FryDog62

I was only in FL for 18 months and just started looking around at off the beaten path lakes and ponds for my kayak. Never really got much traction, just a couple abandoned quarry pits in SWFL. The two things to be mindful of on the primitive lakes, are getting stuck, either your vehicle, or kayak in the shallows… and encountering gators in lakes where they aren’t used to being around people.

There’s a balance here, and it’s probably different for everyone.. For me, tying and retying a few rods all day long for different techniques is inefficient and a PIA in my opinion. That said, I might only fish 4-6 different techniques any given day. The challenge is, you don’t always know which technique(s) will prevail before you set out on the water. In my boat, I had 15 rod tubes.. I always felt if I had more rod/reel combos than that, then I was inefficient and over-thinking things. It seemed to work well -

Might be one of the best slightly under-the-radar Chatterbait rod. The only glass-composite rod I own.. I tested St. Croix, Dobyns and ALX composite-glass rods and they all seemed thicker/heavier than the Chatterbound.

Black. Because even in the lowest light, a bass is looking up towards the surface. The surface is much brighter than below - and a black/dark colored frog against the light background will get noticed and it’s location locked in easier…

If possible, I would handle all the rods you are contemplating and put a reel on them to check balance. My bias probably comes through, but I have found St. Croix MH and Heavy rods to be quite tip heavy.

And yet, the poorest quality boat/trailer I’ve ever had was a Ranger (before BPS bought them). I had 21 warranty returns in the 3 years I owned it. In good conscience, I got everything fixed (again) in the last month of warranty and then sold it. The biggest issue was the trailer. Axle was defective which caused over heating, melted wires, electrical problems, brakes, etc. Two years in after multiple multiple issues - Ranger refused to replace the defective trailer. Finally the dealer stepped up and gave me a new one at their cost. The next time I bought a new boat, it was at that dealer, but it wasn’t a Ranger…

This is about the time frame that Nitro upped its game. I’m a headhunter and was doing some engagements for BPS back in those days. They had a head guy they brought in from Whirlpool and he brought strong quality and lean processes in. Even won some industry awards for the first time. Like others have said, they may not have some of the fit and finish of some higher-end boats, but for the price, it’s good quality. The older Nitros, now that’s a different story -

One of my dad's best friends growing up had this happen to him and he died within minutes. Was painting a house in the summer, got down off the ladder and took a swig of soda. Didn't know he had a bee sting allergy. Two things, my dad said to always blow into the opening of the can and take a good look before drinking if it's been left unattended for any period of time. And second, if you have any allergies, have an EPIPEN handy... Or, if it’s a beer - be sure to guzzle it upon opening. Just to be certain of course 😁

Have heard quite a few people experience this. Best thing is if you notice it right away is to return/exchange. But everyone says it’s an easy fix I just haven’t done it before..

I've contemplated other options too... but with every ramp different, wind direction, crowded spaces, etc... I've just decided to get in the water if needed and winch or pull it onto the trailer. In warm weather I just wear my sandals, but when it gets cold I bought a pair of these. Seems to work 👍

I've dropped one rod/reel over the side in 5 decades of fishing. It was in a river and the current pulled it about 20 yards away... my fishing partner quickly reacted with a snap cast and somehow hooked the EVA grip and reeled it in. It was a nice Majorcraft rod and Tatula reel. Phew!

I've heard of people getting a new baitcaster and they go to cast them and they squeal. They come dry from the manufacturer and need to be greased. Well, I just had my first one... It's a Daiwa Tatula Elite. I'd like to at least attempt to lube it because I need it this weekend- rather than send back in an exchange. Problem is I've never serviced my own reels and don't know where to start. Can anyone recommend the right lube to use and offer any kind of instructions and/or schematic where to apply? TIA -Fry

I hear ya, hard to believe people snap a 15 inch handle jerk bait rod all day and can tolerate it…

My fishing this past year encompassed Minnesota, South Dakota, Florida and South Carolina. Very different bodies of water and seasonal changes. I used many lures - but the one that worked equally well in all 3 states was the jerk bait. This model, this color was universally crushed... Sometimes the 112+1 too ~

Yep, wrists mostly (several surgeries) but some shoulder/elbow strains too. Nothing that keeps me from fishing, but I hope that doesn’t change as I age further…

I’ve been working out for decades as well, wondering how your joints have held up at age 82?

The key ingredient to eliminate in the next few years is anything with “seed oils” in it (Canola, soybean, sunflower, etc). It will become the trans fat of this generation. Be wary of any protein derivative/shake, protein bar, etc. that has it. Heart disease, auto immune, acid reflux, etc. We were told for many years it was a healthy alternative but it’s actually what causes inflammation in the body. And it’s an ingredient in about everything mainstream.

#1 most over-rated and useless lure of all time in my humble opinion. Tell me what it’s used for and I already have something else that works better for that technique. I had a friend insist it was great flipping into the weeds. He eventually hooked a few but when they went aerial with all that sinker weight as leverage, he got spit out every time. No thanks - I would honestly rather use a Banjo Minnow or Helicopter Lure…

I hear ya… I moved from Florida in August to South Carolina - just in time to get hit by Helene in September !

Never hurricanes there in the winter. Warmest winter spot in the lower 48. I have friends that go to Scottsdale and Palm Springs and freeze in Dec-Feb.. then I remind them that Fort Myers/Naples is 500 miles further south on a latitude line.

Here’s pretty much the weather forecast for the rest of the winter:

Being in a kayak, having versatile rods is key. I use a Dobyns 685cb for both jerkbaits and topwater poppers. I usually tie 8 lb Trilene XT on to my braid as a leader. That’s a similar thickness to many 10-12 pound mono lines. But I have found it to be flawless - even with pike or snagging on Lilly pads. It has its limits, but I haven’t found them yet!

Here’s one of my favorites … 3/8 oz in 15 feet or less water, 1/2 oz deeper than that.

If you go with a baitcaster, check out handle length on the TW website. I think those with a 13 inch handle are the best for jerk baits… 14 is marginally ok, and 15 inches too long. In other words you might find a good rod with the right action, but it could have a long handle (Expride) and be a PIA to jerk all day long.

A lot of times now if I go there or Cabelas - they don't have a lot of stuff they used to and they just tell you to order it online anyway. Just as easy to order at TW, Omnia, etc. with a lot of time better selection...