It weighs 14. 2 OZ's. Any advice ?

Grizz, if I will catch smallmouth like the ones your holding, i'll try the onions.

I just got a couple of 8" Hudds recently, and, the smell almost sent me backwards. I'm letting them air out in a small sub room off of the main living quaters till spring. I hope that helps, and, when I do use them in the spring I'll douse them with a baitfish scent.

Like John's picture shows, in most cases, the baitfish usually gets inhaled, maimed, and then spit out to always be swallowed head first. It's all personal preference I guess. The bigger the fish, the easier the hookset no matter where the hook is.

For many years I was under the impression that small lures will catch big smallmouth. That's true, but, I woke up one day and realized, if any fish is hungry enough, it will hit any size bait you throw. I kinda figured this way - would a big hungry guy want a whole pizza, or, just a slice ? Cast and you will receive.

I remember when I was young, I caught a 8" largemouth on a large Arbogast Sputterbug. I think bass are half crazy & half hungry. Kind of like me before I went on a diet....

Nice fish. Was the lure just sittin when the striper hit it ? I'm waiting for my 13" deadstick to come in, but, I'll have to wait till spring for the toilet to flush under it...!!

SU CREW3, Thanks for the update on the list.

Nice paint job. If it's plastic,where did you get the lure blank. If it's wood, your a carver too.

Nice fish, that's a fat boy that loves to eat. I'm hoping to get one like that thru the ice this weekend.

Could anyone recommend what rod to use to throw a Matt 13" Dead Stick Trout ? I got some fairly heavy pad / braid rods I use now, but, the matt trout is a fairly heavy bait. Don't want to snap a rod on the cast.

I'd like to get on the list, but, in Massachusetts getting the tilts ready for ice fishing this Sunday. If I could get it late March into April the earliest that would be best. Who has the current list ?

I'm waiting for my 13" dead stick to show up. What is everyone using for rod & reel to throw these monsters ?

Hi guys, I see most of you are in California. I live in Mass, and, alot of the times pond associations on some of our waters control the dam / water level. This is usually in the fall so people can fix their walls & shorelines. It's at this time of the year when I take advantage of the low water to video, take pic's, or notes of every piece of structure I can. When the water comes back strong in the spring, (or rain in your case), I can pinpoint my cast to the trees, stumps, boulders, or what ever can hold big fish. I guess you can call it taking the good from the bad. In the meantime I will pray for rain for you, after you take your notes. Good luck...

Never used a Corsair reel, but, I'm going to find out what heavy duty is all about when my 13" Matt Lures Dead Stick arrives. I'm thinking I'll have to put guides on a broom stick to throw it...

Nice job on the body shape & color. The final test will be the balance & truth of the swim. Getting the lip exact to the body wieght / size is critical. I've made a few wake baits in the past, and getting them to swim straight was the challenge. Good luck & let us know how the maiden voyage goes.

Thanks for the candle wax tip. I've been throwing Slammers for a couple years now, and, turning & fowling during the cast has always been frustrating. I'm a newby on this sight, but, I love that we all stick together by helping each other.