Tooth Dr

I am not the expert here, but why leave the hook? Why not cut the hook with wire cutters and only leave the point; which you might be able to remove with needlenose pliers. Again, not the expert or even close, but some thoughts. Dr T

I had a very similar situation including using the same reels. This problem has 100% been cured. I even bought a video camera to record this actions with the though of offereing the video for sale. I can skip completely under my pier 10' wide and out the other side. My Solution (You may not like it, but it worked for me): I started using a spinning reel casting a horney toad. I can now skim the toad touching the water lightly several time under 6" and less space. You can use a swiming pool for practice. A 10' x 50' watered down piece of plastic on a level surface will work well for practice. Bait casting reels are no longer an option for skipping for me. Dr T

20 lb braid was a one-time major backlash item for me. I prefer mono and fluorocarbon, but I do use 50lb braid when fishing the thick grass in Lake Guntersville Al. I live in Guntersville, and this is about the only place I fish. I have no problems with the 50lb braid. As for distance, my thoughts are similar to the other post. Dr T

I keep pair of wire cutters to cut hooks, and a pair of needle nose pliers to remove hooks in my boat. These are cheap and very available. Dr T

I did not do original post, but I like mono because it cost much less and does not sink as fast as fluorocarbon. I usually use mono for top-water. I also agree about the stretch of mono. I also use fluorocarbon #17 test for worm etc, and braid #50 test for frog fishing etc. I do use fluorocarbon on top water when fishing the spook in grass areas because the hooks get tangled in the line using braid and I like the less stretch, better hook-set issue. Dr T

I agree with post about practice and using a spinning reel is far easier and requires far less skill, but... When using my bait casting reels, I use a 7.5' rod and I tighten the drag very tight. I start the skip ~ @ 7:00 position and raise rod tip swiftly toward 1:00 position trying to keep the lure 12 inches or less from surface. I only get ~30-35' distance, but I can make some small skips without backlash. The bait casting reel is easier for me, but I can not get the distance I can with my spinning reel. I also recommend using a horney toad or some other similar easy casting plastic for practice instead of jigs. The owners do not like the sound of the lead jigs hitting their boat-houses. I also beat up some of my jigs practicing on my pier. Dr T

Right or Wrong, I store my fishing rods with reels attached. I have a storage bldg with shelves made with 2x4s hanging from the ceiling by chains. I can walk under these shelves. I made brackets using plumbing hangers for the handle of the rods and different size open hangers (~cup hangers) for the rods. The rod/reels are up out of the way with very easy access. This works fine for me. Dr T