Mike L

I forgot about those! I use them also especially on all types of stick worms. Mike

4/0 Gamakatsu ewg Mike

Of the 7 I have all are 200 except for one older 100 (Chronarch SF) which is about the same size. Mike

Good Job!! Mike

Congratulations! That’s Great!! Mike

If you don’t use a quality product, set your reel correctly to achieve the fine balance of distance and accuracy any line will backlash. However, the KVD product line has a spray called line and lure that will help a lesser product a great deal. Don’t get caught up in all the “notorious” negative attitudes that folks have of it. I and millions of other anglers use it over other lines because it’s positives outweigh the negatives that get complained about more loudly and more often. Mike

20# is probably the sweet spot, I don’t use them. The spinning guys should be along shortly. Mike

Bottom contact is bottom contact regardless of the amount of water top of it. Bass can be caught in 40 fow and 6” of water. The action of the rod doesn’t matter. Mike

For me, braid is a specialty item to be used only for certain applications. Frogs get 50# and punching 80# other than that I’m 100% fluorocarbon for every technique. If you are convinced that using a leader is to your advantage considering the structure of your home waters, then adjust your combos accordingly. There are a 1/2 dozen different line to line knots that work just fine. Do a search on here and you’ll be reading for 2 days. Everyone has their favorite determined by their confidence in what they use which is gained by experience. Any fairly quality rod using fairly quality guide inserts will be fine running braid. Using mono backing will save you money, but @PhishLI suggestion is a good one and works. Any quality reel won’t be effected by using it. Mike

I use nothing but the Zako anymore. You’re gonna have to cycle through a few to see what works best for you. Mike

It sure does Very underrated Mike

I don’t have as many as you, but my answer to everyone when asked what I want is always the same. “Everybody in the same room at the same time” (It’s a Dad thing) ? Mike

Good Job! Seems like the long drive was well worth it. Mike

I’ve owned AV’s for years. In my opinion they are one of the finest rods made by anyone, anywhere regardless of manufacturer. For me they are on par to any high end rod today in the $500 range. @OkobojiEagle is right, their power ratings are darn near spot on. And ask away. I use mh/f for all bottom contact presentations and have used another for light punching. They are worth whatever you can buy one for. Mike

As far as I know Luck-E-Strike still does. The ones I have I’ve had for years They’re the most true running and durable cranks I’ve ever had. All I’ve ever done to them is replace the front trebles to red with the same size. Mike

Blind Mike

When I throw cranks I use RC’s in 3 basic colors...shad, blue gill and reddish craw colors. I don’t remember their specific color model names. Mike

Loomis MBR 843C GLX Chronarch 100SF 12# Sniper 3/16 tungsten 6” UV Speed Worm Mike

Depends, either 16# Sniper or 30# original Power Pro. Mike

I don’t really have a particular favorite. Depending on where I’m at, I’ll usually start with a Spook or Pop R and go from there. But I’ve also found that something with a little flash fished just below the surface will work just as well. Mike

Great Job! One of these day’s I’m gonna get me one of those!! Mike

Great Job! You gotta frame those shots!! Mike

So so sorry. Prayers sent for your entire family. Mike

I use both for most everything and have for years. As was already said, Shooter is more abrasion resistant. Both are premium lines that get lumped into all the negative narratives of poor knot strength and the decreased cast ability of cheaper flouo lines which it is not. Spool some up and decide for yourself. Mike

2 of the 3 plastic’s you used are always in my rotation year round, regardless of conditions in and around grass and submerged structure. However, I always use a 4/0 ewg hook with them. If you’re confident in your hook setting and have sharp hooks, I suggest you increase your hook size. You may be surprised. Mike