Mike L

Spend enough time on the water it’s bound to happen at some point no matter how good your equipment is. It’s those times that you’ll remember more than having a good day. Mike

As being strictly a co angler who most times is fishing used water, the ability to read the water, wind, boat position, cover etc. is the only way to counteract the obvious limitations. Folks like me have to put it all together each cast to maximize our time and efficiency. From the back it is imperative to use everything you got including your mind about what to put where and how to use. Mike

Got my PB (11.32) on a 7” Red Shad Fat Max. (It’s still my 2nd favorite) Mike

If you use a quality flouro, spooled correctly on a properly adjusted reel, with a smooth cast, flouro can be as manageable as anything else! Few lines (Tatsu especially and Sniper in smaller diameters) may not need any conditioner to settle it down OP 99% of posters here will shake their head, roll their eyes and think disparaging thoughts about my mental health for what I just said. (done it before) 😊 My opinion is from experience. I use it for everything except 2 presentations and have no reason to change. You were given all possible causes and remedies…Good Luck Mike

All possible cures that you need to try. One tip about using “line conditioner” Make sure you’re letting it dry completely before a cast. Especially KVD Line and Lure. I’ve seen folks spray it on and immediately start throwing, don’t do that. Put it on the night before or before you leave the ramp. If you must use it during the day, use another combo for about 10 minutes. Also, use it when spooling stopping periodically for a few squirts. You’ll be surprised Mike

There’s a lot to be said about covering water and even more about concentrating on certain spots. Personally, I do it in that order until a fish or bait show themselves. Down here I’m methodical about covering water in specific, certain areas that have shown themselves to be productive, but at the same time stopping in likely areas when conditions have shown to be productive. I don’t use “finesse” tactics much at all as I’ve never felt the need to. I’ll change baits, speed and angles first and foremost. Mike

That’s what I’ve been saying forever, and again earlier. There are no short cuts. Watching a video of someone without knowledge of the waters you fish giving advise by fishing his waters isn’t trying to educate anyone. Its self promotion Mike

Makes ya wonder how anyone ever learned how to catch a fish before commercially sponsored “experts” on the internet came along. The best way to learn how to catch a fish in your local waters is to learn your local waters!! Thats it, there are no short cuts. Listening to someone on the internet to tell you when, where and how to catch a fish in a body of water they’ve never been to makes no sense to me and can put someone’s leaning curve back years. @ol'crickety After reading your posts since you’ve joined, you seem to be someone who’s got it pretty well figured out already. Your posted successes are proof of your expertise. Everyone who spends time on the water knows there are no exact rules about where a fish will be at any given time. Mike

Pretty much covers it Mike

I’ve Marshaled at the Elites a few times and came away with a headache time! 😜 The amount of information that is 10 ft in front of you all day can be overwhelming. Each pro is different which can make your experience different. @Ski gave you how to start. If you get a chance do it. Each time was an experience in itself. Mike

Always! The thing about a T Rig is it isn’t just a mindless chunk and wind presentation Ya gotta think a little bit Everything comes into play… Bait size Specific action of the plastic used Weight Cover Structure Wind Cast distance Flip or Pitch Retrieve speed Retrieve action Temperature Hook style Line choice IPT of the reel Rod length and sensitivity Etc It’s just a system with options. Thats really all T Rig fishing is. Some are more important and have a greater effect than others. Some are just part of the overall setup that once it’s done it’s done. But if you really think about it everything is part of the whole. T Rig fishing is the simplest way to catch a fish, that’s why most kids (at least mine) were weened on it. Mike

I wouldn’t say it’s wrong, I guess just different especially to most folks on this particular site. I absolutely hate finesse fishing with the light rod, light line and the small plastic’s you guys talk about so much. I can’t stand standing there jiggling or shaking a 3” piece of plastic to stick a 2 lb fish and be happy about it. Are there days that if I did it more I would have better numbers?….Yeah probably Does it make me wrong and everyone else right As I’ve told? Maybe, probably, but that’s ok I’ve been wrong before. 😌 Mike

No it won’t happen. Realistically if the State would just increase the current minimum size limits and especially stop issuing exemptions, could a have major impact to help curve the realistic and assumed out of control mortality rates caused by tournaments that keeps getting talked about on this board. There are ways to assure a long term healthy fishery by legislation and education. Hopefully in my grandkids lifetime it will happen. Considering closing seasons and banning tournaments in this state is a waste of time. Mike

You’re a good man @Koz By reaching out to someone you haven’t had contact with for 5 yrs but now because of a private family issue says a lot about you. I’m sure that man is blaming himself on some level but at some point people of all ages must take responsibility for what they do and don’t do. It’s never always someone else’s fault or the “pressure” of what they’re exposed to. Glad no one was hurt and hope everything works out not only for the kid but also his family. Mike

My slam dunk, without a doubt, #1 bait of any kind is the Magnum UV Speed Worm, and has been for maybe 10-15 yrs now. 90% of the time I use the Magnum for any horizontal presentation especially in and through vegetation of any kind. The bulk of it coupled with the larger tail section makes it ideal for me especially in tannic waters. It is also more effective on top regardless of conditions. I’ll use the 5.5” standard size for smaller waters i.e. canals and ponds etc. I also use it for targeting brush piles. Mostly when vertically targeting a smaller specific spot, I’ll usually throw the standard size first, but it’s not a hard rule. Mike

Yes Looks like a Reinforcer It’s ARK’s top of the line rod. Mike

Shimano Curado 200 E7 Mike

How do you define what’s right or wrong ? 🤣 Most would agree that winning a Bassmaster event, some level of an anglers potential was reached Mike

I don’t believe in change just for the sake of change and that includes knots, line, colors, sizes and certain baits for specific presentations. I use 3 knots… Braid…Palomar Flouro…San Diego Jam Bottom contact…Snell (don’t use leaders) Mike

SB…Stanley JB…Don’t use them enough to make a good comparison, but the 2-3 I have are Rapala Trap…See above, One Eyed Shad Jig…See above, Strike King Crank…See above, Strike King Sq Bill…Lucky Craft Bladed Jig…Jack Hammer Soft Swim Bait…Skinny Dipper / Big EZ Hard Swim Bait…Don’t use them Mike

The only time I use my left primarily is when pitching. After the initial pitch all subsequent ones are left. I can do an underhand roll cast left if the angle is right and it doesn’t need to go too far. Other than that I always cast and reel right, it just feels more natural and yes, even when switching hands. Mike

Ditto! Mike

That’s the way you have your preferences set. Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

I’m getting calls from friends in the NY, NJ and Conn area who felt it. Hardly any damage just scared a lot of people. Mike