5fishlimit

I have a Shimano Bullwhip spinning rod from the 80's that survived my pre-teen years doing everything you mentioned, and also included some sword fights with my buddy on our walks home. It was just 3 weeks ago that I found it in my father's vegetable garden being used as a tomato stake. In the process of cleaning it up to use it again. Will that suffice?

You think Zoom costs too much?

Rain gear?

The Trokar tube hooks have been amazing for me with this presentation.

Grape flavor, please.

Get 12# or 14# and you'll be fine.

I've bought 2 Zillions for $199 that were brand new in box. One from BPS last year, and this spring and my local tackle shop. I would look around if you are interested in a Zillion. The great deal for a Daiwa at TW is the T3 and T3 Ballistic on clearance.

I do this too. It's also easier to transport in a tackle bag. I can carry 4 to 5 colored markers in the space of 1 jar.

I wouldn't recommend using backing with a MicroMagic rod. The connecting knot from filler to main line won't pass through the eye. It's the same problem with leaders at the other end. As far as the strength of line to use stay at around 10# or 12# and you'll be OK. Yo-zuri hybrid, or Izorline are great choices.

Start with a 7" ribbon tail worm of your choice, and an 1/8oz bullet weight unpegged. Leave everything else at home.

I picked up a few of the bone colored ones last year. Haven't even looked at the bait bonanza box this year as I found out that the lures in that box are essentially how the MFG gets rid of lures that didn't originally pass quality control. I had to put more $ into upgrading the horrible components than the actual lure itself cost me. I'd rather not deal with that.

Shakey head.

Not much if any, but that's not the reason to choose one over the other.

Yes, it will work. Also get a white one, and those will be the only 2 buzzbaits you need.

Just remember.... They may not be worth the $1.55 you paid. I've jumped on a deal like this and what I got was garbage. They didn't run correctly, the hooks were trash, and the finish was extremely poor. I hope you have better luck with yours.

I'm a righty, and I use left hand baitcasting gear because I find it ridiculous to switch the rod from my right hand to my left hand after I release the lure, especially when pitching/flipping.

My club jerseys came from The Winning Team. Very nice and comfortable in hot weather.

Try the Zoom finesse worm, too! It's a smaller version of the trick worm. The black color finesse worm has saved my rear end more times than I care to admit!

I have an empty Gatorade bottle, and put all the old hooks in there. The wide mouth of their bottle makes it easier to drop even a 5/0 hook in there. I will also bunch up line I've removed and put it in the bottle, too.

I start with this. If it doesn't work I'll go with a spinnerbait with a HUGE Colorado blade for maximum thump.

I don't ask anyone what's hot either, but when you've fished a particular lake several times you know what works on that body of water, and don't need to make all the changes you're making. I follow the KISS method (keep it simple stupid) when selecting what lures I will use. I do a lot of preparation before getting to the water, so I am spending as much time with a line in the water instead of changing what's on the end of my line. To each their own I suppose. If what you do works then good for you. It just sounds like you're working harder, and not smarter.

The Tatula is a very good pick. I am blown away by how much quality you get for the price.

6'9" MH/F casting - jerkbaits/spinnerbait 7'3" MH/F casting - t-rigged plastics/jigs 7'1" M/M casting - crankbaits 7'0" MH/F casting - t-rigged plastics 7'6" H/XF casting - frog/swimbait 7'0" ML/F spinning - dropshot

If I tried throwing all of this in one day I would spend more time re-tying than fishing.

Give it a try! If it doesn't work for you then you can put the front hook back.