Hook Set

I use a 1000 series Stradic CI4 on a 6'10" Loomis w/6lb flouro for dropshot. Balances and fishes great. I've never had a problem with the smaller reel for dropshotting and have caught some really good fish with this set up. Sure it doesn't hold as much line, but that has never presented a problem for me.

I'm digging that Ted Williams reel, first one I've seen!

repper hit it on the head, I too think they are a little stiffer than you may think. That being said, I have a MH and H in the 7'2" in both. I find myself using the MH more often, unless I'm fishing a 1oz jig, then that gets the H rod.

Bass-yankin, I too have a tough time at Philpott. The place is like a fish bowl. In many places 10 feet from the shore is gonna put you in 50 feet of water. No docks to fish there so you're gonna have to look for lay downs. Might try fishing a Carolina rig on the points, and the usual topwater at dusk and dawn. Other than that, T-rigged plastics work pretty good there. Try something in watermelon or red shad. I've also got a buddy who has been doing pretty well there with weightless Senko's Good luck.

Cute kids, looks like you guys had a great day. I'd rather see my son catch a 12" bass than to stick a hog in the boat myself!

We all hit slumps, I know I do. Just keep hitting the water and DON'T loose your confidence. When all else fails, I just go back to the basics and try not to over think it.

Nice bass! Almost makes all that sweating and sunburn worth it doesn't it!

When it's super hot like this and once the sun pops over the trees, I start looking for docks adjacent to deep water and fish a drop shot on the shady side. Has worked out pretty good for me this summer.

You need to call Billy the exterminator!

Rakes, (rte 57) which is at the beginning of the road down to the d**n portion of Philpott. Also across the street from Rakes' is a gas station, I believe both sell night crawlers as well as minnows. Good luck!

Well it was worth a shot, thanks for the post.

In murky water and at night for me. Tungsten jig with braid on a Cumara, insanely sensitive!

Nice post, you're a "cool" dad.

Nice Muskie, bet it felt like a shark on the other end!

Not a bad way to spend the day is it!

I caught a bunch of Northern Pike in Canada throwing a big buzzbait, I think it just ticked them off. If it is in fact a Pike, you might want to think about a wire leader, with those teeth, regular line stands no chance!

Nice fish. Man......I wish I lived closer to Kent!

If they were hitting the Senko, I probably would have stayed with that. That too is my biggest problem, switching baits when I don't need to. If they weren't eating it, try switching colors, size, presentation of the Senko.

He's at the top of his game for sure! Gotta respect the guy.

Agreed. The last jointed one I bought, something was not right with it. The one I had fished before was about 15 yrs old. I thought it was just me.

Great fish, I fished Canada 2 years ago, loved it. Breath taking scenery and lots of great fish. Most of the guys in my group fished mostly for Walleye, I fished mainly for Pike. Love the way they strike a lure and fight. I'll go back again!

Welcome, from your neighbor in VA!

Nice fish! LOVE the top water bite, my favorite. My biggest LMB to date came on a LC G-splash!

Congrats, I like it when they get over the 5lb mark, they start to get that "bug eyed" look!

Nice frog fish, I bought a few Spro's this year and even a dedicated frog rod. You know I still haven't fished with em yet! You have inspired me to do so.