mikeeasttn

My favorite is the triple trout.

Welcome to the forum and the state of Tenn.

Tennessee

get a KVD 1.5 crankbait and a Rapala DT10 or shad rap. Use the shad rap for cooler waters.

Igo on the average of 8 times a month except for Jan and Feb when our weather here is very cold. During these 2 months I only get to go 3 or 4 times as I cannot stand cold weather as good as I used too

I started my grandson with a Curado 200E. Get a good reel that will last and that you can adjust so it will not backlash easily so they will not get dishearten quickly with while learning.

I prefer the full cork for the look and casting. I also have a few of the split grip rods and just do not like the way they feel when casting.

I use to fish alone entirely as it was my time and also gave me the solitude to think of what I thought was important. 8 years ago a young man(grandson) came into my life and by the time he was 4 years old he was completely adsorbed into fishing. He will fish all day long even if the fish are not hitting and has learned how and when to use different lures and can actually read the water as well or better than myself.. His photo in my avatar shows him holding a 8.5 lb LM he caught 2 years ago. Apparently it was not a fluke as he has also caught 6 fish over 5 lbs. His concentration span is longer and more focused than mine while fishing. When he is in school I would go by myself and try to fish. The longest I have stayed is a little over 2 hours. Now I just do not enjoy fishing if he is not with me. I have found that he has made me a better fisherman as I try to teach him all I can as I do not think about my patients or problems at all as I use to while I fished. The only thing I am thinking about is his and my fishing and trying to out fish him as he has skunked me many times.

I use the Shimano Crucial swimbait rods the older ones with the full cork handles. The H rod should take care of all of your needs and you can possibly find a good used one at a good price.

Have tried most of the soft baits but keep coming back to the Sluggo. It works the best for me.

I love to throw the big hard swim baits and the big Hudds as I feel it gives me a chance to catch a large LM or SM. I also love to throw crankbaits, spinner baits and etc anything I can cover a large amount of water with quickly. Due to my work I do not get that many days off and on my off days I am on call. I also like to throw the other baits such as jigs and etc. I visit the 2 swimbaits sites regularly and try to learn all I can. I do not feel this puts me in an exclusive fraternity but gives me insight on how amd when to fish them.

I take 6 baitcasters and 3 spinning rods. Twice that if my grandson goes.

My favorite is the bluegill color but the bone is good also. Have caught the most and largest on the bluegill.

Do not forget the Silver Buddy or a Rapala Shap Rap in crawdad color.

Bill Dance, Al Linder