Mike L

Thanks Pal ! If I do it, it’ll have to be as a co angler this time. We’ll see Mike

Ditto Mike

I received an invitation to enter their upcoming So Division tournament and was wondering if any of you guys have fished it? Mike

Also, I don’t use that small of braid, but if I were you I’d tie the double Palomar. It’s just using 2 overhand knots instead of one. Mike

If you use a Palomar or Snell when using braid and tie both correctly, you’re good. Mike

Magnum Speed Worm Rage Bug Rage Cut R RI Skinny Dipper Original Scum Frog Mike

Ditto Those are the only one I use also. Mike

I’m thinking about entering the qualifier on Okeechobee but a 900.00 entry fee is a little stiff. A few BFL tournaments down here had to be limited to 200 boats. They average about 180 which can get crazy at times. They most likely will have flights of 15-20 take off at intervals to keep the congestion down, and schedule weigh-ins 15 min apart. It usually goes pretty smooth even with that large of a field as long as they have enough staff on hand. The weigh-ins take much longer than the take off. The one thing that will speed it up is the availability of weigh-in bags if that’s the format they will use, which I hope they don’t but I haven’t checked on that yet. Mike

Yeah Buddy!! Mike

Cichlids, Oscar and Peacock that I know of, but now a days I wouldn’t be surprised if there were dozens of others. Mike

You can if you find an opening in the perimeter fencing and don’t mind walking through a swamp in certain sections to get to the water. If you do I would use a piece of wood or something as a probe where you’re gonna step. Especially in the summer. Most of the boats you see probably launched at the few ramps on both sides. Mike

I flip/ pitch more than any other technique. It’s a right of passage living and fishing in South and Cental Florida All you need is a rod with a minimum length of 7ft. A 6’6” is usable and will work just fine but you’ll lose distance especially while flipping, not as much as when pitching. Since you don’t know exactly what you want, I suggest you find a rod rated as a H/F from any well known manufacturer. They all have rods at every price point. Mike

When used for flipping or pitching I fill up to 50% with backing. Keeping in mind NOT to use that for any long distance bomb casts. Normally about 10%-20% of spool capacity will suffice on all others. Mike

When we keep referring to rods as... “My jig rod, my frog rod, my weightless rod” we’re saying we bought into the technique specific business that must make every manufacturer smile all the way to the bank. If you don’t own a boat with a rod locker, deck space and extra disposable income to hold 20 rods, you learn really quick to make do with what you have. That’s why I own only heavy and Med/heavy rods making sure they have different actions to make the choice of what to use where a little easier. Mike

Starting to clear Mike

The only technique specific rod I own is what I have tied on for what I want to do at the time. I have 2 Heavy’s and 3 MH/F rods with different actions that cover it all for my local waters and don’t need any more. As a permanent co angler yes, I have to take the time to re tie once in awhile, but I’d be doin that anyway. Mike

The action of the rod itself, regardless of who makes it is what matters. Case in point....I have 2 MH/F rods by 2 different manufacturers with the same specs as yours. Each of those have different actions which are part of my different technique rotation for every outing. Both handle 1/2 oz lures with ease. Mike

Just keep in mind, as in most things, especially in fishing line... You get what you pay for. Mike

Great time to go! I had a 23.7 bag there not too long ago. They will start releasing water to the Glades soon if they haven’t already stared. If you’re not hiring a guide the North end from the river to all around Kings Bar should be going nuts! Have a great time. Mike

Absolutely! Anywhere any time, just let me know. Mike

2 of the best places you can go!! I got my PB at Stick Marsh. Glad you had a great time. Mike

Beautiful, Congratulations! Did you try a few of the areas I suggested awhile ago? Mike

Look at the Phenix X Series of composite rods. I believe they’re in your price range. They are very well balanced with good components and come with a wide range of specs. A 7’ and 7’6” are rated to 3oz if you need it. Mike

I use those things year round down here. For years they have been a permanent option In my home lake (Okeechobee) Personally I use either RI Skinny Dipper or the Big EZ depending on how much “thump” they want. Mike

UV Speed Worm, Rage bug, Fat Max ribbon. Mike