Mike L

Yes, that’s about it. Heavy cover to me is a shallow rooted floating mat of some sort that if you threw an exposed hook into, you couldn’t get it out clean. Mike

It depends on where you’re fishing. For light cover 12# is fine. Moderate cover 15# in fine. Anything heavier use 20# Mike

C’Mon Man! Mike

If I decide to throw a blade, I usually start with a bronze Colorado spinner and then switch to a bluegill chatter. But neither would be my first choice. Mike

In my opinion it’s an excellent option for what you want, and I also use it for what you describe. This is my first Dobyns rod so I really don’t know much about their entire line, but for me the 735C is definitely not an XF. It’s a lot softer than my 2 XF rated rods I currently have ...7’1” Tatula and a 7’4 Smoke. From what I’ve read the 735 is softer than a lot of others rated the same and I’ve found that to be true. Do search on here about that rod as thier are a few from fellas in here who know a lot more about them and who’s advise I took. Mike

Seaguar and Sunline are the 2 manufacturers to consider. Their flouro product lines are varied and tried and true. There are others of course which are cheaper but like a lot of things you get what you pay for. My advice is to use a quality product and not let price alone be the deciding factor. Mike

Ditto Mike

Always white regardless of what I use. Mike

Ditto My Loomis 843C is definitely not an XF. It has the softest action of any fast action rod I own. And great for all the techniques @waymont described and more. Mike

Tip heavy rods can be a problem for tip down presentations...bottom contact. I had one a while back that I offset by removing the butt cap and placed 4 quarters in (old BPS model) the same can be offset by using a heavier reel. Presentations that use a mid to high tip up position...cranks, traps, spinner/chatter baits etc. it’s not that much of an issue. It’s like anything else, if it’s a problem for the individual it is, if it’s not..it’s not Mike

The Rage and Zoom product line. Mike

Growing up my “influencer” was a child of the 1920’s who did the best he could to raise a child of the 50’s. This child of the 50’s did the best he could to “ influence” his children of the 70’s. Point being that we each see each other and live our lives through a filter. We are who we are because of the influence of others. Too many parents allow their kids to be “influenced” by too many outside forces without control, and then wonder what happened when they become what they didn’t intended. I think it was easier for my parents to raise their kids and certainly easier for me to raise mine than what my kids have to put up with nowadays raising theirs. I don’t think I could do it now. Leading by example, teaching respect Honor and Integrity starts with the only “influencers” that counts. Call me old fashioned, a relic or dinosaur...that ok. I’ve been called worse. Mike

I check my line and knot integrity constantly. If I get hung up and have to somewhat struggle to get free I’ll re tie. I also re tie before every outing even if I plan to use the same lure on the same rod. Mike

I’ll miss you guys terribly, but goin fishin in the morning! ? Mike

I just bought the Tatula as my primary bottom contact rod. I handled and research both for a week before I decided. I don’t like a soft action for bottom presentations so I got the 7’3” MH/XF. The cork handle vs split foam wasn’t a consideration, neither was the cheaper faz lite guides because they’re both on the same blank. I wouldn’t care if they were the same price or even lower, for me it was all about the difference in action in the 2 lines. Can’t help you about the spinning rods. I don’t use them. Mike

Sorry you didn’t have a better day. It’s tough down here when it gets like that. Very well done video! Especially liked the drone shot! Mike

I Snell for all pegged bottom contact presentations. Palomar for all braid and San Diego Jam for all flouro. Mike

Thanks fellas! I planned on using Rage bugs and craws but wanted to get a sense of what you guys do. I found a bag of small chunks that I forgot I had. Mike

I don’t know any of the those you listed. The only ones I’ve fished in that general area is Placid, Grassy and Crooked. They would be a little ride south of where you’re at but all have good fishing especially now. All 3 are located off Rt 27 north of Rt 70. I would investigate if Kayak fishing is practical or allowed before you go if you decide. There is another thread on here about gator’s when using a kayak or canoe on Florida lakes. I suggest you find it. Mike

The vast majority of my bottom contact presentations are almost always some kind of plastic. When I did throw a jig I always used a creature bait of some sort, hardly ever a chunk. So a quick question.... When you guys rig a chunk on a jig, do you tip it or thread it? Thanks Mike

Take it from a guy who doesn’t use a spinning outfit...Braid is not a must for spinning gear. What is, is the right line diameter for the spool size you’re using based on what technique you use it the most for. That includes braid, mono (cough) or flouro. Mike

When on a boat strip off 1/2 the spool and drive around a bit then reel back on. Tie the end to a swivel and walk off 100 feet, pull tight and reel back on. Close the bail by hand after every cast Mike

I got the Siera 735C Mag Heavy based solely on the recommendation of a few fellas on here. I was looking for a dedicated frog rod at the time but now I throw buzz baits and paddle tail swim baits with it also. I was a little surprised and honestly concerned that the action was a bit too soft from what I’ve been used to when I first got it, but it works just fine. It’s passable for a 1/2 oz spinner and chatter bait also. In a pinch it can double as a punch rig if I really needed it but I like a XF for that much better. Mike

Siera 735C Frogs, Buzz bait, paddle tail swim baits and back up punch rod Mike

Gators down here mate from early spring to early summer. Mama lays her eggs in mid to late summer. If you can clearly hear a low grunt type sound or If you see an open area on shore that has depressed vegetation leading into the water, keep your eyes open! Either turn around or get mid channel and don’t stop paddling. Don’t mess with them. Give em space. Mike