moguy1973

I use the BPS one that was posted above. Works great and stores nice and tidy.

I have an Academy Ethos spinning rod that I like a lot. It's become my Ned rig rod and has worked well for that method. BPS Johnny Morris Carbonlite rods are good too.

I use a butt seat to lean against when I'm on the troller for support. Really helps when the waves pick up. Usually just stand when I'm not moving though.

Yes, same length, power, action, reel. Broke the standard guide one and replaced it with the micro guide one. I can cast the same lure about 25' farther with the micro guides, or cast just as far with less effort.

My micro guide Veritas outcasts my standard guide Veritas. So there you go, they do help with casting distance

Lew's also has a micro-wave guide on some of their spinning rods. It makes that really big guide nearest to the reel into a micro guide while maintaining proper line geometry coming off the reel since the spool hangs lower on spinning rods than on casting rods.

https://blog.mudhole.com/product-review-micro-guides-worth-consideration/#.XCysxc9KibU

I use the stupid heads from BlueRock Tackle. They are designed specifically for stupid rigging tubes. http://www.bluerocktackle.com/store/p16/Stupid_Tube_Hook_(10_pack).html

I want to try the Savage Gear Smash Tail Minnow this year. They are a few bucks cheaper than the WP's and from what I've read and seen in reviews the fins on the body keep it from rolling.

It's pretty common to be able to see down 30' or more in Table Rock and Bull Shoals.

With your budget I'd 2nd a Lure 11.5 or 13.5. A buddy of mine has a Lure 11.5 and the thing is a tank. Easy to stand in, great comfortable seat, wheel in back to roll it around. The only thing it may be lacking is internal storage, but the thing has a huge rear deck well to keep things strapped down. They make a pedal version too, and they also offer a 12v battery that hooks up to the prop to run it electrically if that's something that interests you.. That way you don't have to figure out how to rig up a separate trolling motor. https://feelfreeus.com/overdrive/

If it's a popular pond that gets lots of pressure the fish probably have seen everything before and aren't that aggressive anymore. Lakes and ponds I do well on top water with are usually low pressure lakes or its during times when the fish may be more active. Lakes and ponds I don't have good luck with say a walk the dog bait or popper I can usually try a slow rolled buzzbait and catch them, and if that doesn't work a Zoom Horny Toad with a lot less action usually gets a look.

My new favorite apples are Autumn Glory. They have an almost apple pie/cinnamon taste to them. They are extra crisp in texture and really juicy, and they seem to stay fresh for a long time before eating them.

It's my favorite line. I use 12lb and 8lb and can say I've never really had a problem with it breaking.

Yep. http://www.in-fisherman.com/editorial/hybrid-black-bass/154884# Largemouth/Smallmouth hybrids typically look a lot like a smallmouth but they are green with no real noticeable stripes or spots on their sides. Spot/Smallmouth hybrids look like spotted bass that are more brownish like the one above.

Sure. So do Spots and Smallmouth. That one looks like a spot/smallie hybrid meanmouth.

Mine is about $120/year for an 08 Tracker with a 60hp Merc on it. I think I put a $10,000 replacement value on it. Not required in my state.

That would be a mean mouth.

MLF actually has a contract with CBS and Discovery now. Being on Discovery is big as a lot of people don't have Outdoor TV.

The first walk the dog bait I ever bought was a Sammy 100. They are great baits but they do something I don't like and its that they sit tail down in the water if you stop retrieving them. The Sexy Dawgs sit relatively flat in the water when at rest and it makes it makes it easier to get them to start walking as soon as they hit the water.

Sexy Dawgs are the only walking baits I use anymore. Really easy to walk and they catch fish.

Before this happened how often did you see professional fishing on tv? I don’t recall seeing FLW on tv at all and every now and then a BASS event may have been on ESPN or something. MLF is going to air a lot more giving more exposure to fishing, and a new type of fishing at that. More competition always makes things better rather than the same ole same.

I've been using the Big Bite Baits Jerk Minnow and it's done really well for me. It has a little side to side shimmy as it sinks which gives the tail a little action. Has a top groove slot to hide the hook so they are little more weedless than Zooms. Price is pretty good as I've been able to find bags of them at Academy for under $2 sometimes.

The way that line tie is twisted like it is makes me think it's a custom built homemade bait.

I've been using cheap ebay snaps for years and only had one ever open up on me, and it's probably because I didn't have it clipped closed.. I use them on all my rigs except my Ned rig rod which I tie direct on.