Fishin Dad

So true and foreign concept south of Mason Dixon!

Love that relief! I often tell myself I will not leave the lake until I catch one (or one last fish). These can turn into late nights or long hot days. I have had to give up a couple times (absolutely haunts me when I don’t meet the goal). I have had buddies with me when I say and they threaten to swim to shore.

I currently have 1216 hours of sick time banked up, for which I will get ZERO, YES ZERO compensation. I have never abused the system like so many do. It is a hard pill to swallow, but I was raised different than the generation after me ( I am mid 50’s). However, you will usually find me with my Kleenex (not needed) in a deer stand for a full day sit around Halloween. Magical time of year.

I get what you’re saying, you do have to make a choice while picking a bait. I have seen where it makes a difference to use a certain color or not. Sometimes they will bite black, blue, green, etc. other times, it has mattered to narrow it down to a specific color. Same for presentation. I have been on a school where I start with a football jig, switch to a Neko, then a Ned to keep catching fish. I think fish are like us at times. We all ain’t eating the same thing at a buffet. Now that could just be my bass sized brain “reacting” to the question at hand. ?

I know those places exist, just not near my life. That will be a cool build.

We fish docks all the time around here. They are from 2’-8’ on the docks ends. I agree with PhishLI, I throw a jig most of the time, but a weightless stick bait is a,ways ties on as well. They will tell you what they want. The key around here is to find where they are located on the docks. Lately they have been between the dock and boat lift. Usually about a 6”-12” gap to pitch into. Once they bite, the challenge is on. Last week I got bit on 8 out of 9 docks this way. Broke off 2 with 20 pound fluoro. Like Papa Joe said, I had to re-tie after each catch, but man, it is my favorite way to catch fish. Sometimes, they are under boat lifts and you have to skip way up under them. Other times, they are under the shalllow walkways. We usually fish the first few docks very thorough to see where most are hanging out. Good luck!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I love to battle bass, Wrenching them out of docks or flipping in the Milf.

I just want to know where the #6-15 pound bass are and an invite would be fantastic!! I just know you are not from Minnesota. Lol

Yeah, it is even tough at the tackle store without getting it out of the package. Plus, you would have to take out all the similar ones to compare. It would be really simple for companies to list basic details to help the consumer.

More info would be very interesting. I would love it. I have waaaaay too much tackle that I bought and don’t love. I know it would still happen, but it would help make a more informed decision. Good idea

I am jealous of the northern Minnesota fish boys!! I just love it up there. Southern MN is usually solid for largemouth, but it has been a struggle most days this year. I really think there was some winter kill in a lot of our lakes this winter. Tournament data would suggest I am correct. It has just been tough to catch big limits this season. Shallow water and a lot of snow might have done it. I hope they rebound fast. Glad the North Country is solid.

I am not sure. Maybe a JDM reel has an even shallower spool than the Tatula. I haven’t ever felt like I don’t have enough line on mine.

I love them. My favorite spinning reel right now is the Daiwa Tatula 3000 CXH. I don’t want to mess around with filler line on a reel. I cannot cast 150 yards, so I don’t need the capacity. I usually use 10 lb. Braid to a fluoro leader. I even like shallow spools on my baitcasters for certain techniques. Same logic behind it. I need more capacity on a reel when using 20 lb. Fluoro, so I don’t use them for those techniques.

Darn, the secret is out. I have spent thousands from them on fishing stuff the last couple years. Amazing company. I really like everything about them. Prices, communication, shipping, customer service etc.

I have an Okuma Helios. One of the first baitcasters I bought. It is still flawless. It has been a great reel. The only thing I don’t like about it is it does not have externally adjustable brakes. I really like the reel and would not hesitate to buy another one.

I have never fished bass at night. I have fished a lot walleye at night. Where is this article I need to read?

Wow, is this ever true!! I make plans to fish this way and that way, this place and that, tie up 20 rods, then…………………….proceed to grind out what I am comfortable with and fish too much history!! I know better and read it millions of times. I am getting a little better, but man, I have a long ways to go.

That’s funny, I have never owned a Shimano reel either. I don’t even know why. I have a ton of Daiwa and Lews. Also a couple of Abu and Okuma. I always think I should try one, but just haven’t yet.

I made a line spooler with tension control etc. I still use the screwdriver with my toes. Put tension on by pushing harder or letting up on the carpet in my man room. I might become more sophisticated and use a dowel so T-Billy doesn’t call me names! ??

Yep. I broke one on a high stick on Mille Lacs 2 years ago. I also broke one deadsticking a stick bait. The line had wrapped on the tip and I set the hook and broke it. Both my fault. I just don’t know what happened here. I will just chalk it up bad luck somehow and hopefully enjoy my new ones. That was interesting reading about the rod breaks. Thanks!

I totally understand. Boat prices have sadly gotten insane. My wife got a huge promotion and told me I could get it. I waited a long time. I am grateful and feel blessed to have it. Good luck in your search. Hope you find something awesome!!

I have heard this knot called a lot of things, but yes, double pitzen is common. The common theme is that many call this the best fluoro knot, and I agree. I am not always a fan of the 3 tag ends as they tend to catch grass, but it is so easy to tie and has never failed me yet.

I would actually love to have someone that knows look at my rod and try to figure out how it failed on the hook set. I would just be interested to know. I think I treat my equipment well, and would like to know if I need to change something to avoid this. It is not a big deal. I bought another rod to replace it and actually might buy another as a backup since I found a great deal.

Yeah, the bargain cave was solid. These rods were actually in a rack on the floor. I had my younger daughter running to the scanner checking prices on each rod. She loved it!! I had a Cabelas employee ask me if there were more because he wanted some at that price!!

Scott nailed it. I find this knot pretty simple, and I am far from a knot expert, more of a knot head.

Nice fish!! Man she looks solid and healthy.