Mike L

When spooling braid there should be pressure applied.. From Tim Horton...If in a boat put the spool in the water and start reeling, just be ready to scoop it out when you get near the end Put a pencil trough the spool holding both ends...between your knees, between your toes, put it in a small box with holes poked through both sides, have someone hold the pencil useing a finger to apply pressure. Point is, with the spool swinging free so the line comes off in the correct direction, all that is needed is to have both ends secured some way. Mike

Your equipment looks good. Only If there are holes in submerged mated hydrilla a frog will work good. If fishing the holes start at a far corner and walk it in place or use a poping style as you bring it to the other side. Mike

Sorry for your family's loss. You certainly did! Mike

So much hate for tournament co angler's on this board! I just don't get it. I understand why some pro's welcome the change, but there are some who don't also. I'll just leave it at that. Mike

The Mercedes being diesel is much more expensive than a gas model but will last a lot longer, however fuel and maintenance costs are higher. Plus there are so many different models it depends on what you priorities are. The thing about motor homes is that you can get it serviced at any dealer BUT if you don't go to your selling dealer you will be moved down the priority list. Mike

If you get one with the Ford V 10 engine as opposed to the Chevy or GMC, they MAY be fine also. If you get one on the diesel Mercedes Sprint platform you're good. But check the towing ratings with the manufacturer yourself to be sure. Mike

Wouldn't matter. Frogs in the vegetation, top water around it, Rage Bug or Craw below it, and a Fat Max ribbon tail through it until I found a pattern and stay with it Mike Mike

May He Rest In Peace Mike

Fat Max Anaconda Jelly Worm Mike

You can put backing, spool braid and use a leader if you want. I don't use leaders for a variety of reasons and spool all flouro with a cheap mono for backing. For me it's the only way to go but I'll be in the minority here.. Mike

Well said! Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

Give me a acre of thick pads with a definate edge line or a foot thick mat of emergent hydrilla and I'll follow you anywhere. Mike

Frog Swim bait 10" worm Ribbon tail worm Rage bug/craw Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

No consistency. I have MH's with ratings from 3/4 to 1 1/2 oz. You really have to look at the rod as a whole. Mike

7' 2" MH/F Mike

@TxHawgs When I say "rarely for punching" understand that the majority of my punching is in 3-4 fow with a 1-2 ft thick mat of hydrilla, for that a skirt does me no good. When punching through blown over reeds and other vegetation, a skirt is an advantage because it's in more "open"water throughout the process. Both senarios call for different lines types and strength. Mike

I use skirts most of the time but rarely when punching and use a Trokar TK 130 for all punching and flipping in moderate to heavy cover. The heaviest weight I use is a 2 oz but most of the time a 1 1/2 oz. is enough. Also, I snell for all bottom contact presentations regardless of the cover, and "blowing" the mouth hasn't been a concern. Mike

Water temps in the lake have been 82-85 in the morning and topping out at 91 in the early afternoon the past 2 weeks which makes them pretty predictable. Mike

Who's J Francho?!! ? Just kidding Mike

Those and the Bugs in different circumstances, almost exclusively Mike