J Francho

I'm in the use what gets in front of the fish's face school.

NY DEC stocks literally millions if trout in our waters.

Why would pro Russian insurgents attack Putin's plane? Anyway, if I was to give my life to my country, it would be in a Blackhawk.

You could try throwing them back if it's too much trouble.

If you can, try holding the rod with the butt but, under your elbow, then your locked and loaded for a hookset.

Setup involves prop height and set back in relation to the hull. I think he had it too low. I also think he had too much pitch in the prop. It didn't like to get on plane without cavitating and spinning out. Set up isn't a standard thing, and how the boat loaded, passengers, weight distribution, etc. has an effect. It's usually a bigger deal in a lighter, high performance hull, but still applies to all boats.

Wow, that's a good start!

I'm not sure we're talking about bass exclusively. I don't eat bass - no method makes them taste good to me. Now a northern, walleye, or perch…now you're talking.

I don't have any theories as to if they're better, but in most cases, the finish wears off quickly and the hook dulls quicker. Black nickel doesn't seem to have this problem.

I cut the gills, bleed the fish out, put them on ice if I plan to eat it.

I've ridden just about every makers boat, and many different models. Fish as a co angler, and you get a taste of the whole gamut of boats. You can't go by brand. Model, what outboard is on it, whether there's a setback/jack plate, prop and setup all play a part. Lastly, and the biggest effect on ride is the driver. My 22' Bullet rides better with me driving than many other, so called smooth riding hulls. That said, one the best rides was in an older Ranger 520. Might have been an early 2000s model. Those Stratos 285 are a decent ride as well. Two of the worst rides was a Triton and brand new Ranger. In the case of the Ranger, I think driver and setup were to blame, not really the hull.

My buddy loves his Rocket, but he went back to his Zillion for frogging because it more cranking power. He said the Rocket couldn't handle the torque. I told him him to move the fish with the rod, and he said he was an old dog, lol.

After today's events, you may end up in the Ukraine.

I think my first specific rod was a Fenwick. Really nice rod for worming. I got it in the mid 80s. It said "walleye" on it, lol.

If your a Daiwa guy, the Optimus is the reel for you. If you like the tried and tru six pin centrifugal brakes, then go for the Pimmus.

I have four Pinnacle reels. My favorite is the Optimus hand tuned. It's on par with anything else in it's price bracket, and adds a couple features. I did a full breakdown if the reel in our reviews section.

In a perfect scenario, Neil gets hit by a bus, and it's me, Al, and Ged.

Most of my rods have no designated technique. I will say the G.Loomis JWR 803 that have does little else well besides jigs and worms. I'd thought it might work for suspending jerk baits, but it really doesn't throw them well. My cranking sticks are pretty much only good for cranks. But for the most part, all my other rods are multi purpose. There's specific baits that I prefer on each, but they aren't all one trick ponies.

I agree. Most likely line slipping on the spool or a defective reel.

Bob, you may want to try a dry setup in sub freezing temps.

Or that the baited trap was the easiest meal…

First, I always set my six pin brakes with parity, meaning one or two pairs on, or three on, at every other position. Never just one. I don't know if it's right or wrong, but in my mind it seems balanced that way. Magnetic brakes are different. Their adjustment is progressive, not linear. With a new reel, I start at full brakes. And dial back every few casts until I find a setting that prevents backlashes, but still allows long casts.

I use rose with blue or orange mirror for general purpose. Blue with blue mirror for clear water. Yellow shooting glasses for low light.

Yes, most any fish will eat carrion, if it's hungry.

The only way that's comfortable is causing pain? Doesn't sound right. Palm the reel, with all your fingers in front of the trigger. The rod should be between your index and middle finger, with your index resting just below the line guide. See if that helps. Other than that, Advil or go back to spinning. You have to get used to a grip that doesn't cause pain.