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I use Berkley 100% Fluoro for almost anything casting other than topwaters, pitchin'/punchin'/froggin'. On spinning reels I'll run either braid or fluoro.

I throw the 4" and 5" wacky rigged on an LTB 6'8" M/XF. The ML/XF will work just fine as well, but I usually keep my dropshot rigged up on that one.

If you're trying to connect it right to the aerator there shouldn't be an issue. Cut the end off a garden hose and slide it over the barbed fitting on the pump and use a stainless steel hose clamp to ensure it doesn't leak.

That's a pretty cool deal there! This option might be easier thought

Hello and welcome to BR! Hope you can find a partner!

I use Yum Dingers instead. They're more durable yet still have good action. If I'm wacky rigging them, I'll use an Eco Pro Tungsten Wacky Weight which helps to bump up the durability as well as the rate of fall.

Crankbaits and jerkbaits should work given those temps, or at least they do around here. Jigs would be another good presentation. See if you can find an area with a steeper drop close to a flat. A lot of times they'll stay close to the drop and if it warms up they tend to slide up onto the flat to feed.

I'd be looking at the 6'6" M/F or 6'8" M/XF St. Croix. I use the 6'6" M/F Xtreme for my jerkbaits and it's an absolutely great rod for it.

I tie direct most of the time, but this past fall I went back to using a snap swivel and clipped it on the split ring since I knew I was going to be cycling through quite a few different crankbaits. It worked perfectly with no issues. Some will tell you not to do that, but I'm unsure of the reason behind. It seemed to work for me and these girls didn't seem to mind one bit

As a boater I could care less on how much you bring as long as you can keep it out of the way. I don't want to be tripping over it going from the front deck to the console. Like other said, keep it organized. I wouldn't take more than 6 rods.

I'll second what these guys said, but you can get the info you need on the area you're fishing here https://webapp.navionics.com/#@6&key=cterGb%7BivO That site has all the current Navionics map information on it and will give you much better detail!

x8ish on the gift cards

I don't tinker all that much with today's baits. They suspend pretty darn well all on their own. I used the Rapala Shadow Rap and it very slowly sank regardless of the water temp (down to about 38ish degrees).

I clean the grime of the blanks and eyes usually with some warm water. Last year I put some Lucas Quick Mist wax on the blanks. I think I might use some automotive paste wax. I haven't done anything with my cork as I don't mind it being dirty.

Take your time and look around. 4K isn't a ton of money to spend on a boat and it really depends on what you're looking for, but you can definitely find a decent boat in that range. I bought these two for well under 4K. Sure I looked for a long while, but those type of deals are out there.

Being that you're only 13 it might be hard for you to get in tournaments unless you have a youth fishing club. Most have a 16 year old minimum, but if you find a smaller club, they will most likely be willing to let you fish anyway. Like blue said, you're probably in one of the best places to try to become a pro. Look a little harder though, I'm sure you can find something around there. With sponsors you'll have to work your way up the ladder. Try to get in with someone. Write them a letter letting you want to know you want to help promote them and let them know what you can do for them.

This time of year, I'd be looking for any current breaks and/or any deeper holes.

Wise decision! Once you have it and use it you'll be amazed at what you find and how quickly you find it! What would take a half hour or more to figure out what's in the area will take you 5 minutes or less with si.

In short, yes you can do what you're looking to do. When you do setup, you'll be able to select the source of your information

If it happens again, and they come back to the same spot, maybe try getting your bait out there before they come back and then very very slowly bring it back only after they come back.

I would suggest the new new St. Croix Mojo Bass in 6'8" in MH/F. It'll be a pretty versatile rod in general, and will excel with buzzbaits. It comes in just a few dollars over budget. Otherwise, I think they still have some of the older Mojo Bass's left too for $89 if you were looking for a cheaper option.

Haha I hear ya! They need to stay popular enough to keep Terminator offering them though. Right now they're limited to only a few models where they were once available on all their spinnerbaits.

Jerkbaits, crankbaits, and jigs should get the job done.

A-Jay hit it on the head. The mag-willow blades should do well. I've pretty much fallen in love with Oklahoma blades (exclusive to Terminator). They are basically a mag willow with an extra crease in them to provide a little more flash.

As far as the rod goes, I absolutely love my St. Croix Legend Tournament "Small Cranker". It's a 7'2" M/M and it's feather light. As far as reels go, I'd suggest bumping up your retrieve to a 7.1:1. Squarebills are one of those baits that work best when worked fast to cover water. Either way, I'd probably recommend a BPS Pro Qualifier in whatever gear ratio you choose.