Mike L

Hello and Welcome Mike

When flipping the reel is always engaged so it's a non factor. I can pitch with either hand but as @Catt said it certainly isn't necessary because it doesn't matter. I cast and reel right and never felt the need to switch and that includes when getting bit when it hits the water. If you do get bit that quick, just set the hook with your thumb locked on the spool. The split second it takes to switch hands at that point won't be an issue. Practice both ways and use what feels the most natural to you. Mike

Hardly ever throw cranks but for plastics it would be Junebug. Not that it matters much, but if I had to choose it would be green frogs, and white for moving top water. Mike

If and when I do which is becoming more rare I use 1/3 anise and 2/3 baby oil Mike

That's the reason I only use Trokar's for punching. If I stick 'em, they stay stuck. Mike

I add a treble stinger hook for smaller single hook plastics. Flukes, caffeine shad's, small speed worms etc. Mike

I'm one and done. Ive had them come off when I thought I stuck 'em good so the last thing I want to do is invite another. Mike

Fishing in light rain doesn't bother me. As far as baits are concerned, I don't change up just because its raining. Mike

Straight braid. Mike

My current favorites are a Fat Max ribbon tail, Speed Worm (standard and magnum) and a Rage Cut R. All are rigged on 14# Sniper, 4/0 screw in or skip gap hook with a 3/16 weight except the magnum speed worm. For that I rig on a 5/0 with the same 3/16 weight or weightless. Mike

Boom... Yes, stay positive, cling close to your family and don't lose yourself to the unknown. Have faith brother, and have confidence you'll come out of this and be just fine. Mike

I think it's safe to say anyone who fishes tournament's has done the same from time to time. Your whole being is zeroed in on sticking the last one but that's the problem! Dont beat yourself up as it will probably happen again. ?? Mike

I do I Snell for all type's of vertical bottom contact presentations regardless of cover. Mike

Thats the idea! Well Said Mike

Whew! Thats scary, the unkown will drive you insane especially when it comes to you child. I'm so happy that he's doing better. Thank God it wasn't anything more serious. Mike

I use the Trokar TK 130 flipping hook which has the keeper like the VMC in your picture for punchin only. I use the Owner Twist Lock for all moving plastics. (Speed Worm, Cut R, Swim Baits etc) Mike

Tip if I may... You know your limitations, you know what you can and cannot do. Don't push it. I dont mean to baby it for the next 30 yrs, just dont over do it. Listen to your body. I learned that the hard way. Mike

Geo Yep, you're right it can be a lot to fling a 2oz weight and make 100 flips with it for hours. But when big mama shows herself and the fight is on, I got a feeling you'd put the beer down!! ?? Mike

As stated many times before, I've used Flouro (Sniper and Shooter) for years and can honestly say I can't remember having a knot (SDJ) fail solely based on the line. The line has broke because I was careless in checking for knicks and scrapes but that's my fault. Mike

Fish your strengths in the areas you think you know where they're at Just be prepared to move and find a pattern without trying to force feed them where they "should be" Dont get locked into anything regardless of what happened before in the same place. Just be ready to Improvise Overcome and Adapt. Mike

Ain't it the truth!! Mike

The worst I ever had was a spinal fusion L4 to L5.. It took a full 3 months before I could lay flat or walk upright again, and now I need to have L3 fused to L4!! Which I'm trying to put off as long as I can. Mike

I haven't fished Lox, don't even know where that is... But punching is punching no matter where you go. Just use the most sensative heavy baitcasting rod you have, a quality reel spooled with a min of 65# braid, a few streamlined plastics, peg a 3/4 to 2oz tungsten weight to a heavy wire flipping hook and have some fun. Mike

Ditto Its heavy duty down here most of time. I don't even own a medium baitcasting rod and use my only spinning outfit for when grandkids visit and take them to a local pond. (And that's about to change) Mike

Can't really add much to this. If you come farther south, post Mike