Bluebasser86

I caught a brown bullhead back when I first started fishing for flatheads that would have broken the world record. It was an ounce or two over 8 pounds and ate a green sunfish I was fishing for flatheads. I had no idea what it was. It looked like a flathead, except it had a big, round head like a channel cat. The mottled coloration and rounded tail made it obvious it wasn't a channel though. My buddy and I, (he was 12 and I was 14 at the time), thought I'd caught a hybrid channel/flathead and turned it loose without even thinking twice about it. Some years later, when I became more educated about it, I realized the fish I'd caught was actually a massive brown bullhead. Not even sure I took a picture of it, since 8 pounds is a pretty small flathead.

How about just saying you can't go? I'd rather my friends be honest instead of being a grouch about the whole thing. Tell them you're happy for them, and you'll send a gift. My wife and I got married at the courthouse, then had a much bigger reception, since that's the fun part anyways. I agree that a lot of it is overdone and a waste of money, but if that's what someone wants to do with their money, I'm not really one to judge. Afterall, I spend thousands upon thousands of dollars and hours chasing a little fish that I'm just going to put back into the water after I catch it.

I also prefer darker nights. Full moon nights are extremely difficult for me, but one thing I've noticed is I tend to get at least 1 big bite on bright nights. If I had the option, I'd mainly stick to around half moon to a new moon.

I have an Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler II. It's a few inches shorter than the Big Rig and 2 inches narrower, but says it's rated to 550-600 pounds. Never been close to that but between me and my 70 pound Golden Retriever that normally goes with me, we're pushing 300 if not over that. The one review on Cabela's website says the user is 6' 3" 350 pounds and has no issues. It's all about comfort though. If possible, try to get somewhere you can sit in a couple different ones or take them on the water. If they're not comfortable to sit in, you're not going to like using it.

I would go with lighter line if at all possible. You don't generally need 50 or 65 pound braid to get a fish out of vegetation, it just the diameter fits a baitcaster better. I would probably opt for a 3000 size reel and 30lb braid with a stout rod. You're not going to want to make really long cast, so line capacity shouldn't be a huge issue.

Not the round gumball shape, but I believe this is the kind of deal you're looking for. http://www.basspro.com/Betts-Carolina-Floater/product/20867/ Seems like a Zman worm would be a good option if you're wanting a floating worm as well.

And now I'm hungry..

The Okuma Cerros is a nice little reel that I've been using for awhile now. Looks sharp and performs well.

http://www.sliderfishing.com/Spider-Classic-Pro-Head-SPCH-U-18-per-pack-SPCH-U-18-per-pack.htm

Strike King Series 5, 5XD, and 6XD are my first choice for deep cranking.

1/4 is what I use for t rigs a lot except for fishing weeds, then it's 1/2-1oz. Jigs I prefer 1/2oz.

Welcome!

Do it makes a punch weight mold but it only goes to 9/16oz. I have it and it works well for thinner vegetation or laydowns. I just tie my own skirts onto it but you could buy banded skirts and do the same.

Yeah, you'll get that half moon ring on baits that get fished a lot and catch lots of fish.

That's a largemouth without a doubt. I don't see anything about that fish that would make me think it's a spotted bass.

I have a 7' 6" XH/F Ethos rated up to 2.5 ounces I believe? I used it for swimbait for awhile and still throw smaller ones on it once in awhile. It was $40 in the store.

Sapphire blue, all I'm gonna say.

It's a very small diameter and seems to stay round and tightly wound very nicely unlike other lines I've fished. It doesn't seem to dig into itself when it's put under high strain like some other lines I've fished either. The color is a nice bonus too.

I like 15 but you can bump it up to 20 if you're fishing bad stuff.

What an insane trip! I haven't been to Mexico since 2005, I think it may be time for me to go back.

Very neat

Jig and a bladed jig do most of the dirty work for me at night.

Exactly. We don't have vast mats of vegetation in KS. There's smaller patches with holes of various sizes between them. The advantage to a frog that walks, other than the obvious action, is the bait is moving and getting a fish's attention without moving far. If a fish strikes in an open pocket, the odds of a hookup are much higher.

Never used them, but they look like a good bait. Eco Pro makes good stuff, I wouldn't be scared to try them.

That's weird to lose fish on frogs. They're almost no weight for the fish to gain leverage against to throw the bait. As long as I can keep them moving, it's very rare to lose a frog fish.