Mike L

Agree Mike

Papa I don't disagree with you. I fish so much cover down here that rarely is my setup not pegged. A pegged weight was my train of thought, which I guess is called a Florida rig. I guess I should have been more clear. Mike

Mono of different lb test depending where I'll be fishing. Usually it will range between 10 and 15..... But always Mono Mike

I haven't used either, but I decide on a hooks size by making sure there is about the same space between the hook and bottom of the hooked plastic, as the thickness of the plastic itself. Mike

For punching matt's a straight shank seems best. But for most other times I use ewg. Mike

Can never go wrong with a big ol fat beaver type bait. I use the RI Sweeet Beaver in heavy matted cover. A regular sized brush hog in open holes or areas. Mike

To me any cover on the water is optimal. There really isnt one type, location, area or amount of cover that would scream one or the other. Hit it with both numerous of times, they'll tell you which to keep throwing. Mike

A craw on a jig is ideal. But as Catt said T rig or the Rage rig are great. Cant speak about one on a Carolina rig. Mike

I've been on the no end the last 2 trips, but im told the blugill are still spawning around Rita Island, and just as you come into the So Bay area from the west. I'd check them both. Mike

Black/Blue 1/2oz jig with paca craw trailer if front, middle and behind any and every reed line are you find. The throw a skinny dipper color matching the water, in front and through any and every reed line you find. Go home and pass out. Mike

Black/Blue Booya flippin jig with a matching Paca Craw (until I get around to ordering some from Siebert) Mike

Try using a Booya. They have a flexible hook shaft that does tend to keep them buttoned a little better. Mike

Imho, yes the cast is ruined. I would guess the only exception would be if a piece of grass was hung up on any area of the bait that didnt key the fish to bite. Example...Small piece caught around the hook eye of a 10" worm. But I guess we'll never know. Mike

Ay Youise Guise, watch out for dem Hawks der fella!! Mike

The first frog I tie on is always a green pepper Scum Frog. It's not mentioned much here, but I just love that little thing. Mike

I have reels that do and reels that don't. When I want to adjust the ones with the clicker I just count, but when I want to adjust the ones without I always miss my sweet spot no matter how little or more I need. Its just easier to count because I know how much, instead of having to re adjust a second or third time to get it where I want it. Mike

I use 20# power pro which I believe is 6# equilivent on a 2500 size reel. Thought about moving up to 30# tho. Mike

This ^^^

When I use a clip it's Norman's for the same reasons. Yes, they can be a pain sometimes to open. For me I guess it's a confidence thing. Mike

Heck fellas I'd be happy with 1 just see what I've been told I'm missing!! Mike

Since this our first trip I'm thinking about bringing everything I got. Since I don't have a boat, it's only my co angler tourn bag and 8 rods, plus I'll have to give my wife the spinning rods anyway, if there's enough boats for everyone. Once we get the pairings each evening I'll ask my boater what he plans to do and pare it down from there. Make sense?? Mike

You sir must be the most laid back, calm and generally just an easy going guy... When that happened to me....Well lets just say I'm glad there were no kids around! I too boat flip more than I probably should. We try to judge how big they are when they get close but you're right, sometimes they look smaller than they really are. Maybe its just complacency...On a slow, easy day of fishin it's just easier. In a tourn maybe we perceive it to be faster, just get em in the boat! Mike

I tried plastic trailers for a season a few years back and honestly I don't remember them helping. Now I'm sure others will swear by them. I have since switched to SK spinners that have a long skirt section that ends just past the trailer hook. (which I will always use) Mike

Sure....Other than the bead, that's one of my punching setup's Mike

When you spool on new line....I soak an old nylon sock and run the line through it as it goes on. Spray on the spool the night before. Sometimes during the day I'll give a squirt or 2, but it work's better once it dries. Mike