Red Shad

Thanks guys, all your thoughts have been taken on board and I will act accordingly. Most of the waters I fish here in Canada are reasonably clear and so for fishing plastics, tubes etc I will use a Flouro leader. Everything else (buzzbaits, topwaters, crankbits, spinner baits etc to straight braid. Your point re 'line memory' and mono/flouro is well taken. A guy I was fishing with at the weekend was arguing that 'pro bass anglers' were changing back to Mono and Flouro from braid as he reckoned the braid chemical make up was damaging the reels/spools of their expensive baitcasters over time. New one on me. Anyone else? I use braid almost exclusively and the lack of memory it has when its been on a baitcaster for a while between use certainly works for me among it's many other advantages over mono for most (not all) applications. But I am always open to to new thoughts on such matters and for the moment will stick to braid for most of my fishing.

Many thanks to all. BIG BZ's all round! Have managed to track down a few of these lures and with all the help I have had on this thread, will start making my own anytime soon! Once again, many thanks to all...it is appreciated!

Good stuff bassrecord! I often wonder how many of us us pursue Bass with a fly rod? I do (though not exclusively) and it seems as a percentage, bass fly anglers are pretty rare...or do they just keep their light under a bushel.....

Yes, the home made stuff is really restricted to flies, leaders etc, and rods to a degree. Depending on where and for what you intend to fish for dictates the set up you will need. The fly line is matched to the rod. For example, my bass fly rod is a 7 wt and I use both a floating fly line and a sink tip floating line with it, depending on the presentation/type of fly I am using. The lines ar also rated. 7 wt. Fly lines should always complement the power of the fly rod. To get a better understanding of this Rating (Known as the AFTM)...dona web search on AFTM flyline rating and all will be revealed. Don't get to bogged down with it....I don't...keep it simple, get a line or two that matches the power of your rod...and enjoy! It's a pretty involved subject and I would suggest you use the web to get to speed Here is a couple of links to start with: Learn the Basics of Fly Fishing Fly Lines : A Buyers Guide to Explaining Fly Lines Again, depending what you intend fishing for will dictate the lines you need. For most application a floating line and a sinking tip or Intermediate line should suffice. As to whether they are Weight Forward or Double Taper lines is a whole new subject. Enjoy!!

Not quite sure on this one. I fish my plastics & jigs etc with a flouro/mono leader to braided main line, and tie direct to braid for topwaters and spinner baits. Crank baits I also tend to tie direct to braid. Question: Is a flouro/mono leader really necessary with braid main line when fishing bass? Some days I think yes...other days no.....I can't say I have noticed a measurable difference to date...but I only fish for pleasure.....so its not like I am tournament fishing where such a perceived 'edge' may be deemed crucial. A couple of things come into play I think when deciding, at least for me and that is water clarity...and fishing pressure. I lean towards it not mattering a great deal in any case and am moving away from bothering with a leader and tying direct to braid. As I am relatively new to bass fishing, I would appreciate the voices of experience....

Thanks guys...I checked out Barlows but somehow never found that page.... That gives me lots to be getting on with....seems the Mann's Classic buzzbait is history

Not having a lot of luck on this. Anyone have a source for buzzbait bodies. Lots for spinner bait bodies but have struck out for buzzers. Buying a mould is an option, however I only make up tackle etc for my own use so it would be easier to pick up the bodies....I can buy a number of bodies (I hope) for the cost of two molds covering sizes 1/8 to 1/2 ounce. I have all of the other components required. Thanks in advance.

Thank you. I don't have a spinner bait mould, jigs, yes, but not spinner baits. ....my needs don't justify that kind of expenditure. I buy the spinner bait bodies in the various weights and put them together as I need them. I guess I should pick up some buzz bait bodies and do the same. Thanks for the info, it's appreciated.

Hi Guys, Trying to source a supplier who carries the above buzz bait (also known as the Hank Parker Classic) which I have done really well with for Largemouth. I know their are trillions of buzz baits out their but I particularly like this one . The bait incorporates a clacker as well as a revolving blade. They did it in both 1/2 and 1/4 ounce models. Only have one left and would like to pick up a few more. It may be discontinued as Mann's don't feature it on their web site? Just hoping some of you guys may know of a store that still carries them? I make my own spinner baits however not buzz baits as I don;t have the bits at this time. Any assistance would be appreciated. Red Shad Canada

Bay of Quinte, Ontario. Also a member of Muskies Canada....though Bass fishing is my Number 1.