Mike L

Read the water, learn as much as you can about any unique areas of the lake, if you have electronics use it to find any submerged structures, inspect any and all visible cover for hard bottom spawning areas near deeper water. Bottom line is You’re gonna have to look at the overall layout to try to eliminate water before you concentrate on high value targets. After that use the baits you have the most confidence and experience in. You got a lot of good suggestions of what to use. I can add to it but unfortunately they are from each persons own experiences which work for that individual but based on the same criteria. No one is exactly right or wrong. Find them first, then throw the book at ‘em Mike

I rarely throw a pre made stand alone jig. When that bite is on, I’d much rather just add a skirt to any t rigged plastic. It gives fast changes in bulk and/or flash if that’s what she wants on any given day. Most times it’s either a Rage bug or Skinny Dipper sometimes with and without an under spin. Mike

Agree That 7’ 2” is a great all around do everything rod! Personally I don’t use it for frogs but I guess it would work in more open areas. Mike

Best wishes to her for everything always. You have one strong lady Mike

The curse of a co angler! Mike

Yep Most will, but it still depends on individual strengths. experience, and of course the waters frequented the most. There are always outliers Mike

Fenwick Techna AV MH/F casting rod Shimano Curado 200 E7 20# Sniper Mike

Brain If this is a continuous problem for you, when cinching just guide the knot to the eye with your index and thumb then tighten down. It happened a few times to grandson when he was alone but hasn’t happened since. Worth a try anyway Mike

Most folks guesses are usually heavier but the more you do the better you get. I can get close enough to not use a scale, wasn’t as such for a long time Mike

@12poundbass Congratulations Jeremy! I’m sure you’ll do a great job and continue the great work! @J Francho John You did a great job and leave big shoes Mike

I use the standard, regular, normal palomar fir all braid knots except for punching or in heavy cover which I snell Mike

Ditto Mike

Totally Agree One of the worst things bass fishermen do is get pigeon holed into certain baits to do certain things with certain things. Mike

One of the reasons I use Trokar’s is because of “need to pull bass through pounds of matted grass” We all use what works and have confidence in. Mike

I get it!! Mike

On the Lake (Okeechobee) which I fish the vast majority of the time, I’ll give areas, the time of the year in certain conditions etc. as I’ve done many times on here, but don’t break it down much more than that. It takes years and years to break down a lake and really learn it especially one of its size. But once you think you got all the clues, indicators, nuances, history and experience on it, she still has its own ways to humble. Mike

For all bottom contact and a few others I use Trokar hooks exclusively. Fir 2 of the 3 plastics you listed, I use the 4/0 Trokar Laser Flipping Hook That Gammy hook is a good choice too Mike

Pretty much cover it! Mike

Always be ready to Improvise, Overcome and Adapt. Gaining experience in what you do, and confidence in what you know all the while fine tuning your strengths, will make all the difference. Mike

You’re in everyone’s thoughts!! Take Care and Be Well Mike

I tried using them as a stand alone, but after awhile I felt I had better options. Im sure they can be made to work in other scenarios tho. You just have to try them in your waters and decide for yourself Mike

I squeezed as much as I could Mike

That was one of the best! Mike

One of the most underrated and forgotten plastics made. Either as a trailer or as a stand alone. If you’re into exploring and trying new things try one with a jig skirt! Mike

For jig or any bottom contact presentations the cover and structure will dictate what I use. For light to moderate conditions 12#-16# Sniper. For moderate to heavy 20# Shooter. For the heaviest 50#-80# braid. So yes, 50# braid could work fine. Could be somewhat overkill for your needs but no real reason not to at least try it and see what you think. Mike