BassinLou

Welcome to BR. That's an awesome backyard!!

Welcome. This site became my gateway to the forum world as well. You are going to have blast. Buckle up.

My last couple of trips i have done surprisingly well with jigs.

Met up with Pitboss Rick from this site and introduced him to bass fishing from a boats perspective. Launched out of MM35 and we fished Miami Canal North. Water temps were 88.5 degrees, outside temps were 94-96 degrees, wind was WNW 10-15mph gusting 20. We fished from 2pm to 715pm. We had the water to ourselves the majority of our outing. We were to catch and land 23 bass and lost and missed our fair share as well. We threw soft plastics, frogs, and jigs. 3 biggest fish of the day were 17", 18" 18.25". The fish were healthy and energetic. We had a great time and I am looking forward to what May brings.

I love Gammy's, however for this particualar application the Trokar flipping hooks really got my attention.

Oh yes very much so. The Ltb's are a bit more refined and bit lighter.

I have had both rods at one time. Rage and the Avid. The Avid imho, is the better rod hands down. The Avid is a workhorse of a rod. With a great warranty. I had a Rage and really enjoyed the rod however came across 2 quality control issues and that was 2 too many for me so I upgraded to a LTB. Never looked back. Til this day, I am still enjoying my Avid.

Nice George!! I am headed out there myself today. Hopefully my report will be has productive as yours....

Ok. Its all good.

This is stop the screeching. The OP wasn't having backlash issues. This is addressed in the owners manual.

Maybe its throwing 8lb line that is causing the problem. 8lb line for me is better thrown on a spinner.

Yeah, they have unique coloration that's for sure. They are also pretty mean. If they grew to be bigger like a LMB, they would definitely be a force to be reckoned with.

I really enjoy these reels. They suit me perfectly. I like them so much, that i purchased 3 of them. For me that's unheard of. LOL... Before every trip, i take a qtip with a drop of oil and go around the brake drum of each reel. Takes me 5 min tops for all 3 reels, and that provides me with 0 issues during my outings. Some individuals consider this a problem with the reel, I don't believe so. They just require a little bit more love, that's all. LOL!!

I use a cheap mono backing and then spool the yozuri. Its always worked best for me this way.

I am sure canoe fishing will present some challenges, however, where there's a will there's a way.

Best of luck Joe!!

Hydrilla fields will be an excellent place to start. You may have to use 1oz or more of weight to punch through some areas though. Make sure your gear is up to the task. Catching and landing a pig in thick hydrilla requires your fair share of effort.

^^^^ This^^^^ This fish is extremely common in South FL. One of our many exotics. Just be careful when handling. They do have small teeth.

Bass can throw any lure. Sure you can use techniques and styles to minimize losing fish, but landing a bass is never a 100%

Best of luck THolmes. Having either one can be debilitating, having both I can only begin to imagine what you are going through. Best of luck. May the surgery bring you the relief you are looking for.

In South FL, you can pitch or flip all year round if you wanted to. I find myself pitching baits more during the winter or summer. When its cold or hot the fish seem to be relating under the cover of vegetation to seek warmth or stay cool.

Once I found my path, I went full bore and received my undergraduate and graduate degrees, and I will be entering my 23 yr of working in my industry come this August.

I have the 3000F Saros . Great reel. If I were in the market today for a spinner however, Pfleuger keeps popping up everywhere I look. I would check those out.

Uvibe speed worm or a magnum uvibe. Work it over the weeds and then burn through the open pockets.

I think the chug bug will fall under the popper category. If it does. I've caught plenty of bass off them.