WanderLust

Well said!

Jeez... Amazing fish as always.

Duck blinds, fallen timber and isolated cover near springs (e.g. running water)

There's another long thread about that line. I'm not a huge suffix fan although performance braid is good heavy cover line... That transoptic stuff won iCAST the year before and its trash IMO.

I would recommend the 6" over the 4". I use the slow sinking one and it can be a pain to keep down... Whatever color works well in your area is the ticket.

Samurai is awesome; only thing on both baitcasters now. If you are into punching mats and salad fishing I would recommend something stiffer. The TT review of premium braid's is right on the money IMO.

Fireline is pretty quiet as well. Power Pro and Spiderwire can be quite noisey. I switched to Daiwa though and for most applications I will not be going back.

Same here although I wish the drag was better. I have a Winch too but that seems too slow for froggin'. Oh and with the BPS Pro Qual on sale that would be a solid value.

36" + = fun 30 and under = to quote another member slime dart.

LOL STX would spoil him for sure. Why not bring him a Core as well? BPS PQ on sale is a serious value even though I personally prefer lower profile reels.

Best of luck! Have fun, learn from the experience and btw... HAVE FUN!

Extremely good advice here. Search and destroy!

Sad but true. Turnover sucks... Won't stop me from hitting LC tomorrow though.

They are still biting in VT. 1) fat IKAs, worms & tubes (normally some version of watermelon or black depending on light) 2) bitsy bug jig & baby rage craw 3) Jerkbait (LC pointer, Husky Jerk & xRap in that order) 4) cranks that match the local dinner special Tight lines!

Shimano Curado and a Revo Winch... Michell 300XE and a Pfuegler Arbor for spinning. Shimano is my favorite ATM. Winch is super smooth and super powerful.

Maybe I've just been unlucky or I'm just fishing them wrong. but these don't seem to even turn a head. How do you fish these? kinda like a jerkbait? In-Fishermen (sp?) had a show on this exact bait. I think it was let it sink to the bottom and slow retrieve but let me see if I can find the actual video.

X2. Under docks, falldown, crawfish gitzit has caught more LM for me than the next two lures combined. I love Gizits for smallies. The fat IKA is my preferred bait these days.

I have a Loomis GLX... recently purchased off our Flea Market and its my favorite rod. I'll be in the market for another reel in the spring and I will consider Dobyns if they are like a Loomis. I also have a St. Croix Avid which I love too. A rod that you love will certainly improve your fishing!

WOW!!! Great fish and great pics as always. Giant smallies FTW.

Ol' Monster in black is hard to beat in low light conditions. Recently the Rage Thumper has been my go to.

I like Flambeau boxes. They seem to prevent rust. The planos that came with my 727 do not.

I prefer full grip... I can't get used to split grip.

Yes sir. Tilapia I like to use for fish tacos. Flat top grill with a pat of butter & some spices. X 2 on deep fried bluegill. Battered and fried fish is hard to beat.

I'll give it a spin next season... Right now its braid on all rigs. Invisx was not a great experience for me. I will try this and Sunline next season.

I'm a righty that reels with his left hand. I think this reel was specifically designed for me! I am blown away with just how ergonomic these reels are. They look funky, and internally they are unique. Too bad they don't still make 'em, but I'll be keeping my eyes open and will pick up a few more 8-) This is good info as I'm also a righty that reels lefty. Have a Curado E7 & a Revo Winch at the moment. Here's from the other day: