Mike L

Ditto Most brakes on are usually 1 less than 1/2 of what’s available and never touch them again. I don’t use magnetic only reels Mike

Ditto Mike

Or maybe there was love in the air! Mike

If you’re into trying different ways, reverse the front blade. Especially effective in calling up deeper fish and in a little heavier seas than where you’d normally throw it. Mike

Being ready to Improvise, Overcome and Adapt is not just a catch phrase, not to me any way. I’ve been very fortunate to land my share of 8+ bass in different waters and conditions over the years, and what came to mind reading your post is that there is one thing that is universally true considering how I approach it. As @A-Jay said..Is to “Believe and Trust” but not just in the timing and location but believing and trusting in yourself. Use your experiences, knowledge and ability to put it and keep it all together every time the timing and location screams to you. You already know how to do it, it’s just putting it all together when everything come together. Don’t get discouraged it’ll come, just enjoy the journey for that is truly the destination! Mike

Rage craw or Menace are the only 2 trailers I use. Mike

Agree It’ll be fine. If you have anything still tied on take that off and retie. Make a few dummy casts and check for any nicks that may be on it from last year and give it a good shot of line conditioner. Mike

I get it, been there more than once! I really like it! Its a great compliment to the 7’ fast I bought at the same time. Way underpriced in my opinion. I think You’re gonna like it too. Mike

Popper…Phenix mh/f M1 (Fairly soft action with good backbone) Frogs…Dobyns Kaden 715C (Power all the way through) Buzz bait…Ark mh/reg Lancer Pro (See M1 but more back bone) Mike

Some will disagree, but Personally I see no reason to use a medium powered rod. Most manufacturers have MH rated rods with different actions if you feel the need. That extra “power” inherent to the rod gives you more backbone if and when it’s needed. Mike

There is absolutely no reason not to have the kill switch attached when the big motor is on….None Mike

If they needed to have a huge marketing campaign they would. They don’t because they don’t need to. Mike

Personally I use all Sunline flouro products for everything except for 2 presentations which are braid. For what you want and where you fish, 12#, 14# or 16# Sniper would be my choice. 20# Shooter for your most abrasion resistance needs. Mike

Great Report! One of these days I’m gonna get down there. I’ve never hooked up with a Peacock and being only 3 hrs from where you were just makes me salivate even more! Mike

Don’t get irritated because bass fishing is more popular in this country than any of the other species. In that sense it is very fair. If fishing with a bobber and live bait while sitting back waiting for something to swim by and bite was as popular, the equipment to cater to that would be the norm. It isn’t for a reason. Just buy what you want to fish for what you like. Mike

Respectfully disagree. Having multiple rods ready to go for every possible situation during 8 hours of non stop competitive fishing is not a power trip. At that level, All they care about is finishing high enough to advance and the cash it brings. Having 2-3 combos setup differently at an arms length away fir the same presentation is all about efficiency and time and giving yourself any and every advantage you can. Mike

Then you really don’t need to invest in a highly sensitive, fairly expensive rod. You don’t want junk either just enough where you can feel the blades moving and more importantly when they stop. I recently bought 2 of the ARK Lancer Pro rods on a buy one get one sale for 100.00 and they fit right into my arsenal for the same things you want to do. Mike

Or retying a new lure every time you want to throw something different which calls for the same type of rod and line. Mike

Ditto Having combo’s that are dialed in for where, how and what I fish on them never changes. Mike

Cardboard boxes I’m old school and cheap Mike

The reel itself has no bearing on what I’m picking up. The line, which rod it’s on, IPT, and what I plan to do with it does, which is all predetermined when I spooled it up. To answer your question… 4 Curado’s 1 Chronarch 1 JM Signature 1 Pro Qualifier Plus various spares Edit: No spinning reels Mike

Got to know your waters. It’s true that early morning and late evening bites for that matter, can happen regardless of depth and location. But when you factor in clarity, weather and structure a clearer picture can emerge if you frequent the same waters. A life long guide/professional once told me that bass live “off shore” and even tho they can feed out there the majority with all things being equal, come shallow to feed. “Resident” fish don’t move as much but in big water lakes the bigger girls and juveniles will come shallow because thats where the vast majority of thier food chain lives. Mike

Current..Curado K All time regardless of manufacturer.. Curado 200 E7 Mike

Whenever I use a stick bait most times it’s a 6”. No difference in numbers or quality using one 1/2” smaller. IF I need a 4” which can make a difference, I’ll just use a few that I bit off the head from that I keep in inventory. Mike

Yeah I knew a kid like that. Problem was he was always better turning in one direction but never fell off in the other. Mike