Dwight Hottle

@Darth-Baiter@Skunkmaster-kAnybody else new to BR in the last few years here are a few links about Steve Parks often called Big-O. https://www.facebook.com/ekdahlrealestate/videos/393386962247623/C Steve is also a highly decorated grandmaster in Martial arts and when he isn't catching DD bass which I'm sure total well over a hundred he is a published author of multiple children's books.

It was a real pleasure meeting you in person after such a long time. I even got to meet Glenn for the first time. I enjoyed talking to both of you.

I have never hooked myself unhooking a fish. I always use a boga grip to take them out of the water or net. Then pliers to remove all treble hooked baits. With a boga I have landed fish over 20lbs, no not a bass. It's a full proof system. Just get a float for the boga in case it hits the water. The 15lb boga reads to the nearest 1/4 lb.

@Pat Brown Great pic of your son.

We spent a day fishing lake St Clair back in the 70's with a guide trolling an had 12 muskies in the boat for a day in late October. When they are feeding you can really score.

@jimanchower That gan craft jointed claw 178 is good choice.

Get your license online before you go. Most states sell a 1 day, week or season license.

I caught my first legit 20lb pike in such a necked down area with accelerated current flows. I remember it and the area well. At that time that was a big deal for me like a DD bass.

@ol'crickety your observations about water flows entering & exiting along with a strait or chute near an inlet or outlet where the water is pinched and current is accelerated is astute. These same areas always attract other predators like pike & walleye & muskies. @Kites R4 Skyfishing The best time to target smallies is when they are most accessible like spring prespawn before the water temps hit 65 degrees & again in the fall when the water starts cooling into the sixties. As all ready mentioned look for them around rock & wood especially where different bottom types come together like sand to rock or slight elevation changes. Smallies I catch the most of during the prime spring & fall periods are usually in the 15-20 foot areas & also 20-30 foot areas. Also look for them shallow early & late in the day. Creek openings & river openings adjacent to lakes will attract them for spawning areas. During summer season they are usually only found deep from 35-55 feet of water. It can be a big puzzle locating them but once you do you have something to build upon. Remember the time of year & water temps & any other pertinent data you observe. They will repeat that location on an annual basis & sometimes twice a year as conditions repeat themselves. When you find bait balls observe the depth they are located & an target that depth in your searches. Smallies will move with the bait. Time on the water is your friend.

@Will Ketchum With a name like Will Ketchum I never doubted you.

Not Glenn but yes it's safe.

@Woody B Very impressive flathead on bass tackle.

That kind of a photo will get you estimates all over the board. It is almost impossible to give an accurate estimate. But to answer your question I'm guessing five plus lbs.

@T-Billy You & your wife are on fire fishing for those skis. Congrats. ?

There are two ways to apply tape to the spool. One is to wrap the spool with electrical tape once around then apply the braid. I like to tie first to the spool first then wrap the tape around one full turn over my knot before adding the rest of my braid.

I’m biased. I think the difference in flloro versus mono for leader material is over stated. Aggressive fish could care less regarding visibility of leaders especially on moving baits. I have never been out fished by anyone using floro while I was using mono for a leader making the comparison on purpose. The potential abrasion advantage of floro is negated by the weakness in knot strength. If I need more abrasion strength with my mono I simply go to a heavier line test. My main reason for using a leader in the first place is to combat abrasion from rock & shell bottoms. If all vegetation fishing I use straight braid.

I use 10lb braid with mono leaders of 10lb to 20lb all using back to back uni knots without any problems.

If you have a down season like the guys up north just loosen them once a year. Then at the start of the new season reset them. Drags that are set heavy will take a set if never backed off at least that was the wisdom of the past.

https://bullshad.com/collections/all Here you go. You could get two of these for $125. The $170 bait is basically unobtainable as it sells out faster than you can buy it when’s it drops.

Take a look at Mike Bucca’s baits. They really produce. Available in 5” to 9” and are priced as low as $59. I caught a nice bass on the 6” segmented shad first cast. It always produces for me.

Just be careful you don’t hook yourself. The evergreen hooks are wicked.

It also helps to have a saltwater approved motor.

Dworkshak resverior

I’m 75 and started fishing as a young kid with my dad & brother. Loved it from the first fish I hooked. The more my interest grew the more I was motivated to learn as much as I could. I have always considered myself as a student of the game. I am not a tactical caster or proficient fisherman like KVD. I am an amateur. But my drive to succeed & compete with others better than myself has always spurred me on. I take great pride when my pb is bigger than someone like Al Linder. I well remember the days when I struggled before I caught a quality fish of each species I have targeted.

Either the NRX+ or consider Gary’s current offering Edge. The new epitome line is exceptional.