Dwight Hottle

@mcipinkie The point of using more expensive rods is that they utilize higher modulus blanks which transfer or transmit lure actions quicker & more efficiently. I use better blanks because they help me feel what is going on with the bait I'm using. They also allow more action with less rod movement. And the better blanks weigh less making them more angler friendly when fishing a jerk bait for eight hours straight. @A-Jay fishes a jerk bait differently than I do as do many other good jerk bait fisherman I have fished with but we all catch numbers & quality. So do your thing but realize there are many different ways to skin a cat. Technique & tackle selection is just part of the puzzle.

Yes I agree but my point was there are big pike in the US if you know where to look for them. The big girls are only found shallow for a short window after ice out then they are only found deep.

A classic case of the federal government's mismanagement of an unwanted & unnecessary species. They do more harm than good by killing all foliage where they nest including entire islands on the great lakes. They decimate fish populations. Each bird consumes an average of a pound of fish per day. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and can only legally be killed with authorization from the USFWS.

I agree the lazy Ike never produced for me like the other banana plugs Helin Flatfish or Luhr Jensen Kwik fish.

@TnRiver46 Idaho is an untapped resource for big fish. The previous pike record was just over 40 lb. The recent explosion of big smallies getting fat on high protein Kokanee salmon supports this amazing fisherie.

@gimruis You don't have to go to Canada to catch big pike. Take a look at the Idaho recent record pike. https://www.sportfishingmag.com/game-fish/state-record-idaho-pike/ This 32 lb pike was only 49" long.

The way I used to approach spring fishing for smallies after ice out was to go when the wind/waves allowed me. If I caught nothing but enjoyed myself I was good to go again. But for me the warmer water approaching 50 degrees surface temp was the ticket. I did stumble into an occasional trophy class fish around 42-45 degrees. My best advice after a long winter wait is to go when you have a fishable day weather wise. Just save your self for the grinding days when the water reaches ideal temps so you don't burn out prematurely.

How could I forget. Missed your tackle acumen.

Who would have figured that Indiana had that size smallie swimming around. https://www.ohiogamefishing.com/threads/possible-new-state-record-smallmouth-caught-in-indiana.397297/

This might help you.

@JediAmoeba answered the question before I could. @fin That's the video I saw before trying the braid substitution on a large swimbait to prevent the leverage advantage a big fish gets with a heavy bait. Since then I just switched to Pierce Quad spin eye hooks.

My condolences. Losing a good friend is tough.

@Pat Brown @AlabamaSpothunter All I can say is "Sweet".

Your first choice the St Croix 7-11 probably will work for most baits up to 2.5 oz. I personally prefer longer rods for swim baits like 7-6 to 8-0. Loomis IMX + makes a 7-6 for 1-3 oz baits. Kistler makes a 7-11 for 1-3 oz. Once you really get into swim baits you will probably want a rod that goes from 1-4 oz or 2-6 oz. The moderate or moderate fast rods are great for treble hook baits but marginal for single hook baits like a Hudd or Burito. Both of my 1-3 oz rods also make great cranking sticks & larger lipless crank rods, remember to try them if you go that route. They will also make great pike rods.

My first thought was should I stay home or should I go fishing. Especially since it’s still winter up there. Good read.

Wow those conditions mixed with having MD makes for a pretty scary situation. Your presence really helped their situation. Well done sir.

Here is your answer. You can trim the weight with side cutters. Just attach it to the center split ring. I like using Owner ZoWwire hooks to replace inadequate stock hooks. They have a slight inward bend on the hook point like old eagle claw hooks which helps keep fish pinned when lightly hooked. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Nishine_Lure_Works_Original_Outer_Weight_3pk/descpage-NOW.html?from=gshop&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAuYuvBhApEiwAzq_YiRGvmxL4e42MQhEzYKGaz2tT4O_qMMUOK8nK8hII8JbLGO9zS_koaB

The salt content in most plastics accelerates the rusting process for hooks. So if your having issues you need to remove the plastic for storage.

Welcome to the BR fraternity.

Got out with a grade school buddy I have known since the 3rd grade. We struggled but still caught about 30 bass over two days.

Welcome to the BR fishing fraternity Ben.

It's never easy losing a canine friend. My condolences.

Congrats to @Creek Pirate for such a successful day. I'm glad those LC's did the job.

Three excellent choices: McCoys Mean Green, Maxima Ultragreen & Sufix Advance. Word of advice just buy the line by your desired line diameter & skip the line rating. Some manufactures over list the line strength category & others under list the line strength so there is no way to make a legit comparison between manufactures other than just stick to line diameter to compare.

Otter take a look at the IMA flits. They are a very good alternative to the 110's. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/search-tackle.html?start=0&count=20&searchtext=ima+flit