Mike L

You'll be fine. Mike

Agree with Lou I use 30 minimum on baitcaster And 20 max on spinning Mike

Phenix 7' 2" m/xf is an excellent shaky and wacky spinning set up. I use a 3000 Symetre and balances perfectly. Mike

Ive been useing Z Mans for a while and really like them but I've heard the same as you about the D & M. Heard the same about Pure Poison. I may have try them both Mike

I'll use both depending... Straight floro in clear water or scattered vegetation or wood. Braid with floro leader if fishing in and around heavy vegetation. Mike

Amen Brother!! We remember it all because we lived it all. I wonder how many people who visit Washington DC would make a point to visit the "Wall" as they would the White House, the Capitol etc. To many that place is considered hallowed ground, as much as Arlington is. But I doubt a young couple in thier 20's or 30's wouldn't even think about it. I have to stop now. Mike

If I tying braid it's allways a Palomar. Co Poly or Floro its allways SDJ. Rippin has the same wrap totals based on diameter as I do. Mike

With the fish suspended 3 to 5ft I agree that you should be throwing a sq bill but after you give up, or after the top water bite slows. As the day progresses Id try a swim bait like a skinny dipper or big ez, or a spinner bait over the grass and letting it fall in any holes. Starting shallow and working it out deeper if you can find a spot on shore to effectively cover it. Mike

7 Baitcaters Favorite is 7' MH/F Fenwick Techna AV w/ Cuado E7 3 Spinning Favorite is 7' 2" M/XF Phenix M1 w/ 3000 FJ Symetre Mike

I use 30# braid for frogs, poppers, spooks and buzzbaits all on the same rod. It may not be ideal as most use mono, but as a co angler I'm limited to the amount of combo's to bring on someones else boat. Mike

I don't care who makes it, designs it, or sells it. If it works for what I want it to do, for how and where i fish I'll buy it and use it, until something else comes along that does it better. Case in point, I find I use more Rage plastics than all others. And it's not because Steve is a nice guy with a good haircut... Mike

Don't overlook the Phenix line. They don't get a lot of play here but the thier M1 line would suit you just fine. Mike

SK or Booyah Mike

I use the SDJ for everything except braid, I just have confidence in the palomar for that. I also tie the double but only for when I'm flipping with floro in very heavy vegetation. Mike

Had the same happen to me many times. You throw everything you have at em, you try different baits, colors, retrieves, locations, depths. You think you've done all you can to grind out a small limit and you're convinced everyone else is struggling too, so as you head to the ramp thinking you have a chance. But when you get to weigh in you find out you're near the bottom of the board and the leader weighs in a sack that's 3 times yours. You find out that he used 1 bait all day and never put it down. Makes you want scream! Mike

Great job! You're right, its a great feeling. All the money and time spent getting that first one seems all worth it when you cash. Word of caution...It gets addicting. Mike

This thread should be a sticky... Nothing else to add Mike

Spook is it for me in that situation also. The first thing I do is work the edge of the ball first. Work it to about to the middle, then pause. Walk it a few feet then pause again. Then past cast past them and walk it right through. I also like a bone color but with a little sparkle. Mike

Read, read and read everything you can. All the sugestions you've already got are all excellent choices. What I would add is to join a local club and pick eveyones brain. Many guys won't have a problem and most will welcome being able to help someone who wants to learn. Also, spend some time at your local fishing spots just walking around and watch what others do. Another tip is to hang around your local bait stores, talk to the counter men they are just regular guys like us who probably won't mind talking about what others use, where and how. Good Luck and Welcome Mike

Braid--Power Pro Floro--Invisex on B/C, Tatsu on Spinning Co Poly--Yo Zuri Mike

20# braid with 12# floro leader I do 6 and 6 Mike

Happy Birthday!! Gonna be a lot of pressure when it's hers!! Mike

That's the way to do it!! Mike

Yes, you'll get a little more distance with the 7'1", but since you're in a canoe you'll be in places where that extra 5" would be more of a hindrance. IMHO, you won't need the extra few yards in distance, but will in storage space, ease of casting etc. By the way, Welcome Mike

Rage Craw Skinny Dipper Mike