ThePolkFolk

X2

I only ever use mine when I have another person on board. If I'm by myself I'll just use a mushroom anchor if it gets too windy.

If you are not strict on keeping the ridges, I would take a look at the Gambler EZ/Big EZ.

I go wherever the insurance allows me to go. Benefits of being blind as a bat...

Lot of guys run those on the lakes down here in central FL when they are too lazy to hit up coasts.

My home lake is pretty interesting. Small body of water. There are two docks on opposite sides of the lake (those are not the only ones). On one side is Bill. I catch a lot of fish around his dock and I thought it was because it was a nice shallow flat next to some deep holes. Turns out Bill just feeds the fish off his dock! I learned this as he stopped me one day as I was passing his place going from spot to spot. On the other side of the lake is a man I have never met. I caught my largest fish of the year under his dock two months ago. A few weeks ago I went back to his side of the lake to see if any fish were still shallow. I apparently stuck around long enough for him to call a sheriff's deputy to come out to talk to me, but would come talk to me his self. In the end it turns out I did nothing wrong as I did not hit his boat, dock, or shoreline property (I did try to shoo some ducks away from my lures though). Last week I went back and saw he put some chainlink up under the dock so you can't throw there. He also put a sprinkler on his dock that shoots out. I agree with all the posters; I will skip any dock that has people on it or around it, fishing or not. I do; however, think that some dock owners can have more class as well.

I was surprised at how well this reel performed.

2008 doesn't seem like 9 years but dang you're right. Time sure flies.

When I find a bottom that isn't too snaggy, I like to yo-yo a red eye shad off the bottom. Also just easy to follow bottom contour in general with lipless.

Like Roger said, I like to keep the hook point a little buried if I want a weedless wacky. My typically set up is a small size 6 octopus hook with a 4" Ocho. Just enough hook to get it through the plastic. That's how I deal with grass when throwing wacky.

I've got a couple 1/2 oz. Like blckshirt I really like them for slow rolling. Especially around the edges of deep grass lines.

I will add a trailer hook when I get short strikes. Based on the replies here though, I may just have to leave it on 24/7.

Unfortunate part of fishing that is likely to happen to most of us over time. Best to move on and not think too hard on it.

I like a small chatterbait or willow leaf spinnerbait to search out a new pond, especially if it has dirty water like yours.

Catt and Reason are spot on. Gotta start by getting the line wet, especially if you already have some spots in mind. From there I have a little note tracker on my phone that I can track conditions, locations, and presentations. Hopefully it warms up there soon!

@Catt any that you recommend? I have a couple Booyah Pond Magic's but they might be too small? I guess I could throw them on spinning gear if needed.

Apparently I'm out of likes to give today but yes; they are staying true to their Japanese heritage lmao

The first step is finding where the fish are and what kind of mood they are in. Do you have a few spots that you feel confident will produce fish?

I really like the Reins Bubbling Shaker for drop shot.

Welcome to BR! There sure is a lot to learn here...

Every once and a while my thumb will slip from the spool during the wind up on a roll cast and I will send my bait straight down into the water. Those aren't fun to pick out...

It's funny cause I throw chatterbaits most of the time anyways lol. It might be time to bust out the swim jigs from Siebert. I am in Florida so that is most definitely a possibility. Most of my fish these past few weeks have been caught using plastics in the spawning areas. As for why I didn't change over to another bait, you could say I can get a little hardheaded throwing a bait the first time for the season...

Thanks for the tips guys, I was using a War Eagle and then a Strike King heavy cover; both had tandem willow leaf set ups. Now that you mention it @SemperBass, it could have definitely been them striking just the blade as a couple really seemed to get a hold of it, or so I thought. I will definitely add some twitches and stops in the retrieve next time as I was steadily slow rolling them through the cover today. Might even have an old single blade or two laying around somewhere I can tie on... Thanks again

Had at least half a dozen fish strike at a spinnerbait today. Other than a trailer hook, which I already added after the 3rd miss, is there any way to entice them to get hooked? Was throwing them in, and at the edge, of underwater grass lines. Thanks for the help.

I may have a chatterbait problem...