Darren.

Probably a Daiwa T3 Ballistic baitcaster ...

I'd agree, but think the point of the rig is mainly to get the bait to "swim" under docks where it otherwise may not go.... First and foremost, wacky! The shimmy is a thing of beauty ... To bass LOL

Welcome to the forums!

Hey Sam, you know I remember watching Ike teach that on his show! At least I think it was Ike. Believe he also put a nail in the "tail" end so it went under docks, right? Now I haven't fished the nail method yet, need to get some small finish nails to do that. But I have tried - a few times - the backwards TX rig. I don't recall if I had much success with that in the way I tried it. But you bringing it up gives me some ideas on fishing it on branchy laydowns.

Haven't used many creature baits, so from what I have used, it would be the Yamamoto flippin' hog...

I haven't done much fishing at all this winter. But in the past few years, I would, on occasion, use the canoe or kayak, but the wind can be killer. Caught some really nice bass including a sweet 5 pounder last winter. Fished TX and wacky rigged, lighter line, smaller worms, and SLOW. I've also done dock and shoreline fishing targeting fallen trees, dock pilings, etc. Most success has been off docks and that for crappie, yellow perch, white bass and the occasional largemouth. Yeah, jigs, too as gripnrip said.

As they say, it's always easier to say "sorry" after the purchase has been made, and arrived, than ask for permission in the first place. But then, she always knows anyway. Like she has a 6th sense. Or I'm just that dumb and easily read like a book.

Easy answer: Whenever, Anywhere, However. No really, my favorite way to fish a Senko is wacky. Next would be weightless TX rigged. Fish 'em slow, let them fall and present their shimmy to the fish on the fall. No hits, lift a little, try again. Set the hook with a nice sweeping motion as you reel down. No need to rip the hook out of the jaw.

Dang! You got off easy, my friend. Way to go. Buy her a box of chocolates ... just because!

And a good chance that was! Welcome aboard!

I've made that offer. But I worry it has backfired as it seems I've sufficiently turned her off to fishing. She just doesn't understand the need for ... well, more new things to catch fish. "But honey, this is newER than the stuff I bought last month. Honestly, I need it." <she escorts me out to dog house> "Can I at least have another blanket?"

How long does the UV-40 last generally? This is the first time I've cleaned my rods, so just curious if it is a seasonal or whenever they dirty up thing.\ Whoops, I think J Francho answered that already, sorry. About 2 seasons....

I'd definitely start with a cheap line just-in-case. Usually that means mono. Cast a casting plug out as far as you can, then lay a piece of electrical tape down on the spool. This way you won't birds nest the entire spool, just the line for that cast. And practice.

Welcome to the site!

Guess it'd be using live nightcrawlers again, like Fish Chris does. I tried it after reading his nightcrawler article a few years back, but have since gotten into plastics so much I only buy the crawlies for the kids, or if I want to target sunnies/crappie. And I'm not talking nightcrawlers with a float, I'm talking weightless, fluoro or copoly leader and a small hook thru the nose. Let it sink. I've also tried (via a friend's tip) using a fine syringe and injecting air into the tail section of a thick crawler. Man there was some serious action and a bass came up from the bottom and took it. A beautiful thing....

Never got into the cold-water species, from my time with family in BC. Much rather fish the warmer waters here. Welcome aboard!

Hey man, welcome! Tons of stuff here to get you to master-level fishing in no time!

Hm. Good luck with that. Did you buy her an hour-long massage on Groupon to ease the situation?

Hi Phil, welcome.

Yeah, I get ya! I wasn't really talking about reels, per se. It is other things that there's always a left over part, things that don't always have schematics. Hence my fear of doing such with a reel. Schematic or not!, LOL In which case, I'd probably look up a guy like you, with the expertise.

Following solunar calendars has not been a fishing boon for me. And I've got several apps on my iPhone for just that. There have been blue-bird days with a high pressure system which were supposed to awful, but were productive. So I try not to rely on them as much anymore...but I'll still check. That said, no, you don't suck at it. It is what it is. Sometimes it's hit or miss.

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum!

Sweet!

Always good for a trip with the kid(s)! Should be some decent deals around this time to spend your gift cert on.