Kevin Van Dam Forums

Rapala Scatter Raps

2013-02-22T18:36:35Z

Heres a link to some videos for these new Scatter Rap Series. Really looks good, in my opinion!! Building a better mousetrap…..hahaha!

Scatter Rap videos

Crankbait selection: Action vs color

2013-03-22T01:28:07Z

Assuming depth as a constant what do you guys believe is the #1 deciding factor in determining which crank to throw?

Do you believe action is the most determining factor or color? Are you of the school of thought that “if they’ll eat a crank they’ll eat my Bandit and color is what I select” or “if they’ll eat only a DT then most any color of DT of appropriate intensity is what I throw”?

Substitute DT and Bandit for any crank name brand. They are there for illustration.

I’m a believe in action myself and color coming in second place.

XPS square bill cranks

2013-05-24T02:21:39Z

I just a had a phenomenal couple of days fishing these things so I gotta spill the beans on them. These cranks have the finest action I’ve seen in shallow crank and I have a lot of them. The action is wider, faster and has more roll than any of my other square bills in my arsenal. I had a greater than 10:1 per hour catch ratio over any of my other cranks including the KVD square bills. The action is insane. The only things close to it are the Fred Young Big Os and those wobble too wide and have too much roll IMO. These things are red hot for me.

The bad: They’re made from crummy plastic. I work with thermo forming and handle plastics every day and the plastic these baits are made out of what appears a to be low density brittle material, something that is consistent with our cheapest plastic. I’ve broken the corner off the bill on one of the baits already. The clear coat is thin and hook rash quickly gets into the paint. Due to the light weight of the lure, it is not as easy to cast and especially pitch, as some other square bills. Hooks are of a lighter wire than ideal.

The action is hot, the colors are good and the price is reasonable. Strongly recommended if you’re willing to put up with a lot of crap on the user end of things and value a great action. Think of these as the Senko of square bills. I do believe the low density, brittle plastic and the paper thin clear coat is what “lightens” up the lure and allows it to have that killer action. There is no free lunch in crankbait design.

Jigs

2013-05-17T12:27:01Z

Learning to use the jigs recently. Watched some of the YouTube videos of both pros and amutuers using them. I guess I am not sure if I am using them right. I know they are better off in heavy brush and all. Do you just flip them out there or do you cast them out there is my big question? The second is what tricks can you help with to keep the skirts in place?

Frog Sticker

2013-05-13T08:33:27Z

Has anyone tried the frog sticker from Bayou Tackle company. Looks interesting.

Punch Rigs

2013-03-13T03:54:36Z

How many of you guys rig up your own PUNCH RIGS for matted grass or heavy cover? Should be good in thick pads also.

Do you use a snell knot or a palomar knot to tie the hook on?

I’ve seen several videos on you tube on making a punch rig and it looks so cool. i’m waiting for the mats to come so i can give it a try.

Any suggestions on best way to fish it from the bank would be appreciated.

Thanks guys

Kustom Kicker Jigs 2K Freak

2013-05-09T09:49:07Z

Kustom Kicker Jigs 2K Freak is a jig that can do it all. You can flip it to cover, drag it on the bottom, throw it in brush piles, and even work it like a jerkbait. The thing I like best about the 2K Freak is how the bass bite it. Unlike other jigs when they bite the 2K Freak they slam it and take off with it. It also attracts the big fish for when you are needing that kicker fish. You can purchase the 2K Freak at Big Bass USA http://www.bigbassusa.com and use discount code LS10 for a 10% discount!

This link is to watch a video over the 2K Freak.
http://youtu.be/MKPxiVbclZ4

Plastic Bullet Weights

2013-04-20T16:30:44Z

I have been seeing these plastic bullet weights that some people are using for flipping. Does anyone know where to get them at? Last show I saw it on Zona when he was in Lake Okeechobee.

Line Type Castability

2012-03-30T21:03:30Z

Of the different line types (Mono, Braid, & Fluoro)...which one is the best casting in regards to distance? I’ve heard & read that fluoro cast further than all other types of line…but I’ve also heard that braid cast further or at least makes really long casts. I’ve also been able to make long casts with mono as well…so I’m again in a state of confusion &/or info/advertising overload.

I’m really trying to “tweek” the line types that I’m going to use. Researching the pros/cons of each type & looking at specific lines for specific techniques.

Lines

2013-04-10T14:55:34Z

I just got two new bait casters one is 7’6 heavy and the other is a 7’ MH both I have put braid on. My two other 2 that I have both are 6’6 MH Whooping sticks. I am trying to figure out good line to use with them so I can throw crank baits, spinners, top water. In other words a good all around fishing line. I just had 10lbs of Spider wire fluorocarbon in it and they backlashed like crazy. I have cranked my outside brakes all the way down and every which way but still getting it. Not sure if I was using a to small of a lure or what? The areas that I fish are pretty well stained and off the shore I hit rocks and trees. Just got a 14ft john boat that I will be using here soon. So any ideas will greatly be appreciated.