MrPeanut

I'd fall into the camp where it's depending on the situation. I'll always be respectful, but tend to keep it very general at places that already receive an insane amount of pressure. If somebody is genuinely trying to learn though, or particularly if they're trying to get a kid on some fish, I don't hesitate at all to give out specifics or even lending baits I'm using as I'm leaving.

I've owned one of each of those rods, I would say in my experience I like the blank on the avid the best. I would try to get each one in hand though, each of the handles are very different on those 3

5/16, 3/8, 1/2 are the most common for me

Senko Fluke Structure Bug Rage Craw Trick Worm

nice work!

I recently picked up spoonplugging to read as well, it's making me realize how little I knew about patterning fish, it's a good read. As far as specifically reading topo maps - A good video to watch about mapping is Josh Douglas and Seth Feider do a webinar with Navionics dedicated to mapping / finding high percentage areas on a new lake, I took away a lot from that one.

I'd second the above - personally I've been using 30 or 40 lb braid with a 17 lb FC leader and I've liked it. It tends to keep the costs down instead of respooling a full spool of FC too. I've been grabbing whichever brand is on sale and haven't noticed much of a difference between brands, as long as its a reputable line manufacturer.

I agree with the above sentiment of law of diminishing returns in rod quality - everybody's happy comfort zone is going to be different for what they feel is worth the extra jump in price. That being said, a big jig rod is one I would be willing to spend more on, considering I'm going to be dragging bottom, and theoretically, the bites I'm going to get are going to be of the bigger fish variety, so I want to be sure to capitalize on every one of them. Of the original list above, I personally think the first 3 will be a lot better bang for your buck as far as quality and sensitivity than the E6X. I have an E6X, although its a M spinning rod, and it's plenty sensitive for what I use it for, but if the others are within your budget you would be much happier in my opinion.

Gotta love the views in northern Wisconsin compared to the office. As well as the best fishin partner I could ask for

I'd agree with the above with the 704 choice I have a 703 in the dobyns line and I love it for flukes, finesse jigs, 1/4 oz texas rigs etc.., but even at 3/8 oz texas rigs or bigger spinner baits the power up of the 704/734will feel better in my opinion

The premier was my first "higher end" rod I saved up for as well back when I was in college. It's coming up on going 10 years strong, the premier series is just a classic

I think action / profile / location are all more important than color, so I try to keep it basic with colors; stocking up on black&blue and green pumpkin for the most part. I do use variations of those and get some goofy looking colors too though, because even though they're out there to catch fisherman more than fish in some cases, fishing's a hobby so why not? If it works it works. I don't fish in tournaments, so to me, if an odd colored robo worm doesn't get as many bites on a drop shot as a different color, it's not a loss of money or tournament points or anything, its just "oh well, I'll try a different color when I crack open a beer, I'm still not at work "

I'd agree with many of the above who see a lot of the inventory levels dwindling, so for getting exactly what I want as far as colors / sizes etc especially in plastics I'll go online, where the bait monkey has his was with me at tackle warehouse. I do think cabelas shines in multi species fishing - if I'm looking for anything for panfish/walleyes/musky I'll make a stop in at cabelas, many stores and online shops are geared towards bass fishing due to the popularity, but don't always have a lot to offer for the other targets

I fish mostly water that is 10-12 ft or less, 3/8 oz is my go to. if I'm fishing deeper I'll go to a 1/2 oz, or struggling to get bit most of my finesse jigs are 5/16 oz. For football jigs the lightest I'll go is a 1/2 oz

That's very true - I got 2 this past summer, nothing huge - I've gotten close but haven't passed up the 40" mark. I got one on a finesse jig and one on a senko, so definitely not exactly Musky baits haha. I plan on targeting them a bit more next season

I predominantly go for bass, but I would mirror what many others have said in saying why limit yourself. I'll go for other species as well. When out with family, who a lot of them don't get as into fishing as I do, we'll go for panfish a bit, especially with the kiddos since it tends to be more enjoyable to get some action, even if they're tiny fish. Going up north, the walleye and panfish are also rather delicious I got into my first Musky this past summer while bass fishing, which was a blast, but I'm also terrified for my bank account..

That game was one of the better sporting events I've ever witnessed - I know I'm only the age of 30, but wow. Everything from the build up of the drought of championships for both teams, extra innings in game 7, the schwarbs coming back after surgery - seems like a movie script. Today the office was not exactly productive, to say the least lol I will say though - with a healthy Indians pitching staff? If they all come back next year that team will be scary good. Part of me is glad they're in the AL haha

Here are my go to's. For bigger swim jigs I like the fat impacts, for a smaller profile I like either a grub or a subwoofer, or a small craw

I wish I learned how to read a topo map earlier - seems to help find fish a lot better driving around looking for fishy looking spots Something I don't think is stressed enough still is sun protection - I didn't care about it as much when I first starting fishing a lot more often, a couple bad burns later and I always leave home prepared for sunny days.

I have a minnkota electric steer as well - it was mostly a forced decision due to space, so I didn't think much of it, but I've never felt held back or anything by it's steering I also like being able to bring the foot pedal to the back / middle of the boat as well when others are in the boat that aren't able to fish and steer at the same time

I tend to lean more towards braid with a flouro leader on almost everything now. I like the castability and sensitivity of braid, if I'm in clearer water I'll tie on a leader even though it's probably more of a mental confidence thing with line visibility. I usually wait until I find a good deal on braid and buy 30lb in bulk if I can, it seems to be good all around for almost everything, and I'll throw on a leader when I see fit

that's a tough one! I think if I was forced I'd go with SK - just because of the other baits besides the soft plastics being involved.

ahh yes.. good choice I think really I just like the dbomb in general haha

I think the color your referencing is "super bug", I love that color in the lakes by me for a bluegill imitator

I usually reach for a football jig, but I need to work on deep water in general, I'm terrible at it