NHBull

Short of hitting a rock, the sun does more damage to your boat than you can imagine......I cover everything including the motor

Pull up a chair.....

Pull up a chair.....

This is definitely the time of year to deal, since next year's boat are already available. Where is the downside?

Prioritize and remember there are needs and there are wants. Not all the techniques discussed on this board will be relevant to you and your situation, location and access to water. Starting out I would not buy any technique specific setups with the exception for a worm/ jig rod. These will give you the most milage. Guys on this board will bend over backwards to help the novice angler. Goodluck and welcome aboard

He uses the doubled uni a lot! It is quite easy once you figure out how to place your fingers. I think it is easier with the lighter test lines and FC with less memory Edit....similar strength can be obtained with the improved uni with a long tag and it is easier because your not using a doubled line but one with more wraps

@Catt brings up good points. The OP suggest that the time on the water is "fishing", which it is, but I the "process" as fun. Much like hunting deer. In my mind, the preparation and anticipation is just as fun..........sharing the time with family and friends just bring it to another level!

There is a big difference between breaking your line and a knot giving out. Also, if it is abrasion, drag isn't the answer, but I do see many with the drag improperly set. It is hard to imagine breaking 15 lb braid on it's own. My buddy has several ML rods and does just fine, but struggles with the bigger fish. The amount of bend precludes him from cranking. He is going to M/XF for next year Edit...when I have tried one of his ML, I found setting the hook to be a bit more challenging and had to play the fish a lot more to fatigue him more. Fun fights, easily lost. I will stick with M and MH

Thanks for a thankless job....

Heck, as soon as I have one hooked, it's a competition.......me vs fish

I would go FG before going below 5/5 and you can see several ways to finish it without using the 1/2 hitches........youtube is your friend

You will find more post than you can possible read if you use the search function. The short version Uni to Uni FG Crazy Alberto

A seagull......and I did get my lure back!

I would be shocked to hear one reply that fun wasn't at the core of why we spend time on the water, that said, I have never met a fisherman who didn't want to try and catch a bigger fish, which does tend to add an element of competition, even if it is with one's self.

I usually go with a friend. We usually will start with different rigs and seldom use the same bait, until we see what is working. We usually end up using the same bait

The common thing for me is that I have little patience to throw them. They surely work, but it like going to the dentist

The list is long Buff Braid O ring splitter Sunshirts Rod rated for 3 Oz Ect

I run 10 pound 832 and 10 pound Gamma with leader. Both get down quick and stay in the zone as well as Tatsu did. Zero problems......and yes, I know most use 30 pound

In 2 weeks this topic will be mute as Fall brings the topic of " what color top water do you use"

I think this falls into the realm of....penny wise and dollar foolish. If you have the time and money, I wish you well. If you want to spend more time on the water, buy them on Amazon.....

I see a lot of crestlinerr on the lake and I see there value tends to hold well. I have never been in one, but know folks that do, and I am sure they didn't buy them because they were less money

Birkenstock sandals make a GREAT cork conditioner!

Can someone explain the benifits of seafoam. I still think of it as an old school engine detergent. Apologies for the hijack

In a former life I was a director at a water ski club on a private 25 acre lake. We had a 4 boat max with 10 members. We held record capable tournaments and our annual expenses were high and expenses were past to guest, but the club assumed all the downside. We were all life long friends and I am sure we came off upidy and snobbish. That said we had a list a mile long to join. Those yrs are long past and I am sure I could not get into the club I started............KARMA People are people and there are always extenuating circumstances.

Thanks for sharing...I love reading stories like this, as we can all relate. Bet your still smiling today!