FryDog62

I got caught on a lake on a trip to SoDak when the winds were 15-20 but then kicked up to 45 mph in about 2 minutes. Hid behind an island for an hour and it only got worse. Eventually got to the ramp and loaded the boat solo (somehow) with 3 footers at my back. Almost put the bow of the boat through the back of my Jeep. End result was a snapped TM cable and a new 4 foot Duckett worm rod Everything else was fine (except my nerves)!

I have the SV reels in Tatula, Zillion and Steez. They are all good, and honestly in terms of skipping I don’t find a significant difference between the Tat and Zillion. Both resist backlash approx the same IMO. Steez is a bit better and the smaller/lighter size more palmable/comfortable but you pay up for it. Overall best value is Tatula, but it’s bigger and not as palmable as for instance a Curado 70 or Steez.

I really do use mine often enough that I couldn’t go back to fishing without it. I don’t rely on the Link features all the time but the extra functionality is really worth it at times. Just this past week, a friend of mine and I were in a tournament on a lake we really didn’t know and due to weather, really had a hard time locating fish. We experimented at several different depths - so used follow the contour to try several different depths inside the weedline, outside, etc. Eventually did find them... and most importantly could stay at/near that depth the rest of the day and scratch out enough fish to weigh when many others didn’t. I also use “Go To” for waypoint fishing, for instance where we’ve marked several deepish rock piles located in the same general vicinity that hold Smallmouth. The fish are either on the piles or traveling in between. I will drop shot each waypoint as well as the areas between that have broken rock. If they’re not there, hit Go-To the next waypoint and keep moving through high percentage areas. Works fantastic. All this and the best part is the hands-free nature which allows me to really spend time searching and fishing while not constantly checking my graph and adjusting direction of the trolling motor. Add in Spot-Lock and I really think this is one of the best overall inventions in the electronics game in the last decade. So I guess it depends on how you fish and if you’d use the Link technology... but if you fish similar to the above, I think it’s worth every penny.

My gas motor is fine but trolling motor blown up. Obliterated on the inside - snapped cable, entire assembly needs replacement. Not as expensive as BigKid’s, but has put me on the DL for 2 weeks. I miss fishing!

Whopper Plopper 130 (1-3/8 oz)

Walleyes too

I was all in on Dark Sleepers last year, and still am. But I started out buying a lot of the 3/8 oz. I think 95% of the time they are too light and float up on retrieve. 1/2 a lot of times too. Now I almost exclusively throw 3/4 and occasionally a 1 oz. It is a very compact lure and those weights are not too big. I see many sizes sold out on TW, but a fairly good selection yet of 3/4 oz. Just my .02 cents.

Could contact Everts Resort in Red Wing for Pool 4. Lodging and maybe boat rental/guide. Although some of my favorite fishing trips have been from a canoe below the power dam on Lake Zumbro.. down the Zumbro River - smallies, walleyes and a few Muskies, etc. Mac’s Park Place in Mazeppa.

A 20 inch Smallmouth is good anywhere... especially a girthy one like that. Nice hat by the way..!

Wayzata Bait sells 2.5” steel crankbait leaders that prevent 90% of pike bite-offs and yet aren’t heavy enough to submarine most topwater lures. 952-473-2227.

Anyone know where the largemouth spawn cycle is at right now in Northern Minn (Brainerd area) pre, during, post-spawn..?

Nice PB!! What were water temps?

Had a bunch of different gray lens Oakley’s for years... tried on some green mirror Costas and it was game over. No idea what I’d been missing all these years. They work in all light conditions very well and the contrast to see in the water is so superior. They warm everything up too - my wife steals them from me during our gloomy/endless winters in Minnesota and calls them “Prozac for the eyes...”

I agree as well... with one caveat. I have a tendency with baitcasters to overthrow at times, and this can lead to the line going out rapidly only to stop suddenly 20 yards out resulting in the line snapping and the lure going another 80 yards never to be seen again. I launched a Vision 110 two weeks ago and learned a $25 lesson not to have too much Caffeine in the morning So yes, cast long and smoothly, but don’t try to throw a runner out at home from the warning track..!

I have that Kistler and thought it was ok for jerkbating, but now use it as my Texas-Rig Rod. I went to the Lews Speed Stick “Plus” jerkbait rod instead. Shorter handle that’s not banging against my side all day, I can work the lure better and less fatigue. From the reel to the tip of the rod is actually same as a 7 footer, even thought the overall length is only 6’-7” (again less length in the handle). I also like the softer tip of the Lews, keeps fish buttoned better than the XF Kistler. Just my 2 cents..

This one a tad too big, luckily a couple other smaller ones will make the cooler on the way home ?

Water temps def went backwards... got to SoDak last night and it was 49. Today 51. Bite went backwards too, but Chatterbaits work for besides bass..

I switched to Costas 2 years ago after 10+ years with 3-4 different Oakley’s. Despite the fogging issue (and I had some of that with Oakley’s as well) I like the Costas overall far better. Lenses are superior to me. The fogging seems to do more with how fully any particular frame wraps, hence less air flow. The frames I wear wrap a lot because I don’t tolerate side glare well on the water. That’s my interest though - are the wrap-style Costas with vents to see if I can find best of both worlds.

Reel seat on the GLX a non-starter .... other two options better. Prob Destroyer.

Don’t forget to use a Caffeine Shad with the current... they really work. 3/32 oz Owner Twistlock Light 4/0.

Thx, maybe sunglasses should come with a built-in fan lol

Thanks, although don’t know what’s worse - fogging lenses from wrap around styles - or an open frame where peripheral glare gets in..

I don’t know if the Montauk is a new Costa model, but is described as: “Fishing functionality is the focus of Montauk, a large, full-wrap and highly ventilated frame.” It appears to have larger slits on the side - anyone have an opinion on this model? https://www.costadelmar.com/us/en/sunglasses/montauk/MTK.html?cgid=sunglasses

I lost a Vision 110 two weeks ago after one of the best days of fishing I’ve had in years... but buying back two more would be $50. Nah, can’t do it... (anyone have a coupon code

I have: •7-2 Tatula Heavy •7-2 Orochi Perfect Pitch Heavy •7-2 Zolo Toadface MH+ I like all 3 and could use any for frogging. Slight edge to the Tat for heavier cover, edge to the Toadface for ability to throw lighter frogs and walk dog well. Perfect Pitch a blend of the other two. Personal preference, Fast/XF and budget come in to consideration..