SoFlaBassAddict

Can't beat an old cuda tube. There really isn't much more to add to Snook and Bassn's posts. Either learn how to handle them through the gills, or invest in a Boga. You don't want to get bit by one. It's nasty, I know.

Lol Craww. I figured I might as well go whole hog and just make a radical change and really start working out. I've always heard of the X amount of pounds people gain after quitting. Eff that, I'm big enough as it is.

The only rod I own that is Medium or less is my single spinning rod. Everything else is medium heavy or heavy. With most of those being heavy. A lot of it is going to depend on where you're fishing. We deal with a lot of grass down here, no room for the lighter rods. Especially if you start targeting the larger Peacocks. Those things can put an absolute whipping on you if you come to play with a fairy wand. Out in open water, it can be darn fun to catch bass on light gear though. I just don't mess with it given the amount of vegetation we deal with down here for the most part. As far as other species go, the other stuff I target eats bass tackle for lunch. Can't really give a fair comparison to large pelagic fish or some of the reef dwellers.

Lol. Sooo tempting. Wish I could do that right about now.

First time I did it, it was. Then I just stuck a rubber band around the whole rig to hold the wires together. Much, much easier.

That'll do it every time. Those springs can look in, but be improperly seated. Had it happen to me a few times. Glad you got it working.

Leader length is generally based on where the fish are for me. If they're right on the bottom, shorter. If they're suspending, obviously then you want it longer. Start long, then cut down as needed after you've located some fish on the graph.

I can say this, as much as I like the larger beaver and rodent style baits, I have had an absolute ball lately using the SK baby Rodent and the RI Smallie Beaver. I prefer the rodent, fits just a little better on the hooks I've been using. Those smaller sizes make a killer punch bait. Kind of like a BB Cricket, just with some more bulk.

So far so good. I can't tell how gross it was realizing how much crap I was coughing up after my run this morning. Looked like something out of an alien movie. I was waiting for it to look at me and start talking. Definitely getting easier to breathe. Thank God.

Take your pick. I've caught plenty of fish using them either way.

Appreciate it guys. I slipped a tiny bit this afternoon after the kids drove me off the deep end. Had two drags and said screw it and tossed the rest. I'm just hoping to get done with the first week. Working out a lot more sure as hell is helping. Today was a rough day though, just a bunch of stuff combined into one beating of an afternoon. What can you do though. Could always be worse.

It's rainin Rats! Cats even the series at one game a piece. Great game tonight, hell of an atmosphere at the BAC. Can't wait for the next one.

Sounds like you're using a bit too much rod.

I use them with a Dobyns 705CB Glass and either a Curado 200DPV or a Citica 200E loaded with 12 pound Yo-Zuri Hybrid. I use to have fluoro on that rod, but it is much, much easier to cast lighter lures with the co-poly. A 704 would be a bit more ideal, but what I've got works.

A decent rod building shop should have it, or would be able to get it for you. I order mine online. Netcraft, Mudhole, and Cabelas all carry it. http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/U-40/U-40-Cork-Seal-2-oz- Best part, it's cheap.

That's going to depend a lot on what worms you're talking about. If its something like a weightless Senko, d**n near any casting rod will work. Something like a weightless trick worm is going to take a much different rod.

I'll have to do it. It's strange, of all the big saltwater fish I've caught, I have very, very few pictures of them. But I geek out about catching a five pound bass....

So I'm on day number three without a smoke now. All I can say is this sucks. I've warned my daughters to just try everything possible to not tick me off for the next week. Quitting smoking combined with a big diet change is a recipe for straight up SUCK! I know it's worth it, but yeesh. I'm ready to beat the snot out of something. I'm looking very, very forward to going to the gym tonight to pound on the heavy bag for a while.

Great pics as always, Chris. Glad to see you around and posting again.

Snap yes, swivel no. Duo-locks see time on basically all of my cranks, jerks, and hard topwaters. I pull off any split rings that come in the lure before using them with a snap.

Given that you are used to mono, switching to 20 pound fluoro is going to change your casting just a bit. I'd add some more brakes until you get used to tossing fluoro around. Back off as you see fit. 20 pound is probably overkill, unless you're flipping with it or tossing it into and around some nasty cover. KVD line and lure spray is almost a must with fluoro that heavy. Good luck and let us know how, it works out.

Ooh. Now that's intriguing. Maybe I really do want to go to ICAST this year..

Oh you tease, you.

Is this a new ICAST product I'm smelling?! Spill the beans, Steve!

Great recommendation. U40 Cork Sealer is the real deal. I need to order some more myself to coat a few new rods. I'm either fresh out, or can't find my bottle....