A-Jay

Thanks Again 00mod A-Jay

Congratulations ~ A Real Trophy right there. PB's are Always a Blast ~ and in a tournament no less. Hope you got the Big Bass $$$ for her. The Colors in & the Style of that photo are Very Cool. And I almost forgot - Welcome to the DD Bass Club A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ As for a Frog Rod - If I'm working the bait in & around light to medium cover a 7' medium heavy stick works. But if I'm putting the bait right in the slop - I go with a Heavy action rod - both are rigged with braid. Which Brand to choose is up to you. A-Jay

Great way to start out your trip. Good thing you set & tested that drag. By the looks of it, you probably used it a few times. Nice work A-Jay

What Kind Of Fluorocarbon To Buy? The Kind that say "Monofilament" on the package ~ Because fluorocarbon is The Devil's Line OK - so I'm only half serious. A-Jay

This rebate has been updated and remains valid at GANDERmtn. A-Jay

They seem to change season to season. This year started with a nose hooked Baby Rage Craw. As the season progressed a standard Rage Craw rigged on a 2/0 Gamakatsu Offset EWG Worm Hook was The Deal. It's almost like fishing live bait - it was That Good. A-Jay

I am a U-40 Fan. Been using it on every cork handled rod I buy, new & used. Cork Seal is designed to seal the surface of cork rod handles. It prevents the penetration of soils and other foreign matter transferred to the grip area from the fisherman's hands. It enhances that "cork feel." It toughens the cork to aid in the prevention of sloughing and chipping of the cork surface. Cork Seal soaks into the cork and seals in depth. Once it is dry, dirt, grime, and all residue are easily washed off with soap and water. Though I don't know if it's really necessary, I reapply it at the start of every season. Many rods can be done quickly and it dries overnight. A-Jay

Good Luck Bud ~ Don't forget to set & test your drag ~ A-Jay

Like this ~ and it's fairly convenient A-Jay

We can do that . . . . . . A-Jay

Here you go ~ Start here http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/swimbait_gear.html http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/swimbaits.html http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/how-to-swimbaits.html http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/swimbaits_2.html http://www.bassresource.com/hank-parker-fishing/swimbait-tips.html A-Jay

Congrats All Around. A-Jay

A-Jay

Me Too - A-Jay

Blade baits ~ when the bottom conditions are right (and they just have to be mostly free of grass / weeds) the bait is really deadly in cold water. This is the best video I've seen on how to fish them. I have a ton of confidence - if this info is followed and the fish are there to be caught - you'll get some. A-Jay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLOoWcoPIK4

Your Indecision may come from an instinctive hunch that there's more you need to know - which means it's time to learn everything you can about the pros and cons of each option. It's hard to speed up your life and virtually impossible to slow it down. Making an educated decision seems to be the way to go. No one else can make it for you A-Jay

Fantastic Bass ~ A True Trophy. Congrats A-Jay

Using the correct line size on a 200 - a decent cast would come close to dumping the contents of the spool. Not best case scenario. A-Jay

You are correct - I didn't. I do now. Thanks for the clarification. A-Jay

Clearly we all have our preferences when it comes to line type & size. Fishing 2 - 5 ounce swim baits on 12-14 pound mono is not some thing I have any experience doing. If this is your standard tackle set up and you have registered routine success, I'd like to congratulate you on being the first finesse swim baiter I've heard of. A-Jay

Walked into that one - and I was wide-stepping it for the full load. A-Jay

The OP is throwing 2-5 oz swim baits with this reel. 12 or even the 14 lb line you recommended is generally considered , well it's not considered at all. It much too light of a line. A-Jay

LOL ~ I do and just so you know - My diapers would be way too big for that little guy . . . . A-Jay