Mike L

I thought I was the only one who uses a 6' rod. ? I use an older JM Sig rod that was originally a 6' 6" m/f that I broke. Mike

Rich Try some KVD Line & Lure on the higher lb test lines. It'll make a 20# act a lot lower. Mike

I use Gamakatsu hooks for everything except punching and not because they won't hold up. Their superline hook is one of the strongest hooks you can buy. Mike

You pretty much have it covered. Depending on the water I'd stick with.... Senkos, worms, cranks, and spinners. Rig a few wacky and shaky head combos too. But bring all that you mentioned. I know some women who can out fish a lot of men. Mike

Ditto Mike

Since you frequent the store they may remember you and give you a discount especially if they don't move a lot of inventory. Which seems like they don't. All they could say is no Mike

Great Job!! Congratulations! Mike

Now that's perfect!! Never even thought about a prop A! You did your good deed for the day. Mike

Thanks for the detailed response! I too use the Long A as my primary hard bait over grass but was considering using a prop as more of a top water search bait with a more subtle action. I have 3 tournaments on Okeechobee in March. 2 of them have a field of over 100 registered already and from what I'm hearing in certain specific areas it's..let's just say kinda popular. Mike

When flipping the reel is engaged and you only have 5-10ft of line out. When you get bit the split second if takes to change hands won't matter. Mike

You're kidding right! ? Mike

Thanks fellas. I like the 2 I asked about because unlike a buzzbait I can use them as a jerkbait over submerged emergent eel grass that's just starting to come out on Big O and the Stick Marsh. Also by adjusting the props they can be made to squeek a little, and increase or decrease thier spitting if needed which can't be done on either the buzz or plopper. Was just curious what everyone's thoughts were. Thanks Mike

Was gonna answer almost the same way but Tom beat me to it. Understand, I'm not pulling on the fish to yank it in. Im use the line very carefully to maneuver the fish in a position to land. The rod position and reel setting are such that only a light movement of the line is necessary. It it takes a lot of practice to get it right. Its so I don't even think about it anymore. Mike

When not swinging, I'll almost always grab the line to maneuver the fish closer when lipping or scooping a fish from a sitting or kneeling position. I don't pull the line up to land. Never lost a fish doing it. Mike

Gonna pick a few more prop baits and was wondering what you guys thought about these 2. I know the Devils Horse are more popular around here but was wondering if anyone has used both and can give any comparisons. Thanks Mike

4 1/2" from the nose to the tip of tail. There is a groove on the back and a small slit in the belly. Mike

Phenix X11 composite deep cranking rod. Mike

16# Sniper in moderate cover 20# Shooter in heavy cover Mike

It's like everything else when talking equipment. Use what feels good and gives you the confidence to use it. That said useing what gives you the best advantage needs to be considered to. I wouldnt use a 8+ gear ratio reel for deep diving cranks, or a ML rod with mono for frogs..extreme examples I know, but you get my point. Personally I like an XF for all bottom contact baits, from weightless to punching. Some on here will tell me that I'm wrong but that's ok. I've been told that before. ? Mike

Kids will surprise you every day. Yes, even the little ones. It's the parents who do the freaking out and worrying. Thats our job. Trust his doctors and your ability as as Dad. Prayer sent Mike

Dave A lot of folks don't understand what happens then and why more times than not it's just better to stay in bed. That is our world for sure. Florida strain transplanted to other parts of the country must not be as effected as pure bloods. Mike

All of the above. That's why it's called fishin. Mike

7+ it's easier to slow your reeling when you need too than speed up. Also, there may come a time when you'll want to burn the spinnerbait and you'll want a faster reel for bottom contact baits to get her in and throw again. Now, all that being said compare the ipt of each instead of just going by the speed rating. Theyre all different and some are closer than you may think. Mike

I was thinking along the same lines. Ask him what HE wants to do. He may just want to sit at the end of a dock at sunrise with a cup coffee and a rod across his lap. Try not to assume anything. If you do something like that, in a quiet moment ask who he wants to be with him. Don't be surprised if he says no one. I wish him all the best. Mike

Excellent James! Thank You for taking the time to post here. Best of luck going forward. Mike