BassinLou

If your concerned about your safety about being around treble hooks, you should look into the fishgrip. This tool has been very handy for me. I get to lip big mudfish with it and remove hooks from their mouths. It also has a convenient slot for scales to easily way the fish. If it falls over board it floats. Here is the link if you are interested. http://www.thefishgrip.net/

My only 2 Lews reels are a MG Tournament, and a TT pro. Since your asking about the MG Tournament , its a great reel. This reel has become my everyday reel when I bank fish. It has never let me down, and now that I have had it for a while I swear its smoother than when I first bought it.

If your throwing in pads I would go with at least 50lb braid. Are you on the bank or on a boat? If your on the bank I would look for pockets in the pads and walk, or work the frog the way you know best until you reach the bank. I would also try to work the frog parallel to the pad field depending on how wide it is. Make sure you have at least a MH, preferably H. When the bass strikes set the hook hard and keep the rod up until you get the fish out of the pads. Once the fish is out of the pads play the fish accordingly. If your in a boat, the approach may be a little different.

Power Pro is great affordable braid.

I agree. The universe is so vast, to conceptualize the concept can be mind boggling.

Go return it. A frog should not be taking in water fresh out of its packaging. The hole where the hooks come out is not your culprit. All frogs have that. Inspect the frog for a puncture, or the area around the line tie. Some times that's not positioned right and water comes in through the nose.

CutlerJay!! What's up buddy!! I see what you have been doing. Nice pig. Congrats on the PB. I agree peacocks have been very active lately.

I am assuming by spinner, you mean a spinnerbait. I say replace them both. Both are great baits under the right conditions. You only had one bite on the frog. It doesn't mean the bait doesn't work. It just means frog was not on the menu. Trust me, when frog is on the menu, you will be creating a new thread....

I stepped out for a half hour after dinner to my neighborhood canal, and I came across this feisty guy.... I have caught more of these guys than bass this past week.

How do like the Avid? I remember your rod thread. As far as your reel question goes, if you like the Tatula then get another. The speed ratio is up to your preference.

Congrats!! PB's are great accomplishments

Congratulations!! The Mrs. and I celebrated our 13th yesterday.

PM Geo g, he also lives in Davie. Heck of guy who is willing to take the time and show you what works for him and where. I always learned something new when I got to fish with him.

Great choice, you will not regret your decision. Congrats!!

In your particular case, I would keep the 20lb braid and then utilize the advantage of a fluroleader. I personally will not use a snap, but will make a longer leader. As far as the leader getting shorter and shorter, I always carry my leader spool with me. It only takes a couple of minutes to replace a new leader anyways. Not a big deal.

Welcome aboard. Nice fish.

The TT pro its great reel. I was browsing through ebay the other day and very reputable seller was offering them for $148. Another great alternative is the Tournament MG.

Exactly what he ^^^^^^^ said. If the Avid is out of budget then go premier. I would not go below that.

Another vote for 580P Costa's

Today was also slow, and I decided to switch gears since these little guys were around. No records were broken, but its been awhile since I caught one.

If you are use to throwing fluro already the difference is nothing. Some anglers like to have the best of both worlds when they fish. Meaning taking advantage of the benefits of braid along with the benefits of fluro. Leaders are preference for some, and not for others. You have to experience the 2 yourself to come up with your own conclusion. That's just my .02.

That is cool pic!!

FYI... keep an eye out for wildlife with these high waters. This evening while fishing in my neighborhood canal a little gator was just sitting there. i don't know where it came from, but when the canals get unusually high, a gators can sometimes appear. That goes for snakes as well. Be safe...

Hey Pz3.... the Seibert spinnerbaits have not caught me any decent bass yet, however this guy decided to tangle with it.... This fish is called a jaguar guapote, we have a lot them down here in Miami. Enjoy!!

Good for you Brian!! Congrats. I will always remember the feeling of accomplishment when I wrapped up with school. It's an exciting feeling. I am happy for you.