Mike L

Anyone fishing the Fla B.A.S.S Nation southern regional tournament tomorrow? Just about ready to do some pre fishing... Mike

Any high speed reel (6.5-8.1) will do just fine. I don't have a particular favorite make and model tho. But I do like a mag brake only design. Mike

I think I posted this before... My wife, I and another couple went deep sea fishing out of Isle Mirada in the Florida Keys a few years ago and when we got to the dock the Captain asked if any of us had a banana. When we all said no, he asked if anyone ate a banana that morning, again we all said no. Our friend asked what if we did, he said we'd have to get another charter! This guy was serious. True story Mike

Hey Steve... I have the exact same hat and won't leave the house without it!, I may not wear it all the time but it allways with me!! Mike

I have, But I'll only use a belly weighted hook in open water. When in thicker vegetation I use a nail weight in 1/16 or 1/32 oz. A finishing nail works just as well also. Mike

Agree... I love those things. Koppers is my second choise Mike

When I first read the question I said great! I gotta write this stuff down! Then I started to question my whole box as half of what you guys posted I've never even heard of! I gotta get out more Mike

I've been useing the Skip Gap style hooks for the past year and they work better than any other style Ive used, including EWG. They really shine with flukes and stick baits. Mike

Ain't that the truth.... Happens more than we know. While waiting in line at the weigh-in of a state qualifier for B.A.S.S. Nations last month I try to talk to everyone. Some will be open and say anything (especially on the final day) some will not. When you find out that the boat who was shadowing you all morning got his whole bag after you left with just a few dinks, makes you question everything you did or didn't do. Mike

On my plastics rod, I allways have a bobber stop on the line, allways. This way I slide it up or down depending on the cover Im fishing. In florida you can be punching a mat and then it opens up a little with holes or scattered, mildly thick vegetation in an area of a few yards. On one rod I'll put 2. One on top of the weight and one on the bottom. This way I can peg or not peg by just sliding the stopper up and down the line. Mike

Ditto...

Watermelon Red and Pearl Mike

To echo everyone else...Absolutely!! Like you, I had reservations when I wanted to start also. There are many threads on here that will give you many tips on the ediquite a co angler should follow while fishing in someone else's boat, many of which are no different than what you would expect as a boat owner yourself. Read them when you can. If you have a question or want clarification of something post it. I started entering tournaments late in my life and I regret I waited so long. And now I enter all I can afford. Don't let the unknown influence your decision. You have the desire to compete and learn...That's all you need. The ABA, TBF, BFL, B.A.S.S. Nations are all national organization's that have local affiliations, fishing local waters. Im sure you'll find one close to you. I remember what my wife and son told me when I first started and had the same reservation's as you...If not now when? What are waiting for? DO IT! Friend, I'll tell you the same. Good Luck and let us know how you do. Mike

Now that's the way to do a review! Very well written. Mike

Pick up a pack of skip gap hooks..they hold a fluke, and many other plastic's much better than a standard EWG. Mike

Sorry I missed the 1st part of your question... For most flippin I now use the Rage Structure Bug. Mike

For me it's the RI Sweeet Beaver. It has the perfect size, and action for punching. Mike

I never gave much thought about useing colored hooks or weights for soft plastics. I understand the thinking about useing colored hooks for cranks, but not plastics. Something to think about I guess. Mike

Ya know, come to think of it I have a white hair jig somewhere that I got away from useing for some reason. As I think about it, I really can't remember why I put it away and stopped useing it. The only bait I have now that is white are super flukes that I throw mostly in the spring. Excuse me while I go look for that thing. Mike

Z Man or Sk with a headless RI Skinny Dipper as a trailer Mike

Super Fluke with a 1/16 nail weight has been my go too for last month or so. Mike

Agree. .. For what you want the rod is the most important. IMHO More things come into play...length, weight, reel seat, handle style etc. Mike

Helping my 2 youngest grandsons [6 and 8 yrs old] catch thier first fish! ...Still can't tell which hugged me the hardest!! Qualifing for the Florida B.A.S.S. Nations State Championship for the 2nd consecutive year. Catch 40+ bass in 3 days at this years Bass Resource roadtrip on Wilson Lake [but not 1 smallmouth..figure that out!] [but did meet new folks who I am proud to call a Friend] Mike

I have a 30 yr old Pop R that I would be sick if I ever lost. It's all beaten up, scratched, discolored etc. That little bugger still catch's fish better than any new bait. Mike

30 yr old Pop R Its scratched up, paint isnt the best, but that little thing is the first top water lure I tie on....Always Mike