J Francho

I just leave mine installed.

My spinnerbait rod is currently spooled with 12# Tatsu. Worked great this past weekend.

That is the "rare" time. And it's actually not a rare moment for us on the Great lakes. But I think for most guys fishing in current, it's little more violent.

Cork transmits vibration well, contrary to popular belief. Wood is used for making drums, guitars, violins, and other musical instruments. I'm not sure where the idea that a plastic seat was better - it's about the same. Also note, on the G. Loomis rod, the reel is in direct contact with the reel seat, which is in direct contact with the blank. The Fenwick has an exposed blank behind the trigger grip. Think about where your fingers are, and how that vibration is transmitted to your hands. Both feature very sensitive blanks, and I'd wager you'd be able to detect a smallmouth strike, even wearing gloves - they aren't that subtle, lol.

I'd say their retail prices are right down the middle. $30 for a long sleeve T is pretty reasonable, compared to many other brands. They're priced right down the middle of the cheap stuff and expensive brands. I've seen them over $70 for other brands in Gander and DSG. I've always noticed, cheap clothing never lasts as long. Seams split, colors fade, etc. You get what you pay for, up to a certain point. Better brands get their cache by selling quality, not overpriced crap. So far, I've beat the snot out of my long sleeve T, and it's showing no signs of pilling, seams splitting, fading, or premature wear. Probably washed it about 30 times already. Famous quote from my gf: "That shirt again?" LOL.

It would help if you said what kind of cranking you'll be doing. You'll either want a specialized rod for a specific baits, or an all around. For an all around cranking stick, I'd recommend a 7'+ long rod in medium heavy power and moderate action.

Marketing, but there are certain techniques where a specific set of specs suite that style better. Light plastics in current, deep drop shot, split shot with small plastics or live bait are just a few. As far as and "all around smallmouth" rod goes, none exist.

We have a saying in the hiking/wilderness survival world, "Cotton Kills." It will hold 40% of it's weight in water. If you fish/hike/camp in even the slightest chill, like below 60 F, wet clothing will put at risk. Probably not a problem in Fla., but definitely something to think about in other climes. My opinions about the clothing...I love the shirt! I got the green shirt with the Fishouflage Bass accent stripe down the sleeve. As Clayton mentioned, It breathes well, doesn't stick, and wicks perspiration well. The clothing is a little larger than it's stated size. The shorts I got were medium, the smallest size available, and were just too big for my 29" waste. Worn together with the shirt, and it looks like a uniform, but the camo pattern looks good with a T-shirt or tournament jersey. I love camo patterns, but this one is really intricate, and I'd like to see some shorts with a camo accent stripe or patches, like on the pockets or something similar. The shorts material reminds me of what they use for "board shorts," and my buddy whom I gave them to says they are super cool. He's a glass blower, so when he's done with the dangerous work, and moves his art to the kiln, he likes to take the leather apron and pants off, and try to stay cool while he baby sits the kiln. He digs the pattern, "I don't like camo, but that is the coolest camo pattern Ive seen." Yeah, Dave likes them, lol. I kind of see these clothes as a functional stay dry and cool and covered type of thing. It's definitely a style I would say that the under 45 crowd would like. It's not the typical Bahama style fishing wear, with all the bright colors that has been hot the past several years, and it's not like those heavy button down shirts with all the pockets that you see either. More like modern athletic wear, with a cool style bent toward fishing lifestyle. Clothing choices are VERY subjective, especially when it comes styling. What stands out to me is the refreshing styling and functionality. That, and the shirt is really comfortable.

HOLY CRAP! Glad you're alright. May need a T partner again this year.

If there's any suspicion, it isn't going to do any harm to fillet. Usually there is a challenge process documented in the rules. Something smells fishy, invoke the process. Honestly, I think there's a lot less cheating at small opens and club tournaments than people think. Rather than grumble and hate at the weigh in, use your smarts, know the rules, and ask the TD to enforce them, when necessary.

Dead fish usually lose weight, unless they are immediately put on ice.

Baby alligator.

I agree, and I'm kind of a stickler for not leaving anything on others' docks. This particular lake is mostly permanent docks on wooden or steel pylons, and even some old docks built on rock filled cribs made out of old railroad ties. As they slowly deteriorate underwater, they become snag magnets, and typically encrusted with razor sharp zebra mussels. Not exactly something safe to be climbing on or around, child or adult. But your point is important, and well taken, and to elaborate, even in this situation, never, never, never leave a hook in a mooring line or on the top side decking of a dock. That's an accident waiting to happen. In the 20 years or so we had our cottage on Port Bay, only a couple times did we ever find a hook in the dock. Says a lot about local anglers, I guess.

Mostly on the fall.

Nice work. In those conditions, I would have been also pitching a lightish jig IN BETWEEN docks. lacking bright sun, while there will be fish under docks, there will also be fish on the prowl between. Good job on the strong finish. How did your boater finish?

I have shaky hands sometimes, side effect of insulin. It only affects my knot tying. Sometimes it takes a me a second or two longer to tie.

As long ass the fishery stays on track and doesn't collapse, it's only a matter of time.

Erie holds the next record smallmouth.

I look at it this way. I don't need 435 hp in my truck. It's nice to know it's there, though.

Here's a properly lubed Chronarch:

I'd get a 70. It's noy much more, and so worth the power when you need it.

I'm a three pops, and pause guy. My grandfather taught me that way, and that's just how I roll.

Very good to hear!

Wacky rig a hot dog.

The bait soakers up here use 8-9' moderate action, medium light power spinning rods for dragging soft shell crabs (molting crawfish) in deep water. I had a nice Pinnacle for this years ago.