Collin W

I’ve never had an Abu, but I have been very satisfied with my Daiwa Zillion. Great reel, casts a mile, silky smooth, and great anti-backlash systems. While the Zillion is up there on the price range of the Daiwa reels, I have no doubts in my mind every other Daiwa reel performs the same.

I am getting into building my first fishing rod, and I am picking out a blank. Is starting with an ice rod a good choice?

Does anyone have any favorite flies for bluegill in the fall?

I would look into the Daiwa Arid Costal. It is $80 at Tackle Warehouse and is saltwater approved. Daiwa makes great reels!

I have seen some light braid in the 5-10 lb test range. I was wondering when to use braid vs mono when fishing for panfish. Braid seems to be better diameter wise. But is there a disadvantage in some situations?

I am turkey hunting the fall for the first time this year, I have hunted many times in the spring and I am familiar with the tactics and "rules" of spring hunting. However, since I am new at fall turkey hunting, I don't know a few things. I believe I want to use decoys. I have 3 hens and a jake decoy. I don't know exactly how to set them up. Jakes in front? Hens in front? Does it matter? I will be hunting along a section of woods that has farmland on both sides. I don't know what was planted, I assume corn because soy was planted last year. Another question I have while I'm here is when you use the "Scatter" tactic, where you chase the birds away either by shouting or by dog, what is the advantage to doing this? I don't entirely understand the concept. Thanks!

I am looking into getting in the world of custom rod building, and I am looking into starting with a ultra light rod. It is specifically a 5' Ultra Light with a moderate action. My question is, what will this rod excel at with a moderate action rather than a fast action?

A lot of people love the Plueger/Fenwick Ironhawk as a baitcaster combo. I personally like to purchase my rods and reels separately so I don't know many good spinning combos. I heard the Plueger/Fenwick Nighthawk is good, I also have friends who like the Gander Mountain Vortex combos. One of my biggest tips is if you decide to buy the rods and reels separately, buy a Shimano reel. They come in the most sizes and they are the best for the money. Hope this helps at least a little! Good luck fishing!

Are you looking for a spinning combo or a baitcaster?

Thanks so much! I feel more confident now!

I have recently gotten into frog fishing, a nessesity in the approaching summer months. What I did notice is the hooks on the frog look like a pain to get out of the bass's mouth. Does anyone have any tips to get frog hooks out? I don't want to sacrifice my hook up ratio and I don't want to ruin any frogs. Thanks!

If you are looking for a quality blank comparable to a Loomis, I would look at the St. Croix blanks. You can buy them at Mudhole.com.

I just picked up a Shimano Sienna 1000 and a Scheels Pro Angler Rod. The rod is 5'3" UL. Picked it up for about $70. Have already caught a ton of fish on it.

I am taking a trip in the summer to Castle Rock Lake in Central Wisconsin. I am trying to figure out the color of the crayfish to pick the best color for my baits. Does anyone know the color they are, or a way I could find out?

Oops! I looked on Google Maps and it said Crystal Lake. Guess Google can't be right every time!

What is the strangest color of hard or soft bait that you have used that catches fish? Include the color and the type of bait!

If you are looking for a piece of art, I would recommend getting a wood carving. Most art festivals in your area will have at least one person who does fish carvings. They are expensive, but absolutely beautiful!

My top drop shot bait is the Mizmo Scorpion Tail! It is not a complete minnow profile, but is more of a mix. It is a smaller bait and is pretty cheap! Here is a link to Tackle Warehouse: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-MIZ.html?from=basres

Since you are decently close, I would recommend Vulcan Lakes in Illinois. It located near the City of Crystal Lake and is phenomenal. They have boat rental there. This destination might not be something you do soon, but get it on your bucket list. This water is far too clear to pass up! Here is also a video of two guys fishing it!

This summer I have a trip planned to visit Castle Rock lake in Central Wisconsin. Mostly crappie and walleye will be targeted, but I was wondering if anyone knew any good places for Smallmouth? I have caught small smallmouth near what is called the "Ditch". It is quite shallow but with a rockier bottom, contrary to the lakes mostly sand bottom. Mostly of time I only catch whitefish, catching the smallmouth on accident. Should I try to fish the ditch, or look in other areas?

What is your favorite plastic to use the "Neko" rig for?

I have looked into building a private pond for myself. I found that the only way you can fish out of season or without a license while fishing your private pond is to register as a Fish Farm. It seems silly that you can't fish for fish that paid for, however from what I have read, registering as a fish farm is free.

I would try the Ned Rig! If you are looking for a slightly smaller presentation, I would try the Z Man Shroomz Micro Finesse Jig. Pair it with the Z-Man Cruteaz trailer.

I like using a 1/0 flipping hook, with a tungsten weight pegged at the top. Remember to use a snell knot to ensure better hookups. I then Texas rig a craw and hook it along the rock bottoms!