J Francho

Nope. Most often, I throw what I think would look pretty to the fish. Some days colors really do matter, but then again, it's already a tough bite at that point.

I had a pair of heavy 5 mil neos, and I'm WAYYYYY warmer in breathables. I wade in some pretty cold weather. So cold, 32° water feels like a relief. Here's one of those days. "I caught you a nice troutsicle, lol." Fish froze in just a few minutes in the sub 0° temps.

No, you don't go bare under neoprene. You just avoid it altogether. Same goes for rubber, unless it's just akle deep water you're trudging through. Get Breathable waders. Bottom layer, something that wicks sweat, like Under Armor base layer. If it's summer, that's all you need, but in colder weather, this is where you add you're insulation layer. I like non cotton material for this. For you're torso, add a wool sweater, and optionally a rain shell, though I like that over the waders. remember, if you're out in the cold, the object is stay dry and warm. Cotton kills.

I don't relate water clarity to retrieve. I start fast, and slow down if I don't get bit.

That is a J-Will 1/8 oz. Pretty much the best in class for open hook swimbait heads.

I don't know of any science behind what that device says is the right color. Looks like an expensive gimmick to me.

Off topic, but @onetime, here's an alternative rigging for the Keitech that is durable, and hooks up well in open water.

The key code is probably under the throttle cover. Take that code, and order another from a Johnson dealer.

There's some general heeds of warning in this thread: I would NOT deck that boat.

I used to say the same about paddles, and even after borrowing high end paddles, I felt I'd rather buy something else. However, I caved and got an AT Oracle Ergo shaft, full carbon fiber. After a few days, and dialing in the right offset for me, I'll NEVER go back. I'm a "no effort" paddler, and prefer to save my energy for catching fish, and this paddle puts it all to the water. If you're what I call a "slasher and a splasher," then I'd recommend a fiberglass shaft. It has a little give for the guys that like to work at it.

At least your Shadilicious are getting bit. I couldn't by a bite on them. What Jeff said above is what you want to do. Those CPS have a 1001 uses, if you're creative.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Maybe that's when you learned it? It's a lot older than that......

You don't need anything other than a MH for the Mini-Slammer. It's only a little over an ounce.

Use an Owner Down Shot weedless hook. Gently pull it into weeds, then jiggle it so it pops off the weeds, and drops. You can trigger bites right then. Otherwise, just use a bit longer dropper, around 24". The other thing you can do from shore is bubba shot, with a heavy cover rod, and a one ounce pencil weight. Try you favorite worm/creature on your favorite hook. Throw it into the slop.

While you have been debating spending over $100 bucks on spooks, ducks, etc., another guy caught 30 good fish on one $30 bait. Think about it.

I'd get one of each, and learn to walk them. That's all there is to it.

Many newer boats come equipped with a simple depth readout. Does you no good running on plane.

They are a perennial spring season sponsor, as are many others. I think We've been partnered for four years or more now.

All my six cranking sticks, from various makers are 100% graphite and range from mod-slow to moderate tapers. If you take a BPS Crankin' Stick and compare the bend, they're on par with a moderate action graphite rod.

A properly tied knot will have zero distortion before the knot. Big Game is very forgiving, but you're playing with fire. Tighten up those knot tying skills - no kinks!

It's not a fast action.

I don't see the duck as a bass bait, more like a pike or musky bait. Yes, I have personally seen both take ducklings. Personally, I'd get neither. There's more interesting topwaters out there. If you like the rat, look at the MS Mini Slammer. Way better, proven bait.

It's hard to tell what you're looking at - there's like 12 different "spook" baits by Heddon. Add the Chug'n Spook, and the One Knocker, and the list gets even longer. There's really not much to discuss. I have two Zara Spooks. They're over decade old. Did the hook mod, have literally caught hundreds of fish on each. One is chrome/blue, and the other frog pattern.

This is a user issue, not a line issue. Cinch your knots from the TAG END, not the main line end. This is the #1 reason for knot failure.

That's up to you. The hooks work fine for me, but I prefer VMC Vanadium Inlines. I also add a split ring at the hook hanger to free up hook movement. The Super and Super Jr. already have this mod in place.