Mike L

As I’ve said many times, I don’t use spinning gear for anything and haven’t for years. Just don’t need it. I kept them around for the kids until I weened them off. All of our casting equipment now is tailored for anything they’ll want or need Mike

I don’t use St Croix rods, but use MH/XF action rods for all bottom contact plastic presentations in light to moderate cover, which gives me the best overall sensitivity in my hands. Mike

Currently I use the Tatula 7’1” MH/XF. TTU711MHXB The best I’ve ever used is the original Fenwick Techna AV that’s not made anymore. But if you look around you may find one. Mike

Yeah I’ve seen that too The only time I do that is moving a frog fast. If walking slow or walking in place I hit her hard all the way in. Mike

? Yes Sir! Love those things. There are days I won’t pick up anything else. Mike

Magnum UV Speed Worm w/ unpegged 3/16 weight. Mike

It’s seasonal for me Mid summer I’d say about 20% on top, 40% mid column and 40% on the bottom. Time spent for each is in direct correlation to success rate. Mike

I get it and you’re right of course, gotta stick ‘em to get ‘em. But if I’m using a spinning rod with 8# line and put it in a hole surrounded by heavy stuff, I gotta know my chances of getting her head up and out before she buries up aren’t too good. OP, you didn’t post what you used. Just giving an opinion Mike

For me braid is a specialty line to be used for certain heavy cover conditions and presentations, always has been. Everything else is straight flouro, because that’s what works for me. Granted, I also use it on top because I won’t use mono for anything but that is purely a personal decision and works just fine for me. Point is, as @flyfisher said, use what works best for you in your waters and your head. Mike

You only have 4 options… Go get her and lip her out. Try to let her swim out (Walk the shore to change your angle) Keep pulling to get her out (Don’t recommend at all, as you can injure her permanently) Cut the line (last resort) Agree with what others said above… Be sure to use the appropriate equipment. Be mindful of where you cast in relation to where you’re standing. Be aware of how you would get a fish out before you start. Mike

My most productive frog has always been the original Scum Frog. All it has is one puff of strand out the middle. Mike

Agree I bought a couple with different bottom colors just because, but keep going back to the regular size Spook. It may work better at different times, but in the conditions I look for to throw a top water stick bait the Spook almost always was the better choice. Mike

I was happy with a Sierra 735 Now I use a Kaden 715 (Never owned a 736) Mike

Ditto Mike

Bought a boat. When I started getting serious about tournaments there was always another bill to pay or the kids needed something which was always the priority. When I retired it was one or the other…. either a boat for me or a motor home for us. No regrets Mike

If more people thought like this, we’d all be living in a better place. Mike

That turning right to go left business is one reason I stay as a co angler! It gets confusing man!! ?? Mike

Sight fishing and reading shallow water to pick apart heavy cover using the best plastics and weights as needed Mike

Maybe I should start a separate thread, but maybe the answers will help…. What is the “advantage” of the T wing? I think I understand the basics posted above but really don’t see it being that big of improvement in overall casting efficiency. Am I wrong? Mike

Whenever those kids came to visit and were old enough to understand English, I made sure they understood Papa’s first rule.. ”If it ain’t there, you can’t have it” Mike

I got 5 grand babies from 28 to 12, with our first great grandson due Sept 4th! Unless he decides he wants to see his Great Papa earlier!! Some of my best memories are sitting on a dock teaching and talking fishing. Their, and my reaction when each boy caught their first fish is burned into my soul. There is nothing like having grand kids! Its just different than having your own. I can give them what they want, when they want then send them home! ? Mike

Yeah, but not by much! ? Go Bears! Mike

If you’re a tournament angler there are many more opportunities to be recruited. What you do for them and how often you do it can be negotiable but to a point. A lot depends on your success and exposure to different local, regional and of course national trails. Many Nationally known retail chain stores are pretty straight forward about what they expect and what they will offer. However, As you advance your brand, which in my opinion you are, your options become more abundant so in turn your rewards if that is your only purpose. Mike

Since you have a recruit clause in your contract, start with… Your local club population, Co-anglers at tournaments you enter, Interview employees at the local tackle shops you frequent, Start talking fishing to other people at any outside function you attend, Look for ways to expand your circle of friends locally. You’d be surprised how many avid anglers would jump at the chance to be sponsored. That’s not the problem. Most don’t understand how it works. Depending on how your contract is written you’d have to be careful and talk to them yourself instead of just submitting random names. They will have to be prepared to fulfill any obligation also. Mike

Well Said Mike