J Francho

I have the heavy version, and the fast taper is not a problem with treble hooked baits. As said before, I'd say it's a little overrated by bait size. The sweet spot is 2-4 oz. Sounds like you want to throw bigger, so definitely look at the XXH. The grips on the A series are VERY nicely done, and the rod itself is a little lighter, and crisper feeling than the older GS line that I've used.

You're supposed to be dredging bottom with the bait. It's imitating a distracted, feeding trout. Why you'd want to alter that aspect of the bait is beyond me. If you want a bait to swim mid column, then get a slow sink hard bait.

You probably have a favorite or familiar brand already. @reason's advice is solid, tried and true.

If you bought it new, it is under warranty. Return it.

I used to put the console graph in demo mode for my non boaters

No need for a leader for an umbrella rig. I throw it on 50# braid. Swimbaits however, are thrown on 20# CXX.

Regular price is $1500.

I've caught bass through the ice, so it never really quits. I typically switch to fishing for trout and salmon in tribs for the winter.

It's a spinning rod. Guides aren't going to improve casting distance. Lighter line, and skill will.

KVD L&L bonds to the line. It was initially developed for early, still, poor handling versions of fluoro. Later it was found to benefit all lines, even braid. For braided lines, I've found it helps them retain their color, and resist fading. You don't need to apply it to braid as frequently. For all other lines, it's a must have for me. I apply it to spools after every trip.

It's not the coffee scent that catches....

It's not his first rod. It's his first HIGH END rod. This is a pretty common dilemma we've all faced as we've upgraded.

For me, that's the hard part!

Truth! And that magic bullet trend has been around forever. Often times, it's reinforced by anglers trying something new that takes them to a new place - deep cranks, drop shot, or c-rig that takes them off the bank. A frog or weedless spoon that takes them to the slop. A skipping bait that takes them deep under docks or over hanging trees. Success with the new bait means it must have been that special bait, but really it was location.

In case anyone wanted to revisit his posts: https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/profile/4631-al-wolbach/content/

That's what I've mostly been throwing with it right now. That time of year....

Very sad to hear this. My sympathies and condolences to his friends, family, loved ones, and anyone here that saw his useful posts.

Some of you guys are a little dense. Must pre-game turkey? I'd say if you were going to pick specialized technique/bait to spend a little coin on, it would be either jig/worm rod or drop shot. It would depend on where/what you fish, but for those two styles of fishing, a light, sensitive stick is a must.

I take three tall 3700 boxes, a smaller terminal box, spinnerbait wallet and small FTO speedbag of plastics. Typical trip is five to six rods and reels. Sometimes only one or two. What goes in those boxes depends on when and where I'm fishing, and for what.

Now that's an upgrade!

I have the pink braid, and it's held up pretty well. It fades with use, but it's still pink.

Plenty of water around Roanoake, and fairly close to waters in other states as well. Plus, I just like that region. Very similar to here, but with better weather.

Th MH works well for the big 20' diving plugs. I also like for smaller hard swimbaits like Sebile Magic Swimmer. I actually have a Whopper Plopper 130 tied on it right now. So, in that sense it's also pretty versatile, but it doesn't sound like that's what your looking for.

Definitely fiddle a bit. I use heavy brakes on mine, very little spool tension. While mine isn't my farthest caster, it's one of the easiest going reels - very forgiving.

Dumb monochrome challenge from FB.