WIGuide

I'm looking to grab a Revo Rocket and hopefully a Beast as well

Better watch it because that bait monkey will be more fierce than Kato. (however his name is spelled)

Wow...you must be a real joy to fish with...

Next time help the guy out. Would have been a great opportunity to introduce them to fishing by showing them how to properly hold it and maybe even make a cast for them and let them reel it in.

In the past I've used 6 lb flouro on my DS setup with a VMC Spinshot hook. This year I tried 20lb braid attached to the 6lb leader. I used a 6-10' leader. I haven't had any issues with the Spinshots. Also have fished them in clear water and didn't have problems catching fish or hooking them either.

Being that you're still growing I'm not sure that you really want to invest that kind of money for something that'll last you a year or two. If you do though, my vote would be for the BPS 100 MPH. The parka is a great option as it protects you more from being exposed to the elements. It stays cool enough to wear it in the summer, and warm enough in the winter and also lets you zip in a liner. I found the Columbia liner from my winter jacket zips right in so I can use it as long as fishing season lasts up here. I've been very impressed with it and I'm sure you would be as well.

My PB on a frog is just shy of 5 lbs. The smaller of these two was caught about an hour and a half later and was mid 4's. Both were on a Booyah Pad Crasher in Swamp Frog color. Bigger one came off the edge of a section of pads and the smaller one came in the middle of a pad field. Frogs have produced many fish in the 3 1/2 lb range for me.

There are tons of great baits out there for drop shotting, but I try to keep it simple and stick to these 4 most of the time: 1 Berkley Bottom Hopper Junior 2. Missile Baits Fuse 3. Strike King Dream Shot 4. Strike King Baby Rodent

It won't do it as well as the M/M but will still handle it just fine.

The 7' M/F is going to be a more versatile rod if you're looking to do something other than cranking. Just be sure when you are cranking with the fast action to loosen your drag and you'll lose less fish that way.

I'm pretty sure the Avid will do just fine in any condition. You're definitely going to love it!

Your asking one rod to do quite a bit with a range from panfish to stripers. Your best bet is to get either a 6'6" M/F or a 7' M/F. It might be a little over rated for the perch and slightly under rated for the catfish and stripers, but you will be able to make it work. Personally I'd go with the 7' rod to give you a little extra distance, especially with the light baits. If you feel more comfortable with a 6'6" though that'll do it for you.

A medium power/fast action will do great with those techniques. I use a M/F for a lot of my soft plastics. With light wire hooks you don't need anything super heavy and a Medium power St. Croix will have enough backbone to drive a regular hook home as well.

Power should come from your starting battery which should be a marine starting battery or a dual purpose battery.

First off, welcome to the form. As far as you batteries are concerned you want the two deep cycle batteries for the tm and then either run a 27 or 29 series cranking battery or a 27 series or 29 series dual purpose battery for starting and electronics.

Sound advice being given here.The other thing you may want to do in that situations as Oregon stated is SLOW DOWN. You can try fishing the same water but downsize your presentation, throw a slower moving bait and try crawling it back to the boat. If you don't get any results, then move out to the closest drop and try again.

I'm guessing they aren't hitting the body of the frog and pulling it under by the tails. If you're fishing open-ish water try a trailer hook. I believe Lake Fork Lures makes one specifically for frogs.

Favorite fishing situation for me is each and every time I hit the water. I just love being out there regardless of how I'm fishing.

My aunt has a Cherrywood that I've made a cast or two with. It seemed a little too whippy. Might have been better had it been a higher power rod. For a few dollars more you can get the Amp which has a bit more backbone. Unfortunately they have limited models, but they make for decent cheap cranking rod.

If you're fishing dingy or stained water it matches the background better by eliminating the shine a little. It also blends in better to the background as it's a more natural color. I use the green tint if possible, and I have noticed zero difference in strength vs clear fluoro. I ran both on my reels this year and with Berkley 100% didn't have any issues.

x2 on this! The graphite will make for an overall lighter stick as well as better sensitivity as well.

It tells you he values his fishing more than the status symbol of a luxury vehicle that is most commonly associated with self centered jerk hole behind the wheel. Not saying that he makes enough to afford one, but there's nothing saying he doesn't and chooses not to buy one either. OP If I were you I'd get in contact with a member of the fishing team. I highly doubt that everyone has to have a tournament ready rig. If i remember correctly a lot of tournaments you are provided with a boat to use and a boat captain will take you where you want to go. I'd explore that road a little more and find out what you actually need to compete. Also, as a former college athlete, if you are dedicated you shouldn't have an issue doing both. Don't expect to have tons of free time, but totally doable.

Haven't tried one under $15 that I like. I'd spend the few more dollars and go for the Berkley 100% Fluoro. I see you can get a pony spool for $10.99

I haven't really used one all that much, but it's been around forever. Any bait that has been on the market that long can't be bad.

You can learn quite a bit for it, but you can also learn from not getting a bit. The fish are always trying to tell you something. You just have to listen.