NorthernBasser

That's what we were thinking as well. It HAS to have smallies and skis. H moved up there last summer, so he's put some time in there. He has caught one smaller musky and bunch of pike. Regarding the DNR site, I don't put much stock into that. Pewaukee Lake is a popular smallie lake here in south/SE WI. Yet their site only lists musky, panfish, largemouth, pike and walleye.

Not sure which part of NW WI you're from. But my buddy just moved up near Park Falls. Do you know how the fishing is on Butternut Lake by any chance? Supposed to be smallies in there, but' he's had no luck so far and rarely sees anybody fishing out there.

I fish black skirt/toad-style trailer 95% of the time. Gold or red blade. White skirt/toad the other times. Usually silver blade. I honestly don't think blade color makes one bit of a difference, though. It's more about the commotion and the color of the skirt/trailer.

Nope.

Awesome. I was just up in NW WI last weekend. Didn't get any smallies quite that big tho.

Dick's blows. I'd have more luck shopping at a Goodwill than I would at any of my local Dick's.

I love country music. Not a fan of Luke Bryan (good guy, tho). Really, really enjoyed this.

I don't own it but I have used a friend's. Great squarebill rod. As well as medium-diving cranks and lipless.

It's not comfortable that way. And it doesn't align better with the bail. And better question, why can't you use braid on a 3000 spool? Or use a 3000 with a med-light rod? Yeah, mine either.

You can always rig the hook a little deeper into the bait so that that knot isn't even exposed. The weight will fit flush against the bait as well.

Looking at stock photos, it looks like it's the norm. I just can't believe I haven't seen any reviews mentioning it. It's quite uncomfortable, and I have average size hands.

I recently purchased a Vanford 3000. I paired it with a 6'9" med-light Zodias. Great looking setup. I took it out for the first time a few days ago and noticed how uncomfortable the reel feels in my hand. The problem is the distance between the reel foot and the 'arm' of the reel is smaller than any other reel I've ever used. So my knuckle actually rubs on the bend ('arm'?) where the reel foot angles down and connects to the body. Strangely, I haven't seen this mentioned in any reviews I've read. Does anybody else have this issue? Is it possible it's just an issue on the reel I got...as in being a defect (unlikely)? Here it is compared to a Tatula and President. You can see how narrow that gap is compared to the others.

The medium, for sure..

I just got the 6'9" med-light today. Paired it with a Vanford 3000. Super light setup, and balances perfectly. Not to mention they look great together.

Already mentioned, but the Curado 70 MGL is quite small and very palmable. It's also quite light (6.9 oz). Great reel.

Yup. TW's customer service is second to none. And they make returning stuff ridiculously easy. They send a friggin' pre-paid return label with your package. No having to call someone...or having to go to the website to print off a label, etc. And most/lots of places you have to pay to ship your returns back. Only thing that sucks is now TW charges sales tax. They never did up til a few years ago. Many other sites still don't charge sales tax.

Swimming a Cut R Worm.

Sierras and Kadens are the same price. But yeah, both are GREAT rods for that price point. Heads-up to the OP. The Sierras come in split and full cork handles, as well as regular size guides and micro-guides.

1) Confidence 2) Confidence 3) Confidence I know, those aren't lures. But regardless of what you throw, this is a must. Always work your bait as if a 7 lb bass is trailing it.

It probably won't affect the performance much, if at all. Personally, I'd return it for a new one if possible. But I'm also a little OCD.

6th Sense squarebills/crankbaits may be the best value in the tackle world. They perform great, and with their finishes/hardware, they're very fairly price compared to other companies out there.

This really sucks. I was hoping after the surgery he'd be on the mend. Praying for Aaron, as well as you others.

Tried a new swim jig trailer today (for me, anyway). The Gambler EZ Vibez (3.75"), I liked it, a lot. Really got the swim jig (6th Sense Divine 1/4 oz) rolling back and forth.

Nope.