Mike L

IMO, Any knot that is tied correctly and deliberately will hold as it is intended too. Period... Do some knots hold better with a different type of line over another? Sure they do. Experience and experimentation is always best teacher. Mike

Ditto I've used Invisex for years until I tried this. Mike

Sometimes useing the "smallest weight possible to get the bait through and down" isn't the be all end all when punching, as we've been led to believe useing a T rig in normal circumstances. When punching sometimes a fast fall will get bit instead of a slow fluttering fall. You have to keep in mind that punching through a thick matt is to me anyway, the definition of hand to hand combat in the fishing world. As Catt calls it "Redneck Bubba Bass Fishing" You are up close and personal, sometimes just feet away from a fishes house who you can't see and who can't see you. But what he can do is feel you coming and feel that weight crashing through his roof. When that happens it's like you're in your kitchen eating a sandwich and you hear something come crashing through your bedroom...You're gonna get up and check it out! Just because I'm through a matt doesn't necessarily mean that I chose right in my selection of a weight. Thats why I start at 1oz and go from there, if it's needed to get through or not. Will it tire you out and make your muscles burn? Sometimes yes. That's also why it's imperative that you have a perfectly balanced combo. Probably more important than in any other type of presentation. When that happens I'll either pick up another rod, turn around and throw something else for a bit, or take a pill and keep going Mike

Curado I for me. Mike

15# Invisex now, soon to be 14# Sniper Mike

Honey Candy Rage Cut R June bug RI Trixie Shark June bug Zoom Magnum Speed Craw All after a green/pepper Scum Frog. Mike

I only tie on a Beaver for punching or pitching in very heavy slop. The RI Sweet Beaver is the only one I use. Mike

Joe.... Read these again, Excellent advise. *The only thing I can add, is this presentation is the definition of the "Florida Rig" Be sure to peg the weight. You can use any method you like *When making a vertical presentation by pitching or casting I allways let out an extra foot or so of line before engaging the reel. When flipping as you know, your reel is already engaged but you're up close enough so giving extra line isn't neccessary. *Start fishing a solid matt from the front to the back *Use a stubby type bait like a beaver instead of a long skinny one such as a 10" ribbon tail worm *Use heavy equipment and line IMHO min 50# braid, down here it's min 60# or go do something else *And one very important point...When you get bit and set, GET IT'S HEAD UP Quick! Don't try to finesse her in, Drag her across the top...Trust me on this. Good Luck Mike

You're right of course, I assumed he was asking about a bottom contact plastics rod. Most of the time that is what these type of questions are geared too...But I could be wrong. OP...See above Mike

Don't do it in Toho! I'm sure there are more than a few lakes around Orlando that you could do all the water sports you want. Ask at your hotel, call the Chamber, wait a little bit and I'm sure guys will be along soon with some suggestions IMHO, Toho is not one of them. Mike

Check out a Fenwick Techna AV if you can find one. If you do it'll be a lot less than 150.00. In my hands, it's as sensative a rod than some in the 250.00 range. Mike

Me too... Mike

I use a Phenix MH/F M1 rod for spinnerbaits. I wouldn't suggest it for the A Rig tho. Don't throw one, Can't help with that. Mike

Green/Pepper Scum Frog...Why? I think It's the softest frog there is. I've had the best hook ratio with it over all the more popular ones. Mike

My most productive technique is a T Rig for numbers and size... Mike

Over the years I've returned stuff with and without a reciept and can't remember ever having a problem. They know what they sell. Having a reciept there is never question without, some kid behind the counter may look at you a little cross eyed. Mike

^^^^Yep, All a chatterbait bait to me is a thumping spinnerbait without the flash. Mike

Either the Trokar TK 130 or the Owner Twist lock with centering pin. The Owner tho is fast becoming my go to hook for almost any and all plastics. Mike

Skinny Dipper soft paddle tail swim bait (houdini) Mike

Mmmm I like that! Now I'm useing a small box made for them I got at BPS. Even tho it works great it only holds maybe 6 comfortably without folding the skirt all up. Being that I only use spinners with a least one willow blade and always with a trailer hook, I can only get 4 to fit. This looks like a better option, Thanks Felix Mike

Even tho I fish in mostly 15+- fow down here, for me it would be a suspending jerk bait. I've had good results with them in the past when the weather turns cooler/colder around here but just found other presentation's I like better. Mike

As predominantly a co angler I have 1, 7' 2" Mh/F Allstar ASR. Mike

Cut R Sweet Beaver Skinny Dipper

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles Temptations Mike

Braid can last years spooled and indefinitely unopend and stored. Mono will start to deteriorate if left in the hot sun for months at a time spooled or not. Floro and co poly lines somewhere in between. Mike