LCG

Ml is good for open water drop shot, Ned, neko. M is good for light cover Shakey head, senko, light Texas rig. Have both, mainly use 6'8" m-xf st Croix mojo for all the techniques mentioned above. Works very well.

I wrestled with this as well a few years ago. Based on recommendations here I purchased a st Croix mojo 6'8" M-XF and it is a very versatile rod. It can do everything from drop shot to Shakey head to Texas rigged senko. I also use it for treble hooks lures, no issues at all.

A screwdriver and a hammer are different tools to use for different reasons. Same concept regarding spinning reels and baitcasting. For me... Spinning=light plastics or lures, drop shot, ned, wacky, etc Baitcasting=heavier plastics and lures, jigs, creature baits, texas rigs, chatterbaits, etc Ergonomically speaking I prefer pitching and casting with a baitcaster. Far more accurate. Distance casting probably goes to spinning set ups. But remember the rod and reel, as well as line all play a part in the equation.

Yes there is a difference as far as brute durability. However, there is also a difference in sensitivity, action, balance, and quality components. More than worth it if you enjoy fishing. You can catch fish on budget rods no problem, it's just nicer to use better equipment.

I prefer to focus on rod quality and sensitivity. All of my reels are bang for your buck Pfluegers and Daiwas. Smooth drag and decent amount of line retrieval (IPT) is all I really need in a reel. The rod seems to be a bigger factor in how I fish. YMMV.

Could be sunfish or bluegill pecking at the jig.

Best to follow the lure ratings of the rods. Be sure to add the weight of the plastic bait plus the jig itself. A senko or creature bait itself is 3/8 oz plus another 1/4 or 3/8 jig is getting well into medium heavy rated rods.

Such a versatile bait for me. Neko rigged, Texas rigged, drop shot, wacky, weightless, nose hooked working it like a jerkbait, even used it as a trailer on a chatterbait. Plus a lot of colour choices. Personal favourites being black, watermelon chartreuse tail, watermelon, and junebug chartreuse tail. Always have multiple bags of these on hand.

I was looking at ordering a few things from departure outdoors, but the shipping was adding up substantially for a few bags of zoom baby brush hogs, which for some unknown reason we can't get here in Ontario. I was going to end up paying almost the same amount for shipping as I was the plastics. May I ask what or how many items you purchased through them for the $10 shipping rate? I am an hour or so away from BPS. Amazon Canada is hit or miss. Sails is very close to me, but so so selection. Canadian Tire is out to lunch with their pricing and selection lately. Local shops seem to have odd ball selections.

I keep senkos, trick worms. Ribbon tailed worms, as well as 4" roboworms in my plastics box. I agree that the different profile and action are the main reasons. Sometimes the fish just prefer one over the other. Trickworms seem to be a consistent bait for me though. Dragged on the bottom or hopping it seems to work best. Lots of followers on ribbon tailed worms but not many takers for some reason.

I certainly did not mean to criticize or put anyone in their place. I sympathize with the owners situation and I was simply expressing a point of view and an opinion on safety. It was not my intention to antagonize anyone.

I feel bad for your situation as you obviously did not want this to happen. But your bad day could turn into a worse day for someone else. I am a firm believer that if you own or carry a firearm, you are in complete care and control of it at all times. I have owned and carried here in Canada (employment) so I am speaking from experience. Here you would be criminally charged for improper storage of the firearm and the ammunition and negligence, leading to jail time, criminal record, and a lifetime ban from firearm ownership. We have strict gun laws, which I do agree with for the most part. I hope everything works out for you and your property. I don't mean this as a holier than thou type lecture, more of a reminder of people's responsibility and how dangerous a firearm in some crackhead or teenagers hands could be.

You should be able to find them for that price in used condition. Check the buy and sell section here or local area.

Unpegged, never peg the weight maybe that's issue. Thank you for the tip.

Yesterday I went out and fished a zoom fat Albert grub and I noticed it was constantly spinning or rotating while I was retrieving it. I was using spinning gear, 10lb braid to an 8lb fluorocarbon leader, Grub was Texas rigged on a 2/0 EWG hook, with a 1/8oz lead weight. First time I tried it using an EWG hook on a grub. I checked the knot at the hook, it was straight. I rigged the grub dead centre in the nose and through the rear. The tail was positioned straight down and also tried straight up. Nothing seemed to work. Rerigged it four or five times, same results. I know something in this setup is the culprit, just can't figure out what has causing this. Any ideas ?

Take the $60 and look for a better rod used. Fenwick hmg is a solid rod that should be found for that price. If you search hard enough you may find St Croix bass x or Mojo's for that price used as well. As @Scarborough817 mentioned, better to buy quality the first time.

First thing I do is take a few minutes to observe the area. Wind direction, bait fish around, birds hunting for fish, signs of life in the water, then trying to identify the species observed in the water ie bass, carp, catfish, trout. Always look for trees in the water, rocks, shaded areas. Then cover the water columns, Texas rigged worm or creature bait for bottom, drop shot for a bit off the bottom, chatterbait or inline spinner for middle of the water column, I have very little luck with top water poppers or frogs but some people swear by them. Good luck to you and hope you enjoy your new hobby. Looks like your off to a good start.

Welcome. I would recommend learning the Ned rig, neko rig, drop shot,and Texas rig techniques. Highly productive and simple to learn. YouTube can help a lot.

I have a Fuego in 8:1 ratio. I find it easier to slow down with a high gear ratio than speed up with a slow gear ratio. Mainly for frogging and pitching.

Might I suggest trying moving baits that displace water ie crankbait s,chatterbaits,spinner baits,in line spinners,etc.

Hang in there. Try to enjoy the outdoors and scenery. Keep it fun and relaxed. I try to learn something from each trip out. What I did right ,what I did wrong, or what I could have tried. You said you are fishing a finness worm. How about a jig, a Texas rigged worm or creature bait, a crankbait, chatterbait, spinners, in line spinners,etc. If the water is dirty, you may need something that displaces more water or makes sound. If you really like finness, maybe a ned rig, neko rig, drop shot,etc. I know it sucks to get skunked, happens to everyone. Just try to stay positive and have fun. Sometimes I target other species just for fun be it crappie, catfish, or carp. I would prefer a 10lb largemouth or a 6lb smallie but those are few and far between.

Next time you go fishing, bring both rods and after you cast, close your eyes and drag the bait in the bottom. Keeping your eyes closed you will notice your other senses increase. Don't have to wait for night time. It works.

Sounds like you prefer a moderate fast action rod. I have a mojo spinning Rod and an avid x casting rod. Love them both and very accurate. They fish stout but I like that. Different strokes. Use what works best for you. Dobyns rods may be more to your liking and they get great reviews.

Glenn just posted a video on chatterbaits in the general bass fishing section. Might help you.

Thanks for another awesome video Glenn. Appreciate your hard work and sharing your knowledge.