FrogFreak

I would rather present a crappy lure in a good location/depth/time than a great lure in a bad location/depth/time. They're bass, when they're hungry and you're around them they will eat the darndest things.

Nice write up A-Jay! I fish northern MN, I had a great summer! 1. Stanley Top Toad in black usually, it probably works cuz I can't put it down. 2. A Boss Gary Klein jig hand painted and custom skirts from fishingskirts.com cuz what else is there to do in the winter up here? And a homemade craw trailer (from a purchased mold). Usually GP or black and blue. 3. Double buzz bait in black or GP. These last two were new to me this year: 4. Ned Rig with the TRD in GP or Black and Blue 5. A small Storm 360 1/8 oz I believe was killer this year as well, GP or white. I tend to keep my colors pretty simple, GP or black and blue.

Yes it was. I'm pretty stoked to add a boat to the fleet. I happened upon it by accident.

I typically carry 6 rods. I should carry fewer but I just can't help myself. M Spinning for senko/ned MH bc for frogging Heavy bc for jigs MH bc for buzz/spinner/chatter M bc for topwater, small cranks All purpose MH bc for t rigs, b/u frog rod etc.

I'm late to the thread but I'd consider kayak rental places. I picked up a used Topwater 106 for $650.

I would consider looking at Kayak rental shops as well. I just picked up a slightly used Old Town Topwater 106 for $650. I know it's more that you want to spend but it's a great little kayak.

Same thing just happened to me. I compared a new BassX 7'4" H to a similar Mojo rod and found the BassX lighter so I bought the BassX. I later found out the Mojo was last years model. I think I'll get a similar 2017 Mojo and use it for jigging and keep the BassX for frogging. Don't get me wrong, the BassX is an awesome rod for jigging but since I'm in the market for another rod, I'll opt for a new Mojo. Thanks for the advice guys and great topic here.

Any of the Linders-freaking legends that have proven they are great teachers! LakeForkGuy-feel like I know him! KVD-The greatest tourney fisherman and my kind of guy, humble and positive! Sorry but I think I'd rather not go fishing than fish with Ike. He drives me crazy.

Mine is simply because I love throwing a frog.... sometimes I should really put it down but I think one bass caught on a frog is worth 5 bass caught any other way. I have a problem and there isn't a 12 step process to fix it!

My son and I take turns running the boat. It's harder for me to be in the back after being in the front for so long. We have our occasional arguments but nothing to bad (mostly me still treating my 25 year old like he's still 12). I have to admit he has taught me some things about finding bass in different ways than I'm used to doing. The other day we got into a great rhythm when I was throwing a frog and he would follow up with a Senko. It can be a positive experience with the right boat partner for sure!

Ice is out all over here in ND and Northern MN except maybe the largest of the lakes. Since MN opener isn't until 13 May, I've been practicing my fly fishing on some local reservoirs and creeks. Nothing yet but the water is very cold!

This is of my son fishing off a friends dock in MN. Morning on a remote MN lake.

Hmm, I've been looking at different shallow water anchoring options and I tend to agree with Catt and Tom on this one. If I had "extra" money, I'm not sure I'd buy either of the high end options. I may buy a stick it pole and bracket and see how much I use it ($150 total). I do fish shallow weedy areas up north but it's not like the wind has blown me around so bad I'm that frustrated. However, the OP did ask which is the best for the money. I'd say a manual system to start and see if you use it often enough to warrant the investment.

Stop and smell the roses more often Get better at detecting jig bites - new rod will help I hope Relax a bit more - don't try and fish for 12 hours every day out Catch fish mostly on plastics I pour and lures I make

I've been chewing on this ice fishing thing myself. My son took me out last week and it was OK but freaking cold. I think I'll stick with an off season and since I started pouring plastics a couple months ago, I have plenty to keep me busy! Yes, November was a pleasant surprise!