Mike L

I fish in a lot of tournament's and have gone through at least 3 different bags trying to find the "perfect" one that would carry all my stuff and not be too big. I've settled on the Flambeau AZ8. They are not as wide or long as many others, just a little taller which won't take up as much space.. It holds 6 3700 size boxes, has all the right compartments in all the right places for me and have never been told or even been implied that it was too big. The AZ6 and AZ4 are a little smaller. As far as rods go I ALWAYS ask my boater if it's ok to bring 6, and have never been told that was too many. Mike

Ditto Mike

Rage Cut R (honey candy) Magnum speed worm (junebug) Mike

Right Now, today it's a Rage Cut R weightless or not. Mike

I use a Phenix M1 MH/F. Mike

I do all the time. Since the beaver is more compact with a fatter profile and a little less wiggle in the tail, I use those strictly for punching.. I choose the bugs first when a smaller profile with a lot of wiggle is needed in heavy but scattered junk. In more opened areas of vegetation, reeds, pads etc I throw the Rage Craw. Mike

Welcome! Drive little farther and go the Big O. You don't need to look at a calendar. Mike

For soft body Skinny Dippers and Big EZ's I use Falcons carolina rig rod, pro qualifier reel spooled with 30# power pro. Mike

Why do I need to know any of this? Mike

You guys have been kinda quiet... Anyway, last week before playoffs...Now it becomes interesting. Good Luck Mike

If you're sponsored by so many, they obviously think you're worth it so I'd be sure to put them all on somewhere. Wouldn't want to offend anybody, that's why they give you what they do. The bigger the sponsor the bigger the patch. Put them on the shirt, on the boat, on the truck, switch hats every hour if you have to. I wish I had that problem. Mike

I asked the same question one time to a TBF tournament director and he told it's just not done, which I know is wrong.. When I asked why he just shrugged his shoulders and didn't give an answer. I wouldn't worry about what anyone else would say, its your money and your shirt. Do what you want. Mike

Ditto Mike

Don't use mono for anything anymore..just don't see the need too. I use Sniper for all bottom contact presentation's except for punching matt's, and yo zuri for all moving baits.. Mike

I use the Sweet Beaver almost exclusively for punching matt's, with and without a skirt. I use a 7' 2" H/Xf Quantum Smoke micro guide rod, on a Curado G reel w/ 65# power pro. Mike

Seems that I have better luck in "cooler" water down here with a chatterbait than a spinnerbait for some reason. I assume it's the minimum flash and a tighter wiggle. Mike

I remember that! Still have it somewhere.. There was an in depth "discussion" about it a while back where some folks thought it was of some help, a few didn't. I used to use it and thought it was right on. Gotta find that thing. Mike

I won't comment on what you do with your own child...If I agree or not. But that other kid yelling out what he did..He wouldn't be able to.... Never mind, forget it. Mike

Youngster... Look, regardless of some of the playing around, the majority of the guys here would salavate all over themselves (I know I would) if they had a choice of reels to use that you have..you're very lucky. Now, IMHO They are all quality reels that will give you years of use, so no problem choosing there... They are all basically the same size so you'll have to fish each to see which feels better to you for a long day... Check the spool sizes you have, don't use a smaller spool one which will carry less line if you plan on bombing big crank or hard swim baits... Lastly, compare the reel speed of each for what you want to do.. A high speed reel, 6:5.1 or higher are best used for presentations that you'd want to take up line as quick as you can. For me that means anything thrown on top, or on the bottom. Good Luck, and go have some fun. Mike

What you heard is true. I Always use a 7+ reel when throwing anything on top, working on the bottom or any time you need to take up line quick. Mike

I like a bag, the Flambeau AZ8 for any size boat I'm in as it's narrower but a little higher which saves space. From the bank I just take a small satchel type bag as I don't need as much to bring. Mike

Ahhh Man,I am so very very sorry. My heart aches for you and your family. My God bless and keep you Mike

Happy Thanksgiving to you all, from my family to yours Mike

I only use 3, and thats too many KVD's Lucky Craft RC's Mike

Joe The best advise I can give you other than what already has been said, is that when tying a knot useing flouro make ABSOLUTELY sure that the wraps you use to tie any knot, are not over lapping each other. A lot of folks make that mistake and some can get away with it, but it is critical that the wraps lay flat next to each while wrapping and cinching useing flouro of any make or size. Mike