GRiver

Good mojo and prayers heading your way. My wife had a similar situation, I would never tell you I know how ya feel, but I understand. I felt so lost and disoriented, I didn’t want to wait for answers, I wanted them NOW! I felt helpless, but at the same time I had to be positive for my wife. Reach out if ya need too, even if it’s just to chat.

Hi from the Sunshine State of Fl

Hi from the Sunshine State of Fl this site is unbelievable, been here for a while and still learning

Hi from the Sunshine State of Fl

Hi from the Sunshine State of Fl

Test one first, you could try flat clear spray paint…. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot. But try just one first, to see if it bleeds the colors. It already has a clear on it , it’s just gloss clear and not flat Quick & easy, just a lite dusting should do. Let us know what you do try and how it works.

Hi from the Sunshine State of Fl

Hi from the Sunshine State of Fl

Hi from the Sunshine State of Fl

The drags are a lot better today than a few years back. I have mine set , I guess what everybody else would call kinda loose, except my pitching rig. Still use my thumb on hook sets with it too. Been using my thumb for so long, it’s just become habit I guess. If a fish wants to run I let him, unless he’s in the ruff, or heading for something he can wrap around. Out in the open let him go, use my thumb to apply pressure until I get him turned or tired. Now…. I am by no means a master of this method, still get broke off. Should probably start relying on the better drags. Some habits are hard to break.

Fishing is pretty good here late fall- early spring. Like ski said it gets busy here too, a lot of tournaments and people that spend the winter here too. Don’t know where you’ll be staying , but the Ocklawaha is good place too, not to far from salt springs. The mouth is by marker 52, or ask where the condos are at, it’s across from them.

I think I have one of theses, never used it, the previous property owner died and I found his tackle box in the shed. The notches side reminded me of it.

The bait monkey is REA! But I don’t have a problem, nope not me. I just don’t listen to him, I can ignore him completely. Did mention I’ve been checking the tracking number to a new rod and reel combo that I’ll keep in my truck.

I love first light, I like to be a my first spot just before then. Trolling motor down, rods on deck, floating and watching the sky line light up. Listening to the nature waking up. Having a cup of coffee, eating a egg and cheese biscuit. I believe it is one of the most tranquil times…..

I over fish an area when I’m not catching anything, just because it looks like it should have fish. I mean if I was a fish I’d be there, why aren’t they there. I want them to be there.

I haven’t caught a lot on wacky rigs…. I’ll start changing up the weight.

X2

That’s what friends are for.haha

I’m ok Like green pig every time I changes rigs, it seems like I’ve got to learned again, and I get better as the days goes.

I’m hard on watches… I usually get a cheap Walmart one, analog not digital. I had a fancy one with gps and all but didn’t use most of the features on it. I’ve always liked to keep track of the time. I’m not fanatic about it, or have to be exact, just like to know how long stuff takes.

Respect

I used to live in Nc, used to do most of our shopping in Johnson City Tn, it was closest. Tons of wade fishing spots, Nolichucky, South Toe and French Broad. Smaller ones too, keep a rod and stuff in your car. Lake Watauga is great too.

Okeechobee color is about the same thing, I use it and catch fish. But…..I all so have green pumpkin and June bug colors too. Had times when they wouldn’t bite okeechobee but, did June bug or green pumpkin. In the end,…. I have all three colors. Bait monkey got me again!

In the boat, 4 in the holder and 2-3 on deck. Bank 1

I used to be a firm believer that one speed, one reel did it all. The user needed to speed up or slow down. BUT……now after being on this forum and getting introduced to the Monkey. I’ve realized that people have a comfortable cadence that they retrieve at, you know the speed you crank at without think about it. Mine might be faster or slower than yours, match what’s comfortable to what type your fishing….jerk, top water or finesse. I’m using a 6:8 or higher for jerk bait. Watch out …. When you start matching reels to fishing type, then matching rods too….. you end up with a lot of rod and reels.. Ahhhh the simple times…. When I thought one or two rigs would do for everything.