Mike L

Want frog story? At a tournament yesterday on the Big O, we got a late start being boat #111 in the 5th flight out of 168. My boater asked if I had a particular place I wanted to start because I told him earlier I ALWAYS start with a frog regardless of the water boaters want to start at. I suggested a place I knew well, and knew the top water bite always seemed to be on a little later than others. I threw my favorite little frog in the middle of some Kissimmee grass and started walking it in place. After about 4 complete turns I stopped it, a fish boils behind it. I wait a few seconds and hit it again, it makes a half turn and that fish hits it so hard it pushed that frog 2ft in the air! My boater yells "throw something else in there real quick" I said no just wait. I moved it to the side once more and he took it down, the rod loaded up, drag went out and I set...2 1/2 lb. Later when it came time cull it I felt bad letting her go. I really did! We played a game that we both didn't know how it was gonna turn out that I just happened to win that time. Moral of the story...Sometimes you win the game, when maybe you shouldn't have. At least that's how I look at it. Mike

Thought so, Thanks Joe Mike

Thanks Mike

Question... I asume you're pitching plastics in weedy, grassy shallow areas. If so why are you useing a leader for that? I'm really not trying to be a smart A** but I've read that on here a few times and don't understand the percieved advantage but never thought to ask why. If you're pitching others things in different area's please disreard. You have already been given good advise. Mike

Lou I saw those and wanted to try a VMC product but after looking at the shape of the weight I decided against it. Do you have a problem going through the grass with them? Mike

For all bottom contact presentaion's regarless of the extent of the cover, I use a H/Xf that I use 50# braid with and it does what I need and want it to do. I do not use it for punching solid hydrilla mats with 65# braid tho as I think the action is too slow!! For punching and hand to hand combat it's a MH/F. My point is you can't characterize what this is because it says this or that. Take it for what it is, based on what it is. Mike

Ditto...I use the same combo for both also Mike

Ditto Mike

I also hold my reel at chest level, but don't do it with any conscise thought tho. I hold my reel with handles up until the bait hits the water with an out stretched arm, all at chest level. When a strike happens I feel I'm in the best position for a hard and quick set. Mike

Depending on how much your rod loads up and how talented your thumb is, one brake on you should be able to wing it 50 yds with that thing. Mike

Ditto I like them best because of the centering pin they have. Makes it much easier to rig straight. Mike

I like 30# Power Pro Mike

Scum Frog Cut R Skinny Dipper Chatterbait with swim bait trailer Most effective-Skinny Dipper/Big EZ Mike

I played around with mine when I first got it and like you really didn't see much of a diffefence from say 1-3. But to me there was a small difference from top to bottom. I just keep it set on 2 with 2 brakes on and leave it there. Can't hurt Mike

There are other ways to use a bobber stop, not just for punching... You can put one above the weight as was explained, OR under the weight to keep it above the hook and let it slide up as you work it for that type of presentation. OR you can put one on top and under to make a fast poor mans c rig. Mike

Good Job!! Mike

Other than what has already been said, As a co angler I ALLWAYS... Clean up the inside of the boat...Pick up and toss all plastic, grass, sandwhich wrappers etc and toss out. Offer to wipe down the boat inside and out after pulling out. Offer to secure the boat to the trailer, put on cover etc. Give him cash for fuel. Some things he may want you to do, some things he may not, but its his boat and the effort should be made. Mike

Ditto Mike

For me it's the never talked about, little known, under appreciated little 'ol Scum Frog. Yeah, yeah I know most folks throw the Spro, Booyah, Snag Proof etc. and I guess for good reason. But do yourself a favor, every once in a while go against the norm and conventional thinking, that the most popular has to be the best. It's not Mike

Are you a bowler? Know anyone who is? If you do ask for one of thier rosin bags. I don't know one who doesn't have 2 or 3 in thier bag. If not go to your local bowling center and pickup the smallest one they have. It'll only cost about $2.00 Or, got one of those small tiny bags of rosin that come in a suitcase, an attache case, or even a small over the counter pill bottle. Or, put some kitty littler in a small baggie. Or, If you dont smoke cigars, go to your local smoke store and get a bag of the moisture inhibitors that are used in humidors. Mike

Ive gone through a few bags over the years and finally settled on the Flambeau AZ Series of soft size bags. I use the AZ8 it's the larger of them all but perfect for me as it camcan hold 8 boxes and has all the right compartments both zippered and velcroed in all the right places. Check it out Mike

Agree...the longer the better Mike

Not knowing what methods you've used, Id throw everything I had at em and see what kind of pattern develop's. After you find something that you get hit on, expand from there. Mike

I could think of a few other words... That's really too bad. Mike

Congratulations! Mike