Hez

Was taught this early on - still believe in it now. It's adding 1 more factor to the equation to increase the possibility of something going wrong.

I have been fishing T-rig moderately fast. Not too fast, but not dead stick slow. I have found they like it to be dragged across the bottom - haven't had any bites hopping it or swimming it - all have been dragged on the bottom.

Hey man - I'm in Central Florida - and I have been having the most luck with T-Rigged worms. I use the Culprit Fat Max - crawdad in color. - 7 inch I usually go out in the morning and fish till it gets hot (noonish). What body of water are you fishing? I fish mostly Lake Harris in the Harris Chain. Just about the only patterns I have been able to identify lately are catching them on the edge of the reeds and grass (5 ft of water or so), and then on the downwind side of the lake - under the edges of lily pads. It is definitely hot, and the bite is definitely a tough one. Hope this helps.

This x 2!!! I would never run anything but ethanol free in my motor.

Welcome TXguy - I used to live in Houston myself, now I reside in Florida. I will let someone else chime in on recommendations for equipment, but people are going to want to know what kind of waters you will be fishing. Ponds, lakes, from the bank, in a boat, etc etc....maybe even specific lakes might help. Some of it boils down to preference too - I'm sure this thread will fill up with information soon enough. Again, welcome aboard - tight lines - and stay cool in that heat.

Nice catch bud

Thank you!! Culprit Fat Max worm - 7" - Crawdad in color

It is beautiful, for sure!! captured this beautiful picture Saturday morning there

i thought you'd never ask ? She came in at 6.3 lbs on the scale. And thanks again! Such a huge adrenaline rush!

I use this same setup as my worm rod - rod is blackout from #_8_tackle_co - I could not be happier

Thanks guys, I've worked hard to figure this body of water out - it's finally paying off.

I finally get to update my PB!! Caught this hawg on Little Lake Harris on the Harris Chain near Orlando. This was Friday night, right after a bad storm blew through - I was on the water as the storm clouds were crossing the other side of the lake. The bite was active as all get out - landed 3 fish in 2 hours, and a baby alligator. That's a lot of action for this high pressured lake.

Totally understand now - makes perfect sense. Thank you for the explanation.

Ok - thanks - was just wondering if there was a specific advantage to the long handled rods. I see people using the butt of the long handle on casts, but that doesn't work well for me. I get my best casts with a baseball type maneuver and just 1 handed.

Just curious as to why - they are definitely less comfortable than the pistol grip.

This is what I used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XAH9F2 I am in the same situation as you - I have a 14 ft jon boat that I needed guides for. I held out for a while looking for a good DIY resolution, but I settled on these. I have been very very pleased with the purchase.

Lunkers TV and Lake Fork Guy both are Texas YouTubers

This is when you blame the bait monkey...happens to us all... Keep the ned rig stuff though...it's easy fishing...one day you will have a beginner with you and that is great for them. I actually taught my 10 yr old daughter to fish with the ned rig...and my wife - it catches fish enough to keep them interested, in the right conditions. Always useful, in my opinion

That is one of the negative things about the original ned rig - in my opinion any way. I had a hard time fishing it in my lakes as well due to the grass. Now they make a weedless jig head, I just got some - my lady will be trying them out tomorrow. Other than that, I don't have any advice - other than I share your frustration - I will try to pry the pole from her hands long enough to report back here on the weedless jig heads tomorrow evening.

Yes sir - technology is amazing - I was amazed myself when I discovered it. Of course, it doesn't quite have the capabilities of a good fish finder - but it's better than nothing. Great point sir.

Was it something I said? lol

I don't have electronics on my boat and I use the navionics app on my phone to locate points and to know depths - among other things. they also have a website version, which I study pretty regular - and always check before I fish new waters. http://webapp.navionics.com

That's what she said

Telling a Texan how many fishing poles he can use is like telling him how many guns he can own - it won't go over well

Sorry to hear that man - I lost 1 rod over the weekend that fell off the boat while motoring to another spot on the lake, I can't imagine losing all of my poles. At least you are safe and was able to save most everything else. Hard lesson learned, I suppose - you are now that much wiser. Have a good day bud.