I learned about the Rebel Minnow F49. Its only 1.5 inches and 1/16oz., but its a fish catching machine when worked properly. I've always had one in the tackle box, but never used it. I've always went with my rapala baits because theyhave served me well and havent let me down, butabout 2-3 months agoI was fishing a new holeand wasnt having too much luck with the Rapala flaoter minnows, they were diving too deep and getting caught up in the vegetation. I thought what the heck, ill give the cheap old rebel minnow a try. I cast it out, counted to ten before making my retrieve, and then did two little twitches right as I started a slow retrieve.During the second twitch, the line went tight and took off. The retrieve was a slow retrieve witha full turn of the reeltaking about 2 seconds each turn.I finished my fishing within one hour and had everything from crappie,bass,and perch swallow that lure entirely. As soon as I feel the hit, or feel the line go tight, I jerk, I do not wait for the fish to take off with it before setting the hook. I have only lost one fish setting the hook right when i feel a hit, and I think it was becuase he missed the lure entirely. The color is silver with a black stripe on the back. Only problem I have had is that I cant find the lure any more. It appears to have been replaced by some holographic colored ones which I havent tried yet, but Im sure I wont like just because it wasnt what i was originally looking for
. I'll see if I can take a picture of it and post it for everybody, though Im sure most of you prolly have one in your tackle gear already.
On another note, ive noticed that the type of knots that i use on my crank baits actually affects the motion of the lure. My father in law has a pool that I occasionally use to test a lure out to see if I like the action of the lure, or to try out different retrieving styles to get the action that I want. That way, I can see what the lure does with different styletwitches, pulls, jerks, etc. While casting and retrieving multiple lures, I noticed that certain knotts created better movements with mycrank baits, particularly my wounded minnow baits. The best knott thatI have noticed for my crankbaits is the Rapala Knott, which basically forms a loop for the lure eyelet so that the knott isnt applying any pressure or torque on the lure when being retrieved. It has worked well and I urge others to try it out on your crank baits, minnows in particular. Best of Luck.
Oh yeah, as far as worms go, ZOOM June Bug colored worms and Cotton Candy colored worms. Cotton Candy for clear water with rocky bottoms, and the June bug for everything else, haha. Texas styleweedless with a bullet slip sinker.
Things you've learned this year..Tips..and my new secret lure exposed..
Ok fellows..here is my new lure I've tried..and have only caught quality bass..It's my number #1 lure It's the Horny Toad by zoom..I use green colors..Bullfrog is my favorite but I can't find it anymore..so I use watermelon..For Florida and it's heavy cover..IMHO the absolute best lure out there..My catching ratio tripled when I switched to a medium rod..let the fish inhale the lure ..tight line SET!!!fight is on.. Also..when you hookthe toad..bring the hook right up the toad's butt.This will catch more fish and keep the toad from slipping down off the 4/0 hook.They aint cheap..5 for 4.17 at Walmart. The hook is 100% weedless..it fits into a grove and no matter how you cast it..the hook is always up. 
