ogarza

Daiwa Ardito, It seemed like the best choice for me, my budget was ~$150 and 3 pieces or more, with a case, for travelling

I remember making sinkers with my dad, not exactly on the stovetop, but it was like this small crock-pot looking oven that would hold about a cup of molten lead, it was electric if I remember correctly, sometimes it was scary as moisture or trapped air bubbles would occasionally blow, sending bits of molten lead through the air

haven't fished in like 16 years, finally got around to buying new gear because I'm heading to Quetico for 8 days later this year.

Man, talk about over-thinking fishing. My favorite way to catch LMB is with some fishing like wound around a soda can, you basically twirl it around in the air and let go, pointing the can forward, similar to a spinning reel, then you use your dominant hand to work the bait, and then 'reel it in' by circling your hands so that the line is wound clockwise, you will feel EVERYTHING, when you get a bite, put the can down and use both hands to bring in the fish. It is super easy and super fun, no need for any fancy rigs, a simple worm and hook and and a stone tied to the line will get you a ton of fish. BTW, I also just used matches to repair worms until they were literally half the length. I started using baitcasting combos since I was like 6 and when I was 10 or so I had switched completely to hand fishing on freshwater, in about a year my dad started asking me how to do it because I was out-fishing almost constantly while we were on the same boat. Edit - You can use an empty plastic bottle instead of a soda can, and store weights, hooks, worms, nail clippers, and a small lighter inside and you have a complete combo for fishing.