aavery2

Use to catch them when I was much younger, sold them to a gentleman that turned them into soup.

Age and experience are two entirely different things. While they go hand in hand sometimes, it is not always the case.

Consider the source, while I have spoken with several knowledgeable folks in many of the chain stores, more often than not, I get some kid who wants to be the next KVD and pretends to know a lot more than he does.

Look up the term "Gateway Drug" I think it will apply.

Any reel you choose should be able to cast a 1/2 oz. bait easily, if not there is something most likely wrong with it. Casting a 1/4oz bait is not the challenge that it once was, I think a reel with magnetic braking makes it a little easier. Keep in mind when you get lower in weight rod choice becomes very important.

I use a #3 split shot, try to find the ones without ears (water gremlin) with a 4.5" curly tail roboworm. Set the weight somewhere between 8 and 12 inches above the bait, has worked fantastic for me for many years.

Nice bait, very easy to walk, nice glide to them.

I find it interesting how these discussions usually turn into a braid vs fc debate. I use both, just for different applications, I don't think you can cover every situation well with just one or the other.

Why would you use a low gear ratio reel for T-rigs if you had others available.

Wilson is one of the nicest lakes in KS in my opinion. I has very clear water and lots of scenery, does not look like it should be in KS. The fishing can be good, but like any other lake it can kick your rear. Wind is a huge factor on that lake, 15 MPH or better and that place turns into the Pacific Ocean. If you want to catch a small mouth they have been catching lots of them at El Dorado on the Dam, but I would drive the extra distance and hit Melvern.

I think there are several things you can do, as you mentioned a lower ipt, brass gears for durability, deep flat spool for line capacity, centrifugal brakes for long distance casting, longer handle for increased leverage. There may be others but these came to mind immediately.

Is that Dale Johnston? I can see by the background that you were fishing near the Elk pen. Nice fish, I fished for a while there Friday and the water is better and the fish were biting. We caught lots of fish around 3 and my biggest was a little over 4.

There is a great pit right in Wichita that can be fished. I am in Zeiners most everyday, introduce yourself sometime and I will tell you about it.

There is a guy that comes into Zeiners once in a while, has a picture of one over 11, I think he said 11-3. Said he caught it from the bank at Butler. Sadly it was removed from where ever he caught it.

Mod Fast or Fast action for me.

I have had many stellar days there, seen several fish in the 6lb class caught, and pictures of a few over 10. Try a spro jr frog in natural green. I have left the lake with my partner and I both having 16-18 lbs. The secret is being committed to the frog, you will have long periods of time with no action, but when it turns on it gets exciting fast.

From the greater Wichita area it is about 2hrs to find any really good bass fishing lakes. Bluecat, Flathead, Crappie, Walleye, Saugeye, Whitebass, and Wiper can all be found much closer. Many guys around here have access to great watersheds and sandpits, and catch large numbers of quality fish. IMO the closest lake that produces quality bass to this area is Butler Co. Lake and it is very small.

Not to be a stickler, but heavy is a power not an action and it is important to understand the difference. There are a bunch of good rods in the 150 and under price range, handle as many as possible and find one you like.

We all live in a purple submarine a purple.......... Glad everyone was OK and we can joke about it.

I like about 50-55 silicon strands in pitching jigs and football heads, and about 80 strands if it is round rubber.

If you are leaving from Belle Plaine, you might consider Sooner lake also, again you will want to see what the wind is doing.

Adding a FC leader does little of nothing to help with slack line sensitivity on braided line. In most cases there is still a lot of line between the leader and rod tip. Helps with line visibility - debatable, helps with abrasion resistance -absolutely.

Both lines transmit vibration very well depending on how it is fished. In real world fishing each will have situations where it out performs the other. Neither is a one line does all solution, depending on the environment and type of fishing you do most should be used to determine which line would be best for you.

I prefer the Yamamoto Senko to any other stick bait, yes they are delicate, yes they are expensive, but when it comes to catching fish, nothing else compares in my opinion, and I have proven it to myself many times over.

I had a similar idea to this, use a relay and a momentary contact switch in the seat, so if your butt comes out of the seat, the motor stops, similar to how a riding lawnmower works.