dmac14

3/0 EWG for the tube, Senko and lizard.

It is a good thought, however the types of materials used for each different style bait varies, along with different brand names. Not to mention colors and scents. I do like the idea of disposing of them properly rather than them sitting in a landfill, not sure if this type of plastic can be recycled for other uses or not.

Yeah, don't fish a senko if your boater is burning a spinnerbait. What I find works well is too differ slightly from the boater. If they are fishing a white spinnerbait, use chartreuse, until both of you figure out which one they want. Likewise use a popper if they are using a spook. But if one starts working better than the other, either switch or let your boater know (he is probably already aware). Although you are competing against each other you can still help each other catch fish, it will make for a better overall day. Prior to the tourny, talk to the boater and find out if he has found fish/ what his plan is to catch them. This will help narrow down which baits/rods to bring. Also learn how to back in a trailer, launches and retrieves go so much faster when the non-boater knows how to trailer a boat (however if you are not 100% on it, don't offer). As a non-boater you learn so much, stay open minded and willing to try everything. My first two tournaments combined netted 2 fish, I was stubborn and didn't wanna fish how my boater was. However once I opened up I have had much more success. Just go out and have fun! Don't forget to bring water it gets hot. Cheers!

Don't forget the plug, and to detach it from the trailer. Back the boat up to right before it is floating off the trailer and tie it up to the dock (if you are alone) then finish backing it up and what I do is right near when I think it is almost off you can just tap the brakes quickly and it should pop it off.

Sweet, looks like that might be my new knot. I love the way it snugs on there, and before I was having some troubles with the knot getting stuck around the hook eye, and this seems to solve it.

Will do!, look on the East side next to a fallen tree for a boat hoist all bent and broken...oops. And are snell knots only good for flouro?

Thanks Guys, Francho, I do remember you showing this awhile ago and bought the hooks but never got around to testing it out, I will have to do that. Hopefully you have gotten out on Port Bay this year, it has been great. As for the Denny Baurer hook do you guys use the snell knots? Edit: What size Mustad hook to you use for the standard beaver? Should the snell knot be the only knot I use for flipping?

What does everyone use for flipping hooks? (beaver/craw style baits) I use a 3/0 EWG Gammy Hook, but would like to venture into some straight shank hooks and was wondering which ones have been successful. I see the BMF hook is still hard to come by/not available? Thanks, Dylan

Depends on the situation, if its pretty heavy weeds a wacky rig might not last long without getting covered in weeds. However I find that sometimes when flipping senkos; because it drops down vertical, it often shoots right to the bottom, and when it is shallow (2-3ft) it doesn't have time to turn sideways. Thus not actually utilizing the tantalizing wiggle of the tail. Try it wacky rigged and see for yourself. Usually I start texas rigged until it becomes ripped and doesn't hold on the hook any more than switch to wacky rig.

You can use pretty much whatever size braid you want on most rods these days. Specifically for heavier applications such as frogging there are dedicated rods that have the power to pull fish out of heavy weeds. I have a 7'6"mh Crucial Flipping Stick and it does wonders with frogs. For your application I would suggest you look into the Abu Garcia Vendetta rods, sensitivity is not so much an issue with froggin' so you can look at cheaper rods. I would suggest the 7'6" MH, the longer rod will help throw the bait a little further plus give you some more leverage to pull fish out of weeds.

Yeah it works well, depending on the thickness of the cover you would need a heavier rod/heavier line, 20# braid works well on spinning gear 30# could work also. I find flipping weightless senkos a great way to catch some fish, usually flip it into a small open pocket and the line tightens immediately, I give it a second or two to let the fish get a hold of the hook then just give it a solid hookset.

Luckily my parents own two . One on Port Bay on Lake Ontario and one up North in Canada (Big Gull Lake). If I play my cards right I am hoping to have one of those later in life

I built a deck on a 14ft aluminum boat, it was pretty wide and deep but the deck was essentially just set on top of the seats (it had cross braces though). Stability wasn't that big of a problem, I mean it wasn't a bass boat so it did rock but I never fell off. I would say try to keep the deck as low as possible and also try to put the most weight in the center of the boat. I had two batteries so it worked as a balancing point.

Generally longer rod = longer casts, it is just more leverage. For jigs I would defiantly consider something over 7', and for sure a mh, unless you plan on fishing some really thick stuff then in that case a heavy would work well.

Please tell me you used vocollect, I am currently doing the same thing, in a freezer warehouse for 8-10 hours. It's not a crappy job but simply a slap in the face to finish out college.

I feel the most important aspect in the line is the knot quality, I make sure that my knot is 100% before I even thinking of casting it. Along with that is checking the line often for nicks, it's easy enough just run your hand over it every 2-3 casts. I have noticed that its a little more difficult for braid, you have to really look at the line to determine if it is fraying somewhere. And I find that after catching a few fish or one large fish take the time to retie, it only takes a few seconds but is a clutch move that has saved me a few times, (or times when I neglect to do it and lose a fish right after). Either way I feel that the little things are what mean the most, any line is good you just have to take care of it.

Thanks fellas, I am ultimately leaning towards the 51e, it will most likely hold 10# mono so I am sure casting weightless worms should be a breeze. Wdy, let me know how the bearing swap goes I'm curious to see how much better you could make this reel.

Other than the size and the line capacity, what are the major differences between the Curado 50 and the 200? I am looking for a reel that would do some weightless worms and topwaters, it will most likely be paired with a 7'mh or a 7'3"mh. And has anyone had any problems running out of line with the smaller reel? 105 yards of 10 lb. on the 50e; compared to 155 yards on the 200e. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Dylan

I have recently began loving spinnerbaits, 2 years or so ago I couldn't catch a thing on them but now its my go to. By far my favorite spinnerbaits have been the War Eagle double willow in either white or chart/white and anything above 1/2oz but mostly 3/4oz. As for fishing them there really is no way to fish them wrong but you will find certain things that work best at the certain times. Like recently just a steady retrieve has been the most effective, but I noticed in the hot summer over weed beds a fast retrieve over top seems to work best. I never use a trailer hook, just never got around to using them and don't feel the need for it but I know guys who have 2-3 trailer hooks on a spinnerbait. I always have a double tail trailer on it.

Welcome! You have a PM!

Hey, I'm from the Rochester Region (Irondequoit). I would first highly recommend you going up to the ponds in Durand Park, they are very basic and soon fish will start bedding and are easily visible from the trails. I have been fishing these ponds for 3-4 years and have pulled out a couple of fish going 5lbs. They also have many large pike and plenty of crappie and bluegill. Irondequoit bay is also a good spot, some access to shore fishing but if you have a boat of any type it would be much better fishing. If you do have a boat that can be easily transported I would also recommend you head East towards Sodus/port bay, two phenomenal bays to fish at. If you really want to get a quick start to fishing I would also suggest you look into the Rochester Bassmasters club, they do tournaments all around New York, you do not need a boat and cost can be minimal. The things I have learned from these guys in the last two years has been some of the most important information on fishing. But for first things you should head to the Durand Ponds they offer great access to fishing, and surprisingly good fishing at that. Any questions just let me know!

x2 with 1000 islands, many unmarked rocks up there

Vendetta would be my choice no questions asked, I would choose it over several rods in the $150 range.

Spinnerbait. The dang things keep breaking mine

When I travel to Canada can I buy liquor in the duty free store and bring it across? I am 20 and not sure if the store going into Canada requires you to be 21. I know I can just buy it once I get across but it is so much cheaper at the duty free.