DropShotHotShot

I have a Helix 9 SI on dash now, networked to helix 7 at the bow I am thinking about getting a lifeprrof case and mount to add my tablet to dash. I am thinking with the navionics we app and Google earth it could give a lot extra situational awareness, and allow me to not have to split the screen of the helix as much to show map. Anyone else do this? How accurate (in general) is navigation on the web app? I don't expect it to be as good as having 2 graphs, but a more cost effective option

Check out the seminar Linders offers. It's a workshop on how to get into industry https://npaa.net/2018/06/08/fishing-careers-workshop/ Here is the link, it looks very informative

Tatula

I will tell you mine, I want to hear yours I tie on a #2 Neko hook (VMC) and switch between whacky senko and a neko rig. I am new to neko, but am finding as much confidence in it as I have in the senko, and it's as quick as switching the plastics in a matter of seconds. no need to re-tie. It allows to to cover as shallow as 1', or depths into the 30's

How deep will you fish comfortably for smallies? Will pulling them from very deep areas kill them? I'm going to fish a very clear lake in MN with good structure 40-60' deep, but not sure how ethical it is as a conservationist. I do know to bring them up slow

I have a Daiwa 7'6" mml/CD, chucks light hair jigs far

FG knot

Dick's has clearance tackle buy 5 get 5 in store, picked up 10 wopper ploppers for around $60 Hopefully they are worth the hype

I haven't used the other brands, but I've used the VMC Neko #2 hook for the past few years, love it, no reason for me to try anything else

I get there is no substitute for just getting on the graph on the water. But would be nice to make an educated guess when pre-planning to narrow down starting spots

Does anyone have a general rule of thumb for estimating how deep the grass will be in natural northern lakes? Would be good to know when looking over a map prior to fishing. I know it can vary, but also know that light penetration plays the biggest role, would be nice if there was a formula like 1.5 times water clarity is deepest weeds will grow.

I hate wire leaders, but feel I need something for my bigger Kietech swim baits with the flashy hook. What do others use to keep pike from snatching bass baits while keeping the action of the bait?

Looks like carheartt's website has the blue suit for 150 each on clearance (jacket and bibs) I'm also struggling to get much info on them

half on a good quality, moderate cost combo other half on tackle

Its a fun technique, very easy to learn. Gear: any spinning setup you already have, braid to a floro leader or strait floro is fine. Hook, I am in love with the VMC Neko #2 hook. you can use the original hook and run the tag end through the eyelet prior to attaching the sinker. or they offer the same hook as a spin-shot. Weight: I like a 1/2 oz cylinder dropshot weight. lead is fine, as tungsten is expensive. but if you are ok with spending more, go for it. Plastic: Can't go wrong with the original senko, 5" for largies, 4" for smallies. rig it wacky on the hook. how to fish: either drop strait on marks or structure, or cast and retrieve slowly. learn to keep the weight on the bottom while shaking the slack in your line to put action in the plastic.

might be on the higher end, but look at rods built for hair jigs. I just picked up at 7'6" Diawa Cronos MML/XF, haven't had it on the lake yet , but seems to offer good distance in the back yard. Also keep in mind the other factors, a lighter braid may help get you some more distance as well.

The Cabela's rods have really grown on me. I think they can hold their own against the top names, and they carry a lifetime guarantee

In my experience, i outfish new people all the time when we fish exact same color senko. I cast to where i want it and do nothing, the key is to let the bait do all the work on slack line. Others i fish with fish it too fast, the desire to start reeing takes over them. In the end, find your strengths and fish them, confidence goes a long way

Not sure if someone else already said this, but consider a unit with network capability. I have a helix 7 DI G2N, i think this is close to your price range. It may be a few years, but eventually you may want to add a unit to bow, and the ability to share waypoints is huge. I assume the other brands offer network options too

For your price range i would look for a used model. I like my humbirds, but if you are already familiar with lowrance it may be good to stick with it. Overall just try to find the biggest used unit for the best price

We got over 15" of snow over the weekend, 30" of ice still being reported, however, MN closes the bass season until May 12th and this year should allow for prespawn fishing typicaly not legal. So there is always a silver lining

I picked up 2 GP hero black 5's last winter. Still learning them, but am pleased with my purchase. I will say they are what you make of them. You need to invest time into editing. I don't use them often, but the videos i get with my kid is worth the cost already.

Because it sounds cool to me, truth be told, I'm still learning the drop shot, but fell in love with it when i landed a 6+ smallie on Mille Lacs last year

Cabelas offers a store brand that is better price, i use as trailer for swim jig

Thanks, i aggree that you take what that lake gives you