JayKumar

Lots of bass in CT, just have to find 'em -- that's the fun part!

Same as these guys -- killer for all but bass, though I do like some Power Bait for bass. Just don't leave it on your hooks on the deck like you would for soft-plastics, it will get rock-hard and you'll have to cut it off and lose a hook.

If you are only going to crank with that rod, a lighter action is better...but I always advocate using the heaviest action you can stand. Imo smallies are not as likely to get missed with a crank as largies, but I guess it depends on your hookset. Would also advocate a casting rod for crankbaits, even light ones, because of spinning reels, but...! Also recommend the biggest reel you can stand that feels right on that rod -- for power, durability and longer casts. But most of all whatever feels right to you.

Very effective. Not used as much anymore because other baits like Beavers have gotten more in fashion. Hook type is key, and look for a way to pin the bait on there or you'll go nuts re-rigging.

If the bass are in any way skittish or not aggressive, forget the wire leader imo unless water is not clear.

Yep, that's why flat-bellies are used more for dropshots -- they are more horizontal in the water....

Check out ice fishing gloves too -- neoprene, which is not magic btw. Your hands will still get cold, just not as fast.

Agree with all of the above -- you should know before you buy that that rod is for you, and will arrive fine or will be replaced by a reputable online source. Have fun w/ it!

Agree w Siebert -- if it's straight, it's just not designed to run fast. Maybe a blade change (different type) will help....

We call 'em chubs around here (NJ/NE). Only have them in rivers...that I'm aware of.

All good suggestions. If those suspended fish aren't around bait, be prepared for a slow day...or find other fish.

Don't forget that all Senko-types sink at different rates!

Those of us in the biz side of bassin' know that fluoro has a WIDE range of quality differences, way wider than mono. Suggest a well-known consistent-quality line like Toray or Sunline. Otherwise mono works fine, still my line of choice....

Choose a rod based on what type of baits you mostly use. Many are specialized now. For reels, I always say Shimano if you can afford it, Lew's if you can't. But lots of good stuff out there now. Try to fish with a bud's setup if you can.

Moving baits and jigs. Should work just about anywhere.

For value for the $, check out Lew's. Tough to beat. If $ is not an issue, Shimano.

Those specs are just a recommendation, not a limit. Plus I always advocate fishing with the stiffest rod you can. Hookset and a short fight are paramount imo.

cut the spine behind the head! I hear they're good to eat though?

The reason bass pros use heavy rods and line (a lot of the time) compared to recreational fishermen is that they want to keep the fight as short as possible.

Free to be a Marshal far as I know. 100% agree you will learn a TON. Have had the good fortunate to be in pro boats 100s of times, never gets old. Guys are amazing.

Yep, practice and brakes, all it takes....

Yep a healthy largie. The fatter the fish is, the less "big" its mouth will look relative to the body...usually!

This time of the year use moving baits, fish will be aggressive. With clouds they should roam more. Look for bait.

Mono is fine but 12 will stretch a lot especially when wet for a while. Try 15 or 17. But if you are hooking up on the T-rigs, it's not the line. Maybe try offsetting the hook point on that jig.

Where, what season, around what, weather = bait selection/technique. I developed a great app for this but...