Mike L

No bead I rig plastics high enough to cover the hooks eye. If the intent is for sound I’d much rather insert a rattle Mike

Regularly No. I use keel weighted hooks exclusively for paddle tail swim baits (Skinny Dipper’s or Big EZ’s only). When I’m to lazy to re tie I’ll rig a Rage bug or craw for awhile with a success rate about a 4. I have much greater success with a more vertical presentation. If I want to swim a plastic I feel there are better options for my waters. Mike

I saw that! Rest In Peace Lieutenant Mike

I got cousins all over that area! Still nothing Didn’t like em much anyway Mike

We’ve been waiting for a phone call all morning.. Nothing yet ? Mike

As many others, I’ve had back problems for years also and the best thing to do now before you find out the cause and possible remedies is to do what you’re doing. Don’t try to lift nothing heavier than a gallon of milk, sleep with your knees raised just a little and sit as upright as you can. Back problems can linger for years especially if you don’t listen to your doctor or just as important to what it’s telling you. I wish you the best. Mike

“Boring anyone”…C’Mon Man, I’m sure I’m not just speaking for myself, you’re not boring anyone! Even tho we may have never met, I consider you one of the many friends I’ve never met. Both Mrs Mike and I say a prayer for your wife and your family in our daily prayers and will continue until you tell us she beat it. Keep the faith brother Mike

My PB was on the Culprit Fat Max ribbon tail. They work just fine. Mike

Personally I have no use for leaders of any kind for any application. The disadvantages which are well documented here, well outweigh any perceived or actual benefit. To me braid is a “specialty line” to be used only as others have said… In heavy cover presentations only. For on top It can be an advantage over mono depending on what you throw Mike

Fishing related… *Lightening in big water *Hitting rocks on plane *Running into another boat in a narrow boat lane surrounded by tall reeds. (All 3 have happened over the years) Mike

Or just use a softer bodied frog like a Scum Frog and leave it alone Mike

Ditto Mike

Just Sayin! (If you’re not from Chicago that also means NO ketchup!) Mike

@LrgmouthShad You made me drop the phone! And here I thought we were friends!! ? Mike

Sp**ers.. I can’t even spell the word. Mike

Yep You’re right!! I need to take a nap!! Mike

We’re the same I just wrote it different ? Mike

Of course not I just saw hook set and everything went through my mind without realizing it wasn’t exactly what he asked. Sorry OP, at least I had good intentions ? Mike

Depends When using a frog or a vertical presentation I’ll “weigh” it first and set. When using a single hook horizontal presentation I set the instant I feel anything. For treble hooked horizontal hits I just kinda lean into it Mike

I’ll use a 1 1/2 oz to 1/8 oz depending on depth and cover Mike

I lock it down but not forcibly, if that makes sense. For all those presentations and more my thumb is always on reel from the time it hits the water anyway. I’m always ready from hook set to retrieval while at the same time ready to adjust drag while still using my thumb if needed. Mike

Or all of the above… Or maybe just stuff happens. Mike

As always a co angler in a boat I always bring 6. If not 1 is enough Mike Mike

Since you mentioned that the break is happening above the split shot, are you sliding it on the line before or after it’s crimped? That would do it Mike

Magnum UV Speed Worm (June Bug) Rage Cut R, (Honey Candy) Rage Bug/ Craw (June bug, white) Fat Max ribbon tail (red shad) Original Scum Frog (Green Pepper) Mike