Mike L

I use Norman speed clips on my crank rod only. If you have fat fingers you'll find a small pair of needle nose pliers will come in handy. Mike

7' to 7' 6" MH/F or H/F Depending on the specific cover you're fishing, and depending on the specific action of the specific rod you're useing. Fun isn't it! Mike

Yeah Well...I'm still a Cup Cake kinda guy and proud of it! OK, Back to the subject Tip....If soak an old nylon sock instead of a cloth towel to run your line through while spooling, you'll use a lot less. Mike

Agree... Now I use the SD Jam knot for all non braid knot's. I, like a lot of folks grew up tying the improved clinch, but that was when mono was the only choice. Now with all the different line types, I found myself getting away from it... Like Brian said there are a some that still hold and hold good as long you take your time and do it right. Mike

Be Nice to her!! Mike

I use 20# Invisex on my jig rod in all types of cover, and 15# for light cover pitching plastics. Mike

Bring lunch or snaks from home, instead of picking up some over priced, packaged junk food or sandwhiches from a gas station. Mike

Whew!! You're my hero. Mike

Frog 10" worm Jig Fluke Speed Worm Senko Sq bill Swim bait Beaver Brush Hog Mike

Id agree, If I knew what lagniappe was!! Mike

Man, I gotta get out more!! Illinois Michigan Wisconsin Georgia Texas Florida Mike

It's the Juice! The one on one, the matching of wits with one of natures creations that does it for me. Its like a bear hunter on Kodiac Island stalking a Grizzly.. An Elk hunter in Wyoming... Trolling for a Blue Marlin off Belize... For a bass fisherman its the quiet at first light... The anticipation when you pick up a rod and make that first cast... The sun coming up over the trees It's all that and more but you get the picture Mike

Yeah Buddy!!! And dont let anyone tell you there are no snakes either. Mike

Last tourn it was all black/blue whatever....Jig, stick baits etc. Locally just messin around it's like 0119 said. Its been tough in the canals and ponds, but they're there. It just takes some time. Mike

Seems like every time a product comes out that actually does what its supposed to do, someone, somewhere tries to sell thier brand and market it as it's just as good but cheaper. But it never is.... Hostess Cup Cakes.... Little Debbie was born Wonder Bread....Store brand white bread Ice cream cone....The Drumstick Sugar cone....Waffle cone Blue jeans...Pleated Dockers PF Flyers....Air Jordans Canister vacumn cleaner....Shop vac Shorts....Zippered at the knee fishing pants Hurst 4 spd transmission....6 speed automatic The GTO Tri Power....Fuel injection I mean C'Mon Man! Leave it alone!!! Mike

RI Skinny Dipper in grass, Wacky rig if not. Mike

Im so so sorry to hear about losing your Dad. May he rest in peace, and may you and your family know always that he is.. God Bless You All Mike

I suggest you register whenever and as early as you can. You can resister for all of them at the same time.. You dont need a boater to resister only to guarantee your entry before the priority deadline. If you dont find a boater you will be placed on a waiting and move up as more boaters register, not ideal. When you find a boater for any of the tournaments, have him list you with your member number on his registration form as a guarantee, then call FLW and have yours updated with his name and member number. Mike

Catch my first Smallmouth.... Learn the dropshot... Catch my new PB Mike

Coots Bay, and a little farther north the Monkey Box have been on fire lately. If it's really windy and want some cover try Uncle Joes, and the little cut's off the rim. Good Luck, you're in for something special. Mike

Ive been fishing as a co angler for years now. Started in a local club once a month, now I fish in 2. Last year I started fishing in the TBF, Bass Nations and BFL. Next year Im gonna try the Rayovac Series. They are all draw tournaments, no partners. My point is that by entering in these Ive learned one indisputable fact. Bring what ya got!! Too many times what my boater and I discuss the night before about where, what and how he wants to start and finish the day, hardly ever goes according to plan. You got to be ready for anything. After buying and useing 3 different bags the last few years, the one I use now, and perfect for me is the Flambeau AZ8. I wanted something high rather than wider, or longer. When we run the bag is always between my legs. When we stop I put the bag on my seat, never between the seats. This way he can get to his livewell without having to step over or move the bag. Honestly they dont even know the bag is on the boat! I always ask if I can bring 7 rods (6 casting and 1 spinning) and have never been told "No too many" I dont even ask about bringing a bag, they know I will. The day is set the night before. I ALWAYS Buy the ice and offer to bring lunch and drinks for the both of us. Cash for gas is a forgone conclusion. Mike

I use 30# Power Pro on my frog / top water rod which also doubles as my swim bait rod. Maybe not as heavy of lures that you're throwing, but the only time it digs in is when I bring 10 lbs of grass or pads with it, and even then its not all the time. The type of backing wouldn't make a difference. Along with checking the guides I'd check the line for fraying. Something obviously is causeing the line to snap mid throw, Ive heard of mono and even thin floro but not braid, especially in that high of lb test. Not saying that it couldn't, but to me it seems it has to be something correctable. Good Luck I hope to find why soon Mike

After I posted I thought about the action part. Thanks Mike

Ok I got a question.... Keeping in mind I've never fished this rig before, why a M/L rod? Is it a depth issue? (Can't see why) Sensitivity reason? (Can't see that either) Majotity of the fish caught are small so no need for heavier gear? (That makes sense) Educate me please. Mike

One of the many reasons I decided to make the roadtrip this year is an opportunity to catch a smallmouth, which I've never done, and to fish a drop shot, which I've never done. Here in Fla there isnt much opportunity to do either. Mike