LunkerFisher

I can't be sure, but then again I find it better to not ask questions

Just ordered one from cabelas. This particular model is on sale for $51.88. How could I not pass it up?

12# cx for jerks and topwater (baitcast) 8# invisix on spinning gear

Fish eagle 50, 6'6" medium

I'm in SE Michigan, and there's already some nice open water. I was casting last weekend.

I guess we're located in a gray area. Maybe we need to have our own "Great Lakes area" region? In all seriousness, what's everyone's plan from ice out until bass season opens? I've decided just to target crappie in the meantime. I've also been entertaining the idea of traveling down to Ohio for some bassin.

This thread pushed me over the edge too. I have 10 3/8oz arkys on order now.

Another comparison that I just remembered, in regards to the BPS tourney special casting rod. 2 6'6" medium heavy-fast rods. The blank on the 1 piece was noticeably larger in diameter than the 2 piece at the grip. The rods had identical lure weight ratings, but I imagine that the thicker blank is stiffer than the thinner 2 piece blank.

I recently was looking at 2 St. Croix premier spinning rods. Both were 6'6" medium light with a fast action rating. The 2 piece had much more tip compared to the one piece, despite being rated the same. I can't testify that all 1pc vs 2pc rods share this same difference, but in that instance I opted for the 1 piece due to the faster tip.

Don't cast into them into bridges either unless you're trying to break of the bill.

Gamakatsu's swivel shot hooks look pretty interesting, with the clip on he bottom instead of the round swivel eye. Those may be worth looking at.

For jigs and frogs, definitely go for a 7.1:1 ratio reel and 50-65lb 4 carrier braid. The 7'3" mh Veritas is a stout Rod that is very versatile and should suit your needs if you're looking at the $100 range for a rod.

When buying a new bait, I have been advised to always buy 2 or more of the same one. Maybe one of the 2 crankbaits doesn't run true, maybe your new bait is a hot item and a pike takes off with it, or you sail it down the lake on a line-snapping cast. I've sometimes bought 3 or 4 of the same exact bait. Do you buy multiples from the get-go, or do you try 1 then go back for more later?

For dropshot I'll generally use size 2 to 1/0 hooks. For wacky I'll use 1/0 to 3/0. Go with some finesse wide gap in 1/0 to start and go from there. I was using VMC spin shot hooks last year, but I'll be ditching them this year since they're a pain to rig. I'd rather tie 1 knot than 2.

Nothin too fancy here: Lews LFS speed spool Lews tournament MG Cabelas Pfleuger Summit

You should use at least a few wraps of backing so your line won't slip around the spool.

Tournament MG is on sale at Cabelas for $80. If you're close by to one just ship it to the store for free.

I'm not sure about the higher # tests, but I was using some 6# Trilene 100% fluoro yesterday and was very impressed with its strength. Had a few snags and really tugged on it good before it bent the hook and came loose.

I have the 701, I haven't had issues with it at all. It's a little loud but I like that it's fairly light and its palmable. There are definitely better reels out there, but for $39, it should do just fine. I paid $50 for mine last year and it seems like at the price point it's AOK. Run it through the ringer!

Get a cabelas fish eagle 50 medium fast spinning rod an a pflueger president. That's $100 sice the Eagles are on sale now. Spool up some 8lb trilene XL and get some 3/0 EWG worm hooks and a few packs of 5" senkos for let's say $20 and you have $ in your pocket to go from there

I have a gen 2 sxhs and it's been a solid reel so far. I prefer centrifugal brakes myself but I've been able to make the mag brakes work for me.

I'm fairly green, but I've been using PP and sufix 832 without any problems. I find 20# 832 better for spinning gear than 20# PP. I also have some Sufix performance braid to try this year.

There's actually a lot other species we can legally target. Bowfin and carp are jut the most abundant. http://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/bow-spear-fishing-regulations/

Well, they're overpopulated so in MI it's open season. I don't question DNR.

The short answer is: It's a lot of fun to shoot fish with a bow and arrow at night.