J Francho

Is "sool" a word?

It's not an issue.

If you are bending hooks, the drag is set too high for the hooks you used. I used light wire, #4 size Split/Drop Shot hooks from Gamakatsu for this fish:

Yes, use them on a Texas rig or Carolina rig.

You need help, you're hooked on phonics.

Now is the time of year for big fish there. Once summer hits, it's a dink fest. I've never been able to find big fish in summer there.

Hük would be WAY too metal. \m/

It's fine. You could lower it if you want. It's not that scientific.

My buddy's scale was stuck in kg mode...doing conversions on the computer after the trip

No, since I don't own anything from them. At least now I know how to pronounce it, though.

Getting an accurate scale will ruin a good streak of trophy catches! I don't think that's exactly true. Most average bags at tournaments around here are full of threes. It's the guy that can stick a a couple fives, and a six lb. kicker that finishes in the money. You gotta g a little bigger than 3.5 to think you're as good as the person that catches a 10 down south.

No details on specific baits, but the big ones have not disappeared yet, like they always do in summer. Paper tournament?

Lies!

It's like that here, too. And this year there was snow into May, lol.

I don't think people intentionally lie, they just have no point of reference. Many times, fishing from public shore spots, I've seen a someone catch a three pound class fish and proclaim it a ten pounder, simply because it's so much bigger than what they usually catch from shore. I've scaled them up for them, and it's weird, they act disappointed that it was *only* 3.5 lbs. Dude, that's a nice fish! I bet they went back and told their friends it was a five.

That's true. Not many people would fish in 20 kt. winds, but if you add a pinch on weight a foot or so up the line, it will negate the effect of the wind, and you still get that weightless action of the fluke. The split shot rig was invented just for this issue.

That's a VERY general question. Cover, structure, and fish location determine what baits will work, not weather. There's a ton of videos and articles up here about seasonal patterns - too much to get into in a post. Start there, and once you're a little more familiar with seasonal patterns and where fish move to during certain times of year, you'll be able to ask a bit more pointed question.

There is nothing to disagree with, it's the law. USCG law supersedes Virginia laws. If you look at the label that details what Type vest it is, you'll see the phrase, "while being worn." @TOXIC is a guide, and therefore knows the rules. My uncle was a charter captain, and kept a couple of bricks of the old fashioned orange vests in dry storage of the boat, while he and 1st mate wore the inflatables. Here's an article about inflatables: https://www.thoughtco.com/legal-requirements-for-inflatable-pfds-2915456

I always just grabbed whatever cord was on the hook in the garage. Never really put much thought into it. Never had a problem.

Honeoye has been on fire, lately. It's a good numbers lake, and there's a chance for a lunker.

I'm also pretty certain that bass can make that switch quicker than many baitfish, which explains their crepuscular feeding habits.

Sounds perfect.

Every boat I've owned, I run the graphs off the cranker without issues.

I have one, it's legit, but most days I park in the back 40 too just because I'd rather find a "pull thru" spot for my pick up. It's a pain to park by the doors with all the foot/car traffic. I used to feel this way too. Until T1D and foot issue sort of started limiting the number of steps I have in me. It's a totally normal response. Sort of like seeing someone with an EBT card and an iPhone. You really don't know their circumstances, but it does illicit an emotional response.

I'd rather take a Nitro Z18 for $2K more.