Choporoz

I use DX744 for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, WPs. No doubt, 734 will be fine for what you want to do. Not too sure about cranks and Ricos, but give 'em a try. As to ripping trebles out, I really don't think that's a concern. I believe the bigger consideration is leverage to throw the lure... whether your rod and line have a bit of give to keep them pinned so the fish doesn't gain a leverage advantage. Mono will help in that department.

The bear is quite adament that the words 'weightless' and 'Texas Rig' can not be part of the same name. Texas rig, by definition has a weight....and with a bit of mental extrapolation .... would never be weightless. Not a hill I plan to die on .... I've just seen the bear before.

Aside from occasional package (that often diverted from UPS), I would not care if mail came once every two weeks. I definitely support eliminating weekend delivery. They should charge triple for Presorted and all other marketing mail. Might cut down on some junk mail and maybe even get them closer to operating in the black. That said, my carriers have been pretty good; consistent and reliable.

@bulldog1935gave great info above. It is pretty easy to understand 2-4 months when you consider that a Chinese distribution site might wait to fill a truck to a particular port consolidation point, and then the consolidation point will wait to fill a container....assuming they can get one in a few weeks, and then transit and hope to enter US port within weeks of arrival, never mind offload, customs, more consolidation, and surface trucking towards you. Toss in continuing Covid related delays in China affecting ports and trucking, and holidays....and....well...I haven't intentionally ordered anything from China in years.

Don't poke the bear

I use them sometimes. Nice thing about it is I can cast it a quarter mile. Bad thing about it is I can't set the hook a quarter mile away. I miss a lot more bites with them than I do with 5 in.

RIP

Why buy US-made reel from China?

I really dislike current movie editing with cuts every few seconds ...sometimes less. With that in mind, I settled in to watch an old Sergio-Clint western not too long ago...not sure which, maybe Good, Bad Ugly...not sure....but after what seemed like 20 minutes without a word or even a camera shift other than slow pans, I couldn't take it any more. I don't have the patience anymore. If flipping channels, I will stop on Rio Bravo or Rooster Cogburn.

Tell me fishing is just a fun hobby once more...I dare you

I like it. Sort of reminds me as if Godfathers and Social Distortion meet the Dropkick Murphys

10 Jonathon Davis almost singlehandedly invented nu-metal and then spent years saying Korn wasn't nu-metal. I like to think being on South Park had to be a significant career highlight ?

My money is on the Bug. When I feel need to change from Rage Bug, I typically find that Sweet Beaver is my choice. I like the Pit Boss, but except for cost, I find SKRT Bug to be far superior.

Welcome to 2023. I'm only couple few weeks into 48 month new boat loan from my historically great credit union. Credit score in 98th percentile. 9.15%

I stumbled into this and was reminded of this thread. Despite the growling, these guys might find a place in my rotation. I'm liking it right now.

I caught a nice fish on a swim jig. Once. About 5 years ago. I still try it once in a while, but it is way down on the confidence scale. I'll swim a Keitech, but generally on a weighted hook. I'm most likely to use spinnerbait, swimming worm, chatterbait, even crankbait before a swim jig.

Never been in a real fist fight. A few shuffles in middle school in which few punches were landed...and three rather large bar fights, one each in Philippines, Thailand and Australia. 40 years ago it wasn't too uncommon. By the time I retired in 2010, the Navy's tolerance for barfights had decreased significantly, especially in foreign countries.

I have some from Venom and some from Keithech. Both are solid options.

I react to this thread the same way I reacted to 'music in the boat' thread; you do what you want, but if I can hear your music...or smell you from more than a handshake away...I'm unhappy. Not what your asking....but whenever I smell someone with 'strong' perfume, usually women....I start wondering how bad they must really smell to need to mask their natural stink

Palomar for braid SDJ for the rest Switched to SDJ 4-5 years ago after 40+ years using improved clinch....or, as my father called it, Fisherman's Knot. I spent maybe an hour or two tying SDJ one night while watching TV. Became almost automatic that quick. Hasn't let me down yet.

It probably begins that way for some.

Buddy keeps a rod box up on the racks. Bit pricey, but has worked great for him.

Many shops have a 'demo day' in late spring or summer. Not sure where in NJ you are, but if south, I suggest you drop into Deleware Paddlesports. You won't be able to demo on the water, but you can sit in a variety and you will learn a ton.

To quickly determine smallest fish in the live well...so, in a tournament when you upgrade you can be sure to toss back the smallest.

Like a Diablo Amigo, but about a hundred pounds lighter. Never saw anyone try to fish from inflatable SUP or kayak, but I do know someone with a Diablo. It is a barge.