Digital camera decided it was going to work now that I didn't want the pictures off it so bad....

So here are some more pics. Let me know if I am getting too carried away here.

Better pic with the 11-0. I decided to smile for this one
http://www.calfishing.com/images/daily_reports/1_20_02_rob_11-0_3.jpg

11-0 again
http://www.calfishing.com/images/daily_reports/1_20_02_rob_11-0_2.jpg

This is what I hope to see sitting on some beds this spring
http://www.calfishing.com/images/daily_reports/1_20_02_rob_11-0_head.jpg

Another nice pic of the 13-7
http://www.calfishing.com/images/daily_reports/1_20_02_rob_13-7_2.jpg

What is it about teeth marks that is just so cool?
http://www.calfishing.com/images/daily_reports/1_20_02_rob_5-1_generic.jpg

This is the 5-1 I caught first thing. This is also what happens when you use a very sharp strong hook like a mustad ultrapoint
http://www.calfishing.com/images/daily_reports/1_20_02_rob_5-1_hooked.jpg

nice fish bruddah.

Well Rob, now that you have made us all jealous. Give us a report on the generic trout. How much does it weigh? I presume with the split in the middle of the bait it has good action. Are we ready to put a layer of clear on that bait yet? Ha ha! I would be worrie about breaking all those little fins off. Judging from the teeth marks I'd say she hit from the left or straight below. You've convince me, I going to order a rod and reel this week.

They always hit it the same way. Picture yourself eating a piece of corn on the cob. That's how they like to grab it if they can, either from underneath or from the side.

I haven't clear coated it yet but I'm going to. I just have to make sure I do it right.

I don't know why people always ask how much big trouts weigh. Mike Shaw and I were wondering this the other day because he gets asked the same thing all the time. I have no idea really and it doesn't matter. It's wood and it floats and it casts like a wood plug does. About like tying a rock to the end of your line. I wouldn't stress over it, just get a rod that's heavy enough.

Hi, Rob!

I have also been asked about the weight of plugs such as the MS Slammer. Once I even got out a scale to weigh the lures to answer a specific e-mail from someone! I wonder what they did with the info?

With wooden plugs, weight will also vary slightly from lure to lure of the same make and size (especially for home-made or custom made lures) because the wood weight and density varies, wood being a natural product.

With the general weights of these lures in the "heavy" range, the differences there are don't matter at all - as you said, just use the right tackle set-up and you can send those babies just about as far out as you want to!

The reason I ask is it seems most guys are using rods that are specd. for lures up to 3-4oz., yet the lures they throw are from 4.5 to?. I find it funny. I just have to ask questions, it keeps the hamster running on the wheel in my brain bussy.

Hi Robbor!

I know "Fish Chris" (www.trophybassonly.com; see "Fish Talk" Forum and "Articles") throws (OK, casts!) the big 4.5z 9" Castaic Soft Bait Trout on a standard Fenwick MH action spinning rod! How he manages that, I really don't know, as I found that same lure WAY too heavy on a flipping stick! In any event, "Fish Chris" has caught some really good fish on his set-up with a spinning reel and braid. Maybe the spinning reel has something to do with it, as you can expect some major backlashes on a casting rod/ baitcaster reel combo with those weights of lure if your rod does not have enough backbone to launch the lure in synch with the speed that the spool will be spinning...

Since building my Calstar GF800L (on Rob's advice gleaned from this site), its a real pleasure and matched with an ABU Morrum 6600 really puts those big lures out of sight - also great control on the retrieve ...

Anyway, that's my .02 cents worth.

Rob used his Calstar GF800L for his latest 13lb7oz Bass on the Rago Generic Trout! What more can one say?

Regards,
Jacques
www.bigbass.0catch.com

I've asked that question myself... being new to bass fishing and bait casting... and I only have one rod - a medium/heavy that can throw up to 3/4 ounce lures. I figured if these trout lures were heavier than that, I couldn't throw them... am I correct?

These plugs are well over 3/4 oz.! I'd guess a qtr. to a half a POUND! My guess is, you're going to have to invest in a heavier setup!

- jeff

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Every day Congress convenes, we lose a little more of our LIBERTY!!!

(-- Mark Levin, radio-show host/KSFO 3-6pm)

That's what I figured... I'll have to settle for what I have for now.

I threw the Castaic Trout on a 3/8 - 2 oz. flippin stick until I tried to give it a little extra and the rod creeked. I don't know what damage I did but the rod was not happy. I did check the rod and found no cracks, I guess i'll find out this spring, flippin. I also purchased a Bass Pro spiral musky rod 1-4 oz. 6'3". The rod will throw them but the rod is a big short and so is the lower grip at 10".