RoLo

In mid-Florida, the topwater bite typically peaks in late April/early May. Of course, we're at a southerly latitude, and are only dealing with Florida-strain. Roger

A ‘knot’ is the weakest link between the fish & fisherman, and a knot between braid and fluoro probably has the least reliable knot-strength in the sport (Not the weakest, the most ‘unreliable’). Fluorocarbon is a solid, dense material, disposed to knot slippage, knot burn and line elongation. There are advantages and disadvantages to every line material. IMO, if you want the advantages of fluorocarbon, use straight fluoro. If you want the advantages of braided line, use straight braid. When I elect to add a leader to braid, I tie a mono leader to the braid main-line using a spit-free, uni-to uni-knot, which offers consistent knot strength every time. No need for line conditioner, Alberto knots, saliva ~ ~. As one fisherman put it: There’s more BS in fishing lines than in a cattle yard. I can only offer my single opinion, but it’s best to browse thru many objective opinions to form your own, the most important opinion of all. Roger

When a bass decides to jump, there isn't too much we can do. Even plunging the rod-tip underwater won't necessarily change her mind. Adhere to the Big 3: Preset the proper drag tension, keep the rod perpendicular to the line and maintain a constantly taut line. Roger

I’m assuming you’re referring to the post-spawn season. If tilapia are abundant, it's a safe bet that large bass are present. Soft jerks like a Super Fluke are most useful near the surface. For bottom coverage, a strong choice would be a jig-&-trailer. If it were me, I'd spend most of my time raking hotspots with a soft swimbait. For example: Keitech Fat Swing, Jackall Rhythm Wave, Gamber Big EZ ~ ~ Roger

River Monsters! Jeremy would be envious. Roger

For my money, if you're going to use a leader with braid, use a monofilament leader not a fluoro leader. Differently put, use straight fluorocarbon, straight braid, or braid with a nylon leader. Roger

One day on the St Lawrence River, I noticed a tight swarm of small carp in shallow water (maybe 2 to 5 lbs). I beached the boat on the island and approached the carp school on foot. I was smallmouth bass fishing and had a 3/16 oz orange ballhead jig tied on. With nothing to lose, I cast the jig into the heart of the school, let it settle to the bottom, then jerked the jig hard. Surprisingly, I foul-hooked a carp, reeled it ashore and released it. On my next cast, I fouled hooked a second carp (How lucky can you get?). After about 6 back-to-back carp, it finally dawned on me, you're not "foul-hooking" them stupid! Every carp was hooked in the rubbery lips. This was about 25 yrs ago, but I still have no rational explanation. Roger

Frogs are highly aggressive feeders. If you so desired, you could probably catch more frogs on a fly-rod during the day, than frog gigging at night. That woodpecker you seen was almost certainly a pileated woodpecker. They're easily distinguished from flickers and downies, because you can actually count the taps. Roger

Mustad Grip-pin Big Bite Hook A round-bend hook with a shank grip-pin Offset point (Not aimed at the line-eye) Roger

As it happens, my worm outfit is a Dobyns 704 SF with a Shimano Stadic reel and 20-lb braid. I"m satisfied with the casting distance, but if I wasn't satisfied, I'd probably go with a Medium power blank. Roger

By itself, a 5.0" Senko weighs 3/8 oz, and with a 1/8 sinker you'd be well within the rod's weight range. Still, if you're not happy with the casting distance, a medium power spinning rod would remedy that. Roger

Those babies are all over the lake right after our Spinnerbait hatch, which is followed by a major hatch of Helicopter Lures Roger

On average. 150 low-profile In freshwater, line capacity is a nonissue Roger

Regrettably, you'll find that most casting rods are inherently tip-heavy. My Dobyns casting & spinning rods are both tip-heavy, but that doesn't speak for all models. On a spinning rod, the balance is easily altered by placing 3 fingers rather than 2 fingers ahead of the reel tang, but is not so easy with a casting rod. Roger

Hard to say, but I favor jerkbaits that sustain their depth on the pause (time spent in strike zone). Actually, it's possible for a significant difference in water temperature to make the difference between true suspension, gradual rising or gradual sinking. Roger

When you're helpful to others, it ultimately comes full circle. Stay the course. Roger

Quite a story Blue, and I tip my hat. You had pressing obligations of your own, yet you rose to the occasion Roger

Hopefully you know my response was sardonic (whatever that means). I confess, I didn't even know there was a Saint Octavius Roger

Well, it's certainly popular among anglers, does that mean it's also popular among bass

I'm not sure what possessed me, to speak for everyone. WOW...is my face red

Congratulations Hammer "How Time Flies" In 7 days, Lois & I (RoLo) will be celebrating our 56th wedding anniversary. My, how time flies when you're having fun Roger

No problem at all...we've all done worse Roger

I'm sure you'll receive a wealth of excellent summertime tips (BR rocks). I'd only enter one tip in the suggestion box, spend more time with the plastic worm of your choice. Opt for a straight-tail worm in waters with clear to fair clarity, and a noisy worm in waters with poor clarity. Roger

Yup, definitely has a small mouth. Roger

Diawa versus Diawa? Doesn't seem all that altruistic. Roger