Mike L

Interesting, I’ve never seen or heard that before.. Mike

No Too far North as stated Mike

I’d say about 70% of my offerings are by flipping and pitching. Some outings it’s 90 However when blind casting I still have a plan maybe not to a specific spot but definitely into certain areas. My point being I don’t put too much emphasis on aerodynamics regardless of what I tie on. But that’s just me. Mike

If and when I use a bladed jig I only use a Zako Mike

If and when you get a boat let me know. There are spots in the river and Charlotte Harbor that almost always produce. Mike

Ya know, the thing about that color for me is when I’m sure it will matter which isn’t often, I can’t buy a bite. But after using my “normal” colors pitching to certain targets and the bite dies, I will rig it and a lot of times it can start again. There’s just something about it but in certain circumstances Mike

The “best” places are from the many bridges, jetties, canals, piers and docks on the Peace River. I’ve had good luck on the South bound 41 bridge between the 4&6th light pole. (Keep in mind the farther down the bridge the higher you get) Bayshore Park has a very long pier that has always produced Myakka River trestles off Rt 776 Any canal on the West side of Rt 41 from Rt 776 to the river Almost every canal in Punta Gorda Isles and the Burnt Store subdivision areas. (There aren’t many open access areas there depending on where you go) You can also drive 30 minutes north to the Venice Jetties but very congested this time of the year. Mike

I’ve lived and fished down here for 46 yrs and never really thought that any time of the year is just plain bad. There are certain conditions in certain places that make it it’s tougher than others as was already posted. The farther south you go is a little different compared to Central and of course Northern parts. Anyway, I’ve sight fished beds on Okeechobee in January through June with the sweet spot from February to April. She’s there, you’ll just have take into consideration the conditions as was explained above. Mike

Even tho we’ve owned and trained more Great Danes over the years, our Husky’s left a soft spot each time Mike

Defining myself is an easy and yet a hard question to answer. I consider myself a “car guy” as I’ve been restoring and showing muscle cars for 32 yrs especially my National Show winning ‘65 GTO. But the more I thought about it the more I think it’s more of a hobby which really doesn’t “define” me. 10 days ago my first granddaughter informed us that she is expecting her first child, which will be my 3rd Great Grandchild! Then last Sunday her brother, my oldest grandchild announced that he is expecting his third which will be my 4th Great Grandchild!! So… Being a father of 2, Grandfather of 5 and now Great Grandfather of 4 it is clear what defines me… The defining key word in all this is Father Mike

I don’t own that rod but have heard good things about that whole line. Do a search as I’m sure it’s been talked about on here many times. Go back and read @F14A-B reply again as he gave you the best advise. Personally I wouldn’t use a medium powered anything down here when targeting what you want, especially this time the year as the big girls will be moving in and out. You’re gonna need at the very least a MH/F but a Heavy would be better able to handle a decent sized fish pulled out with 5 lbs of grass wrapped around it. Finding them and hooking up is #1 and #2 all over the country. Down here Feb to April up that way getting her head up and out is 2b Good Luck Mike

Yep Good example of a resident grass fish Mike

Granted, finding them is first and foremost That said, you still have to get her to bite with all the different variables that go along with it. Since the rules apply to all it really doesn’t matter any more Mike

Good for you!! Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. Congratulations, I wish you the best. Mike

Honestly any well balanced, heavy action rod with a quality mid speed reel spooled with at least 50# braid of your choice, in your price range will suffice for frogs. Sensitivity isn’t a concern, neither are high end guides and inserts. Every quality well known rod manufacturer has one in thier lineup. Point is if you don’t like any of the recommendations you get keep looking around. It’s not that hard. Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

Without resurrecting the whole “red thing” again, down here we’re in the middle of the most advantageous time of the year where a splash of red is helpful especially if I can find clear water, the shallower the better. Pre spawn being the peak, at least for me it is. I have only 1 red spinnerbait the Booyah @GreenPig posted above. Don’t use spinnerbaits that much at all because I never felt I had too Except as mentioned Mike

Gentlemen I came close to closing this thread but didn’t for now as there is good information that can be helpful for folks who want to learn and hear about others experiences. That said, back off on the veiled criticism of others. Mike

Sure! I use Sniper or Shooter for everything except 3 braid presentations. I don’t use co poly and won’t use mono Mike

So sorry for the loss of your Ma Mrs Mike and I send you our heartfelt condolences. Mike

4 casting, No spinning 1/ 7’2-7’4” H/XF 1/ 7’2”-7’4” H/F 2/ 7’0”-7’3” MH/F Mike

I use the “Rage Rig” (to me the only name for it, but doesn’t really matter) almost every outing depending on conditions. Also, I only use a RI Skinny Dipper which is easier to t pose so I don’t that problem. The only other I use is a Big EZ depending on if she wants more wiggle or thump. Mike

Excellent!! I’m glad everything worked out for you, had a good time and landed a bunch. Great job Mike

Choked Mike