Rumslo

Not all spinnerbaits are created equal. I always test my baits in the swimming pool to make certain that they work properly. Blades spin freely, lure tracks correctly, skirts have good action at various retreive speeds. I will also test the sink rate. I tend to use willow blades on shallow runners and colorado blades on slow rollers or deeper presentations. Even with everything tuned right, the fish will decide what they want. Try different retreive speeds, tempos, colors, till you find what works.

For me, a lot depends upon the type of bottom/cover I'm fishing. Sandy, rocky bottom I will most likely be on a M/F spinning set-up. For heavy laydowns, grass, etc. I am going to go to a MH power with baitcaster.

I tried them but didn't care for the extra bulk. Also the softer versions seemed to drag and snag on clothing.

Boats don't catch fish, anglers do. Sure a big boat gets you there faster, but then you just slow down. Nice job on recreating a good fishin' boat. Some portable electronics and experience will get you lots of big 'uns.

A friend and I were float fishing on the Colorado River in the early evening, just starting to darken. We heard what sounded like a train car coupling, and in the distance could see the bow of a boat sticking out of the water. Motored over to help what turned out to be two inebriated fellows clinging to the bottom of there capsized boat. Seems they decided to take a leak, at the same time, from the same side of the boat. Funny what alcohol does to the mind.

I basically agree with Hooligan, though would also add the consideration of the IM rating of a rod. The construction material of a rod will have significant affect on the "power/action" of that rod.

Jelly Fish

My choice of line, or line and leader, depends on the cover I'm fishing. Though I prefer fluoro alone, I will use braid w/fluoro leader in heavy cover.

My first choice would be a spinnerbait in white, second shad.

First not all medium action rods are the same. Rod power and action will vary from rod to rod. I have three medium power rods and use each differently. Line will also make a big difference. I use an 8# flouro, 8# braid and 10# braid. Try some different combinations to find what works best for your setups.

Do you have two sonar units. The vertical lines look alot like a second sonar reflection.

I like to keep plastics in the original bag. I store the bags in bait binders (Cabelas TUB or Plano Worm Wrap). I can keep sticks in one bag, shakeys in another, etc. Easy to find, easy to get to bait, and not a lot of storage area lost in the boat.

I tend to stay with bone color in water with some riffle and clear on very still water. I would definitely use a leader and would chose line that fits the water you are fishing and the fish you expect to be fighting. 12 to 15# should work OK, I use a 12# on 15 or 20# braid.

Wacky is a great technique. But don't assume if you don't get bit on the wacky rig, the fish are not biting. What you offer is important, but also how you offer is equally important. Give the fish what they want, how they want it and you will catch every time.

Duckett's are great rods. I particularly like the micro guides. My only dislike (and it is just personal preference), the longer rods have a little to whippy tip for me.

Love the Super in clear when there is ripple on the water. I go to the bone if no ripple. I've but everything from 1/2 pound to 5 pound in the boat on the super. I would stay with mono line.

Yes, there is life after work. After 32 years you've earned every minute of time on the water. Enjoy the best days you've ever had.

In clear water - Robo Morning Dawn/Morning Dawn Chart. Stained - Watermelon/red flake Dirty - Black/red flake or Dirt/black flake

Injured bait fish are an easy catch. What looks more like its injured - that old battered lure, or the new shiney one just our of the box.

Personal preference is a 7' MH/F or 7'6" MH/F. I do use a 7.0 reel because I like to burn a spinner depending upon depth, cover, and time of day. But I have also practiced hard to slow it down when I want. As with just about every piece of equipment you will ever use - what do you feel most confident using and what gets 'em in the boat for you.

Symetre or Pflueger, either one is a good performing reel. Watch for some sales starting. Some outlets will start to get ready for end of summer.

Not too thin. But I normally cut mine a little shorter to help with short strikes.

Barbless is the way to go. I would hate to see a really nice hawg torn up so bad it cannot be released. The next person to tie into that fish just might be my grandson. Why deprive the next person of the thrill of latching onto a big un?

I have the same reel, although it came on a different rod. I did change out the rod, didn't like the action on the original. I must be one of the lucky ones since I am still catching fish with it. I would suggest checking the drag often. I did find the drag to be inconsistent when the reel was new. After a reasonable breakin everything worked fine.

Have rods and reels from all the major brands. I find the perfect use for each. Even the same rod model from a specific maker will have a slightly different feel. Don't think I will ever stop trying products from all the majors, just so I don't miss that item that just feels good to me.