Mike L

If you’re intent on fishing there in a 10ft boat, there are a few dog legs and cuts off the rim canal from Clewiston on the South end that will offer some protection, and a few off the river from the Scott Driver ramp and Taylor Creek on the North end. The Harney Pond Recreation canal leading into the lake on the West side and Uncle Joe’s Cut from the rim canal end should also be ok. BUT, you need to check the weather before you go. The Lake is no place to be in a jon boat in anything but calm, flat, stable water. Keep in mind there are gators in there longer than your boat. Mike

I hear ya! Bass being line shy is an overblown conceived major problem. I use flouro for everything except 2 presentations and would never change to straight braid or… God Forbid, straight mono or leaders of any kind for the waters I fish. Mike

Good Job! Goes to show if it can be tough there it can be tough anywhere! ? I feel bad for the guy who couldn’t get there Mike

First, I sincerely hope your wife will have a complete and total recovery. Second, you don’t need those “big worms and tungsten weights” or new line to go fishin and be successful. All you need to do is go when you can. Best of everything to you and your family Mike

If ya want to stay south Big O is where to go! The Everglades ain’t no slouch either! As @N Florida Mike and @crypt said Let us know when and where Mike

The only time I may consider a change of anything is a few days after a cold front passing through. If I do anything at all it may be a small presentation and/or location change from the norm. Mike

I’m sure it’s nothing serious. You probably were putting your weight on one leg more than the other trying to balance and make long casts. Then add in bending and twisting….and there you go. You didn’t realize it while you were out. By doing that for hours on end you put strain where you normally don’t. Take some pain relievers that usually work for you before, during and after you finish. When you get off the water walk around a little before you add more pressure but in a different way by sitting down. Thats why it hurt more when you immediately sat to drive home. Trust me Mike

Semper Fi Kid!! Listen, keep your head up and watch your six. I Wish you the best Mike

Diawa Tatula 7’1” MH/XF T rig up to 1/2 oz 20# Shooter Frog/Pitching Stick Dobyns Kaden 715C 50# braid Mike

Very underrated line of rods! I have a H/F that’s my punch stick Mike

Yep, but it’s either around one of those two time frames or waiting until summer which I personally would rather not do, but will if that’s the consensus. No matter when or where we go, there’s always a chance we won’t have ideal conditions. Agree It’s a chance but we’ve all fished in those and know what to expect. Just my opinion Mike

When I was a Marshal for the Elites a few years ago, my pro used 30# tied to an unweighted stick bait in submerged eel grass. First time I saw anyone do that. He finished in the top 20 Mike

You didn’t say where you’re going and fishing for what. If fishing fir bass on The Lake (Okeechobee) you will need a boat. One of these…. Frog Prop bait Horny Toad In that order One of these… UV Speed Worm (June Bug) Skinny Dipper (Houdini) Fat Max ribbon tail (Red Shad) In that order One of these…. Punch Bait (your choice in June Bug) Your favorite stick bait with pegged weight. All of these and more as posted will be good choices no matter where you go. Mike

This past June I bought spools of 14# and 16#. The others were purchased in January Mike

I use Sniper from 10# to 18# and have for years. They haven’t changed anything as far as I can tell. Mike

6 something. But really doesn’t matter Mike

Cover dictates everything. Weeds, grass, pads etc in varying depth and thickness are king down here. Line strength and type choices are based on cover. When using flouro, 16# Sniper and 20# Shooter get the most play. Mike

InvizX stretches more than any other flouro. As stated Sniper or Shooter will fit what you’re looking for. Mike

Yes Sir I was gonna PM those interested but I’ll just do it here. Since most of those who responded mentioned somewhere central, I would like to suggest Toho. We can meet at Big Toho Marina. It’s certainly central with motels for those who don’t want drive back home the same day. However, there are plenty of ramps we can go to in the Harris or Butler Chains also. As far as time I would like to suggest sometime after the holidays. Late January or early February would be ideal. There will be pre, post and bedding fish all over. The only consideration will be the number of boaters who attend to accommodate those who are not such as myself. If we have enough we can pair up in any way we like. Sooo all that said, for those still interested post here or pm me. Thanks Mike

Yep I fish shallow tannic/clear natural lakes. It’s always U V Speed Worms, Fat Max ribbon tails, Rage Cut R’s, 6” stick baits. Everywhere I go, whenever I go. Mike

I’ve been saying this for years and my opinion hasn’t changed Mike

Can’t have too many utility rods in an arsenal. Specialty rods are good to have, and some presentations almost require one which looks like that’s what you have. Mike

Ditto Ditto!! Ditto!!! Mike

The size of the weight doesn’t matter. It’s the amount and thickness of the surface cover and the depth of it that will determine what size you need. In essence you’re trying to punch through it which will dictate if pegging is warranted. Since you’re fishing from shore, which limits your ability to cover the majority of it, I suggest that before you bring it out, bang it a few times on the underside of the mat. That will keep your offering in the water longer which can help to call them to you from where you can’t reach. Mike

I don’t like using spinning gear for anything any more. I don’t drop, shake, Ned or wack and never felt I was at a disadvantage for not. Would any of them work at times? Sure, but not for how and where I like to fish. Mike