J Francho

The bite is like a light switch, isn’t it.

I like the videos and photos you post, you're work is impressive.

I wish we could bring back metal gas cans!

That's a wall hanger. So many things going on in that picture. Would be a good conversation starter.

For each legitimate video posted, there are at least a dozen that are spam. All have to be reviewed. For that reason, rules are strict.

Can't you just open and close the cap as part of your start up procedure? Or is it that hard to get to?

It's all ball bearings these days.

YouTube has been around for a decade. You don't have to ask for likes and subs - everyone already knows that.

That's a solid pike, probably 8-10 lbs. It's really hard NOT to long arm a pike when getting a grip 'n grin shot. Getting a length and girth really helps describe the size to other pike fisherman. I fish for pike quite a bit (there's some good places near me) and those are great catches. I think of that class like I do a 4 lb. smallie. Not exactly trophies, but really good fish.

Saw a fox trying to wrestle 30# king salmon of their redds in a creek. The fish probably weighed more than the fox, but they were easy picking. Seen a family of deer crossing the lake once. Lots of weird things, the more I think about it.

That'll work well. Braid is different for sure, but it seems easier to get along with on spinning gear. even the slightest wrist flick will set the hook. Good luck, and enjoy!

Some of us even work on our own cars

You basically asked if you should use 2-6# or 10-20# leader. Neither. I'd say right in the middle, too: 6-10# for just about any spinning application. I usually roll with a spool of 8# Blue Label leader material.

Definitely get that pic printed and framed!

It's a cotton picking reel! Use well known grease and oils for your reels. I like products available from Smooth Drags or the direct from the manufacturer.

Other than spool diameter and capacity, the larger spool usually has a multi-washer stack, whereas the 1000 often a single washer drag. Not an issue if you are using braid, but lighter mono or fluoro lines might bring concern.

That's a big pickerel. Nice!

That 704 is a really nice rod. It does a lot of things well.

Back in the 90s when a majority of my fishing was vertical for deep smallmouth, I considered a pontoon. I ended up getting a deep-V tiller, but the argument for a 'toon was pretty compelling. We have an 18' 'toon now, and I've taken the queens parents out for panfish on it. For many of the same reasons you cite, it's ideal. The shade is nice too. Interesting you bring up your son's flats boat. I have sold both my bass boats, both speedsters - 18' Xpress, and 22' Bullet - but the next boat will probably be a pretty large bay boat. Bass boats are great for fishing, but do little else that's fun. They aren't the end all solution for fishing.

Yes. A lot of the time, I throw a spinnerbait right into the flooded brush. If that doesn't work, then I go to a jig.

I like them too. Nice little bit of contrast to shad baits.

The first place I go is flooded brush with clean water.

There are automatic thresholds, of which I don't understand completely, built into the forum app that require a post to be approved, from time to time. It's not a big deal, and doesn't signal that you've done anything wrong. We moderators get a reminder to review and approve these posts, and we all get to them when we see them. @Sam you can see any of your posts from your own profile page, by clicking your own name at the top left of the page, and picking "My Activity."

Nailed it.

That looks really good!