riverbasser

I truly hate cancer. I pray your son will beat it.

I dont necessarily have an opinion either way but I watched a co angler miss hook set after hook set until he realized he tied his snell backwards. So it might not mean the snell is better but it definately seems catastrophic if tied incorrectly making the hook kick opposite

Highs and lows. My low time comes from my son a little after turning one and wanting to spend more time with him since he couldnt fish with me. I believe fishing will always rank high on my priority list but some things must rank higher. Literally can not wait to share this obsession with him. Just hope he takes to it like yours. Everybody has their "thing" and Bass fishing will always be mine.

Reluctant to respond since I believe to give advice on catching a DD should come from someone who actually has. You are definately in a state that it's possible. I would work on percentages. In my opinion you have a higher chance of catching a DD during pre spawn and spawn. One because fish are somewhat predictable and two because this is when females are the heaviest. A 9 pound fish during spawn could easily be a DD. That's all I will add to what's already been said.

I love exploring little creeks and channels like that. I'll go as far as possible, but at the same time I rarely catch much past the first bend or two.

Interesting. Been a firm 360 marine user and have not had any issues with my 22 yr old Mariner using ethanol fuel. Makes you think though. Could help that I fish year round and boat doesnt sit for longer than a month at a time

I believe that's what I'll do. This rod will most likely stay rigged up with 65lb braid and a 1.5 oz weight. The 7'9 seems like the better fit

What size punch weights have you used?

Looking for suggestions on the Carbonlite series of rods. Don't have a BPS close by so will be ordering online. Thinking of buying a Heavy action carbonlite for punching. 1 to 2 oz weights with 1.5 being most common. Seems they offer 2 different Heavy sticks, one 7'6 rated 3/8 - 2oz and a 7'9 rated 1 - 4oz. Ive never owned a carbonlite but thought I would enjoy a lightweight punching rod. So all things considered which would you pick? Anyone using this rod for this application? Thanks

Strike king 3xd

12lb big game mono

I use about 6 different jigs in 3 different sizes. Anytime I get down to 5 of any one size/color I reorder. This is normally once a season. Seiberts brush jigs come through cover so well I dont lose many. Even had to buy a hook sharpener i had some so long

That was going to be my next step but when tackletrap told me they had been on backorder for quite awhile I assumed I wouldnt get any different answer from daiwa. I'm sure they will catch up soon

Did you try it before offering a useless sarcastic response? Go ahead and please link me where I can buy original not aftermarket daiwa ct spools.

I'm with ya, been looking for tatula ct spools for awhile. Tackletrap claimed there is really no stock. I'm hoping this will change. I fish 2 very different bodies of water, one full of grass where braid shines and the other mostly just wood/rock for cover where i prefer fluro. It's a pain switching but also not worth doubling my reels just for convenience

Your welcome. Also when you go to buy them, I didnt find anywhere that listed them "Oklahoma". Most call them Mag willow blades

Tried to take a picture for reference but with the terrible service I get at home I couldn't get it uploaded. I'm pretty sure they are #4's. PM me your email and I will send the pic of both a number 4 and number 5 next to a nickel(couldnt find a singke quarter in my house lol)

I lose more holding the rod down. I just keep constant pressure and hope for the best

I still use buoys both as a reference on a piece of structure and also to mark a specific cast. Something I was taught was to have one ready when fishing offshore and as soon as I get the first bite I kick one off the side and also line up something on shore. This way i can duplicate that exact cast.

I always thought it was small discrepetency's in the plastic itself. Put one on no problems, switch it out and its flipping. Nice tip

Have all 3 tied up and on deck 24/7

Sure have. Had more luck in the winter though. May through September have not been good to me for a spinnerbait bite though. Unless the water is high and muddy I've almost stopped throwing it in the summer

Tighten it up just to the point it doesnt move side to side. Casting distance past this point is negligible. Start turning brakes off if you haven't already

That's a good way to let a fish swallow the bait. I just make sure to leave em biting. Pull up and catch one or two and then move to the next spot. For whatever reason I do better in the tournaments I dont prefish

First tournament I ever fished as a coangler my friend the boater caught a 9.27 lber. As I watch him fight he looks back and say "WHAT THE HECK YOU WAITING ON? GET THE d**n NET" ? Up until that day I never used nets but it is something I will never forget. Tournament fishing is fun, especially team tournaments. Hope yours made some memories as well. They are worth more than the payouts.