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If the conditions are somewhat calm, or the prevalent baitfish are average sized, Roumbanis selects the 3-inch Victory Tail, but will upsize to the 5-inch version if the winds pick up, or the fish are chasing larger bait. He also said that he likes to put the Rattlin’ Crawl’R on a 1/2-ounce version and fish it really shallow when the bass are up spawning or chasing bluegill.
He favors green pumpkin colors 70-percent of the time, but will turn to whites if the bass are chasing shad or the water is clear, and he likes black and blue in super shallow water because it gives him contrasting profiles. He throws the 3/8-ounce version most of the time, unless he is fishing ledges, or he wants the action of the Rattlin’ Crawl’R, then he turns to the 1/2-ounce version.”
ROUMBLER GEAR
Roumbanis like to be able to control not only the speed of his lure, but he also wants to maintain control over a fish once it’s been hooked. He said that he must balance the need for lure and fish control by selecting the right equipment to toss the lure on.
His choice is his iRod Genesis II 7’5” Fred’s
Magic Stick; because it provides him the
backbone to set the hook, but provides enough
tip to make precise casts around cover. He
pairs his signature rod with a 6.5:1 retrieve
speed Ardent Apex Elite reel. “I don’t want to
overpower the lure,” he said. “The 6.5:1 speed
is perfect for getting the most out of the
Roumbler.”
He selects his line by the cover he is
fishing around. Around hard cover, he prefers
fluorocarbon line for its abrasion resistance. However, when he is fishing around grass, he wants something that will allow him to snap the lure free. In this instance, he prefers 40-pound-test Gliss Superline paired with a 17-pound-test fluorocarbon leader for reduced visibility.
RETRIEVES
Roumbanis said that he tries to keep retrieves simple when fishing vibrating jigs. “I try to allow the lure and the cover to do the majority of the work,” he said. “I like to keep a medium, steady retrieve going and try to crash the lure into the cover. This makes the lure deflect wildly, or burst through the grass clumps and trigger strikes.”
He said he has really learned to count on the lure category. “I really love throwing these vibrating jigs, they have really helped me put more fish in the boat,” he said. “Plus, there is something about the action, and the ability to change the trailers that appeals to bigger fish.
“I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want a lure that does all of that for them.”
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