J Francho

MLXF

I don’t guide, there’s way too much red tape here in NY. I have run kayak fishing classes, and part of the class is some on the water instruction. It’s a lot of work for not much pay. It is cool when a student catches their first whatever - from a kayak and their excitement is pretty good payment. It wasn’t putting food on the table though.

I wouldn't count that out, but almost all the guides I know aren't even after the same fish the typical weekend angler, even a good tournament stick, are after. They're on fish that can only be found by being on the water all the time.

For some, it doesn't matter whether they fish the latest hot baits or not, they just catch. For others, just trying new things and experimenting makes fishing fun. Looking good never catches you more fish. Some of us can't help that, though, lol.

Get used to Ramen noodles.

Microlite was a term used for fishing baits that were as light as 1/100 oz.

You need at least an ounce weight to punch through all that garbage.

How? Call 800-826-7042. You'll want your rod info on hand, see the link below. I've ordered tips many times, and they're less than $10. https://stcroixrods.com/pages/service-warranty-2020

That's called feng shui

Science can tell us almost without a doubt what is possible. What is probable when you get to the lake is another story - there's more to it than what has been tested n a lab that we haven't figured out. Just because an experiment proves that braid is more visible to the fish doesn't mean fluoro will get you more bites. But it might next Thursday. The book is an interesting read, and I especially like the sections dealing with fish vision.

Is that an old Rubbermaid tackle box? Those things were great! I had three of them back in the day.

Anyone's 4000 size reel with 20# braid will work, but the it's not gonna be much fun with the fishes on the ends of size spectrum. Balancing that out with a rod will be more tricky than picking a reel.

Looks like looking turned into getting. Sorry about all the damage, but we're all glad you're okay.

I don’t think any were ever made in the US.

Congrats! I generally stick to oil made by the manu. I’ve only had Mercs, so it’s always been Merc oil.

This is totally a "field fix," but I've used 3M Filament tape to replace a guide. It's not a permanent fix, not pretty, but I have a cranking rod I fixed this way around three years ago. It works fine.

Dredge G2 Mata https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/products/extreme-g2-mata-jig-xtr-g2-mt-jig5

I have a 1000 with a wood handle. Love it.

I use a slightly stiffer than usual spinning rig, 20# braid, 8-12# Seaguar Blue Label leader. Braid or braid with a leader is not my favorite, but this seems to work best for where I fish.

I prefer not to use braid, but if I do, I prefer to not use a leader. There's been some times, when I wasn't getting bit, so I added the leader, and started getting bit. There are other times, like fishing heavy wood cover, or docks, where abrasion is an issue, and if I get hung, I want to be able to break off without dragging a log or dock into the boat.

I don't think playing it would catch fish Seriously though, since this thread is pure fantasy, why the restrictions? All kinds of things washed up on the shore of Gilligan's Island. Have some imagination!

They figure their way back out, lol. I still can't believe you're wasting bacon on this. That's a crime in some places!

Maxscent is similar to Gulp! but a newer formula. They aren't the same. Seems easy enough to leave bait in the bags they came in, but that must be a problem for some. Leaving baits in the package avoids a list of other problems as well, like colors bleeding, deformities, and let's not start with what happens when you leave a Z-Man bait out! It's just a good general practice. Plus, when you want to make a quick trip to a pond or creek, you just have to grab your favorite bag of plastic baits, cram them in your pocket, and head out.

This is what you need to do, and is typically what is best for any brand of soft baits, especially scented baits.