Delaware Valley Tackle

My vote is in...10/3. 9/25 is leading slightly but I have a club tx that day.

Check the springs as RM suggests and make sure they are installed correctly...() and that they grease or oil from other parts has not migrated onto the drag. Let us know how you make out. Mike

Welcome Rob...there's a good bunch on the boards here. Look'in forward to some reports from your part of the country!

Welcome NY_ANGLERS....I'm just down-river, outside Milford, PA. PM if you'd like to fish! Mike

You can get away with throwing a little ligher bait in a pinch, or once in a while, but for the best results, keep lure weights within the rating range of the rod whenever possible.

The thought and time that goes into these unique little gifts makes them extra special. Especially from Daddy's little girl. 8-)

Especially if you've dealt with Mudhole. They have their econo blanks and now have the MHX which are very affordable and high quality. Good luck.

Raystown is an over-nighter for me too...but not out of the question.

I'd be interested for sure. I can't commit until a time and place is set though.

I saw a picture earlier today of a 4lb+ fish with a head & mouth you'd expect to see on 7lb'er.

Sections of a broken rod can be spliced or sleeved over. Thats probably the worst spot for a break, right in the action of the rod. The results would be marginal at best IMO. It will never be the same. What are the specs of the blank? You may be better off putting a tip on and re-purposing the rod. If you have more details I may be able to offer advice. Mike

Or a weightless Fluke or jerkbait.

By all means, join a club. I just joined my first club, Orange County Bassmasters, Middletown, NY, and started tx fishing this year as a non-boater. My experience has been very positive. I've been welcomed, treated well by all my partners and won a few bucks.

You might want to check with the tournament director to see what the minimum requirements are in the rules. A cheap plastic cooler, aerator, water pail and some ice might be all you need to get thru the day....or maybe not.

x10

I have a trip to Oneida at the end of July. If anyone has fished there recently I'd appreciate any feedback you can give. Thanks. Mike

Welcome John...I'm originally from Upstate NY about 50 miles west of Albany. The Hudson and Mohawk each have lots of access for bank fishing. Lake Lonely is a small lake near Saratoga Lake that had a private marina with small boat rentals for cheap. That was few years ago but I think they're still there. PM or email me and I might be able to be more specific on some spots. Mike

Welcome from Pike County PA...looking forward to chatting on the boards!

Welcome...enjoy the boards!

Welcome culprit71...I do a fair bit of wade fishing also up here in the Water Gap. This is a great forum, enjoy!

The bait suggestions posted are spot-on. The only thing I'd add is to be stealthy in your approach and avoid bright color clothing. There may be a top-water bite, when that dies, make low casts for a soft entry beyond your target. The pond you describe is shallow and clear, if it's pressured at all they may be skittish. Good luck!

The Revos respond especially well to a thorough cleaning and proper lube, even new out of the box. The best way to really compare one reel to another is to spool both with fresh line of the same brand and size and cast the same plug on the same (not similar) rod. This eliminates as many variables as possible.

I haven't tried it but have heard of making bait sacks similar to salmon egg sack by packing a small piece of nylon stocking with your bait of choice. This is supposed to discourage non-target species and force the cats to take the bait harder.

You're definitely at no disadvantage on electric only lakes. That is one well thought out and executed project.

You should be fine with spinning tackle as long as the rod is rated for the lure weight and reel spool is appropriate for line weight. Like RW, I prefer baitcasting for heavier applications but use spinning when skipping.