smr913

Most water shoes have holes in them to let water escape. You could try neoprene wading booties from bass pro or other retailers. I use some that come a few inches above my ankles. They are slip on with a zipper on the side. Since you specifically do not want boots, you could try to find a low top version. But if insects are your main concern i think something that goes higher up is going to be better.

As water gets warmer they will get in the faster moving stuff. They could be above or below the riffles but you need to target areas that have some irregularity. That maybe current seams, where two different currents meet; large rocks or trees, causing eddies; or ambush points like some grass.

I've been using the boomerang snips for several years, but my daughter just ripped the split ring off because she wanted a ring. The mind of a two year old... They still work great and have never tried to sharpen them. I like those hemocuts though. Never seen them before. Will check them out.

May not load the rod as well but I doubt you'll notice.

Go to the Bass Pro in the Pyramid in Memphis. Not sure if there other location in Memphis is still open or not, lots of Memphis guys on the forum though. It is a spectacle. You can probably hit a dozen Bass Pros on your trip. Also the Cabelas in Dallas is awesome as well. Not sure the state that company or their retail spots are in with the buyout.

Send me a message when you are in Nashville. If I'm around I'll try to take you wading and put you on some smallies. If I'm not available I can give you some spots to try on your own.

I use braid because I don't like stretch in my line. I fish from a kayak and feel like I can't get a solid hookset with mono or fc. I use a leader only when the water gets very clear or if I'm fishing really rocky water. Test varries from 10/2 to 50/12.

St. Croix Legend Elite 7' Light w/ Stradic Ci4+ 1000 spooled w/ PP 15/4#. I was using PP 10/2# but it was getting wrapped around the tip too much so I upped the line a little. Works great on a variety of presentations.

I can vouch for that, been fishing Tims Ford for more than 10 years and the first one my dad or I have ever caught. Caught him on a crankbait, mid-morning, in the back of a cove in about 8-10ft of water.

Nice fish! My absolute favorite kind of fishing. What were you catching them on? I've just now got enough free time to hit the river a couple times this Spring, but haven't caught more than a few dinks.

What is the model? 852, 853, 854?

Dude, 10 years. I'm not even mad, that's amazing

I reel spinning reels with left hand and BC with right. I've tried using lefty BC and they don't feel right, just like a RH spinning reel doesn't feel right. Just got to find what works for you.

Doesn't sound like she is willing to negotiate. Got to make up your mind if she is worth it or not.

@fishnkamp That's a good looking rod but I don't want a composite rod. This rod will be a back up jig/plastics rod when the topwater bite is cold.

Not a lot of 6' casting rods on the market compared to longer alternatives. I am looking for a couple to use in the kayak for walking baits and tossing spinnerbaits under trees/docks/etc. BPS seems to offer a few, but not really familiar with any of their lines. Probably looking to get two down the road, one Medium for smaller topwaters and another Med Heavy for spinnerbaits in the 3/8-1/2oz range. I'd like to keep it under $100 per rod and that seems to lock me into a BPS brand rod. Anyone have a favorite (not the brand)?

I have a different model Legend Elite and it is a great stick. Match that rod with a Stradic Ci4+ 1000 and you will be all set.

I carry 3 or 4 in my wading box. Torpedoes, floating Rapalas, and small Pop-R's are all some old classics that still get used a good bit.

depending on how small you want to go, I have been using the tiny brush hogs on a 1/10 shroom head and working it similar to a ned rig. They do great in tough conditions for smallies.

4" Pit Boss

If only those checker boards were orange and white... Beautiful rod.

Spinnerbaits are a great multi functional bait. Use willow leaf blades and burn them as a search bait in open water. Use a colorado blade to slow roll deeper water. You can bring them through timber or just over a grass bed to get a reaction strike. Cloudy days I like gold blades and bright days I like silver. They are an awesome bait for a newbie or expert angler.

x2 with @Bluebasser86. For wood or open water I would use 15# Big Game.

I think 15/4 PP would be perfect. I like 6# leader

I'm a Speed Craw fan. Great bang for the buck. Your mileage may vary so buy a couple different brands and see what you like.