J Francho

Probably 20 years ago or more.

Shimano made a two speed lo pro reel. Bantam Black Magnum II. 3.8:1 and 5.2:1. It even had mag brakes. It was fussy.

Andy Griffith, Gilligan's Island, The Fugitive.

I remember when 5:1 casting reels were called high speed. It's interesting that no one discusses spinning gear ratios. A small 6:1 spinning reel can take up 30+ IPT.

All braid digs in. I personally don't drop below 50# on casting gear, but that's up to you.

For the kayak, anything comfortable will do. For wading, you want to consider terrain. I use Korkers boots, and in winter, I prefer the hard plastic tread with studs. In warmer periods, I like felt with studs.

No, you are increasing the distance your hand travels. One turn gets you 7 spool revolutions on a 7:1 reel, whether the handle is 90mm or 9 inches. Also, the longer the handle the less torque it takes to torn that reel. In sone situations, a long handle just feels better. In others I like short handle. As far as 9:1 reels go, my 7:1 reels aren't my favorite for moving baits. There will always be room for a slower reel.

Honestly, the jigs are way better than typical stuff on the shelves. And as far as prices go, they're pretty inexpensive if you consider how long a wire tied bait lasts.

I can't imagine going through what they are going through. So sad.

Otters and baby otters are a staple in my plastics arsenal.

Unless you are fishing in sandy surf, stocking foot breathable waders will work. Be sure to wear a wading belt. This will prevent you fro drowning should you go in from the kayak.

I'll take that. Lol. Good stuff as usual guys.

I think this is starting to be over thought.

It's a new lake? How long has there been fish in it?

Typically, image files on a website are displayed via a content management system - database and web software, basically. Some packages make renaming files difficult. Files are tagged with metadata, like time, date, geotag location data, and often the caption when they are updated. The metadata can be edited, but the file name is often impossible to change without uploading again. Screw ups happen. I really don't see this as some big boo boo. They fixed the caption. The file name could be mickeymouse,jpg, and still be accurate.

If you see them, chances are they see you. Doesn't mean they won't bite, but if there's been any fishing pressure, it could turn them off. Try sneaking up from a different angle, and don't immediately start casting. They can sense the footsteps coming to shore, but will forget your there if you wait a few minutes.

I pick my color simply by what strikes my fancy. I think one time color really mattered. Green and orange. Must been on a perch bite. I generally feel it's about getting the jig to the fish. Head design can be a big factor in this, though an arky style dies most everything pretty well. Anyway, the jigs I the most of are black, blue, brown, and, green. Probably my favorite is a brown/green/orange that matches perfectly with a Ragetail Bama colored Craw. Siebert makes them for me. While I'm on it, I also recommend going hand tied. You'll save money in the long run. They last much longer.

I keep a couple of $2 ponchos for guests. They work. For me, Frogg Toggs work, and if I know it's gonna pour, I have some Marmot rain gear.

I like a short handle for topwater, but that makes a 6-10 more like a 7', which is too tall for me. Something 6' to 6-6 is usually perfect. For wobbly reels, a small piece of electrical tape on each foot solves the issue and preserves the finish, if you plan to resell later.

Pick what you like. Often you can force feed prespawn fish. As always, you have to get the bait to the fish.

It kind depends on the lake. If you said Erie or Ontario, I'd say a small plastic on a drop shot, most times of the year, since they are out deep. If it's a Finger Lake, I might pick a spinnerbait or a fast topwater. Lakes up in the ADK, I'd probably say a grub. Some baits are better in certain circumstances. Getting bit is more about using a bait that gets to the fish, and through any cover

All my Sammys came with a split ring. I cut them off and use a #2 or 3 duo lock snap. One type of bait that hardly ever comes with a snap is a popper. I tie direct for those.

I like the Chug'n spook for that. It's big, splashy, and has loud, obnoxious rattles. I don't get too fancy with colors - all mine are bone.

That spool knob needs gold anodizing.

You need everything from the nut out.