NHBull

I am always on a boat and never sit, but slowing down truly has it benifits

.........and at one point, I would have said "cheaper too", but maybe not so much these days ?

Bingo......use the doubled or improved and never loose a big lure again

100% correct....throwing hard won’t cause digging in, but to much shoulder can initiate a birds nest and at a minimum creates loose wraps, which then when reeled , allows the line to dig in. Use the rod, not the shoulder.

This explains why it was days late.....was rerouted threw 3 agencies!

Top water gets my heart pumping far more than any other techniques, so if I am fishing just to fish, there is always one tied on. Jigs have produced a larger average size, so my optimism is always up there. i don’t look for the hole in the donut

If you don’t want to be met at your front door by 2 federal agents, ask your shipping company not to write “Bomb” on the outside of the package......Homeland Security, and they were very nice

I will let other comments to what lake is better. For me, I would go where I know big fish are.. The comment about bass not traveling far may be true for some, but we have found tagged fish that have traveled over 20 miles. In fact, a couple years ago a lurker SM was caught and weigh in was 15 miles away. It was also tagged. The following year it was caught again at it original spot.

Go by diameter, not line test......also rounder is better than flatter

To answer your question, no. I have seen this with guys that don’t spool the line tight. At the end of the day, I always make a long cast, put a glove on, and reel it tight. If your still having problems, it may be just easier to go with a bigger braid. Is it possible that you overthrowing it, using to much body???????

I use braid and have not lost one since going to a doubled uni.

I have the Garmin and it is a great bang for the buck. i only have a need for I pilot, so link never entered the picture

Plexus and works great on windshields

There is a dock on my lake that is home to a huge small mouth. You can see him many days in 4 feet of water. People have been trying to catch him for years and no evail. Many suspect he was catch several times when younger. This dock just happens to be at one of the most popular places on the lake. Can't say for sure, why. But I too don't waist my time with him

My partner throws the same color as I do in the 130 size. It required a bigger rod and his hook-ups are far fewer than mine. Given my increased numbers, I believe my chances are better in getting size. Many times, if they are not hitting the WP, I believe it is because of the size and the PopMax gets the call......just my experience in Central NH

Hi vis braid on M/Xf spinning 4 lb blue label as leader

I always have a WP or Rat tied on. Rat for calmer water, WP for slight chop. Truth be told, the WP gets hit on the splash and withing a few yards there of. Morning Spring/Dawn for the rat. white WPworks best most of the time with black shining at night. I only throw the 110

Just an observation over the last couple weeks...... We have had one of the more erratic Summers and with Fronts coming through like freight trains, we have found that a lot of larger suspending fish that were not interested in eating, came to the top when clouds came in. This has become predictable as of late. Boat placement has been key and the top water bite has been like no other. Run, gun and return has proved successful when being on the water as Fronts come in. One last observation........large fish missing a top water would not hit it again, but the same fish would hit the wacky when thrown to the same spot. I don't think they have the same memory when it comes to plastics, but that is purely anecdotal

From this angle, I would say at least 2.8. ? Nice fish, thanks for sharing

The time of the day when everything is perfect!

If you are trying to do all that with one rod, the only one that comes to mind is a Loomis MBR. It will bump your budget, but you'll love it .....if not, got 2 rods.....a M/F spinning, MH/fast Dobyns Fury

Jim, Are the beams the same? Personally I would choose the wider, but that is because I am less stable ?

Thanks for sharing!

Sadly, this may be the last one for a while. ?

If you follow the wind, points and obvious rock piles you’ll be fine. Docks are always good!