Mobasser

Good idea Catt. I'll try this.

I like 4lb mono for ultralight fishing.

My grandson will receive a new baitcasting outfit for Christmas this year. His first. He's been fishing with a spinning rod, but now is ready for baitcasting also. I bought rod, reel, line, and last but not least, two new casting plugs. On some warmer days this winter, we'll pick some targets in the yard, or set some up, and he can practice his casting. With enough practice, he'll be able to hit these targets consistently every time. Learning the timing, feel, and release with casting tackle takes some practice, but is well worth perfecting. There's no better way than simple practice. I still do it after all these years. I'm positive it has helped me catch more bass. Being able to drop your bait right on target, consistently, will not only catch you more fish, but alleviate more snags, overshot cast etc. With steady practice, he'll be putting his lures right on the intended target. One of the very basic things in bass fishing, but one of the most important. I'll be practicing with him too. Casting is just plain fun. When our lakes thaw and fishing season starts, he'll be confident with his new tackle. It can make all the difference.

I like 3 days of consistent weather, regardless of the moon phase

I was always a big fan of both those guys. Two of the all time best.

I think so too Catt.

Catt, I'm getting my grandson Aiden a new lightning rod and H20 mettle reel for Christmas. His first casting outfit. He'll be pumped up! And spooling it up with Big Game 15#.

I wear ball caps, mostly camo. I shape the bill by hand. I wouldn't wear a flatbill if you gave me one

My grandpa and Larry Nixon.

Catt, I think the Saints are gonna take it this year. My prediction. Despite having Mahomes, the Chiefs defense is not strong , and defense is what it takes

The odds that you would get 3-4 bad batches of hooks from different manufactures is next to impossible. Are you positive the hooks are sharp?

I use mono, which is affordable. So, I change pretty often during the main part of the season. It's your main connection to the fish. Good line is a must have

I like Trilene Big Game on casting reels.

I guess we made do with what we had. 5to 1 still works

I've done good on the Bitsy Bug jig too. Black/blue with a small Zoom chunk trailer. Years ago, this jig taught me to slow down. It's easy to work a lightweight jig too fast. I've tried the Eakins finesse jig also, and really couldn't say it caught more or better size than the Bitsy Bug.

Me too Toxic

Toxic, I'm 61 now, and as far as I can tell eating fried fish hasn't hurt me yet. There are advisories of course. In moderation, it's fine. If we believe everything all the doctors tell us, we'd all be living on carrot sticks. We only go around once, gotta enjoy some of these things too.

My goal is to specifically target big bass, and continue to learn about structure fishing

I've used ABU reel oil, and Ardent reel oil also. Both work fine.

This is what I want to try also Catt. Zatarains makes some good stuff. That cast iron pot looks just like one I have. I like their "Cajun" hot sauce too

I've eaten fried fish as long as I can remember. As a kid, we kept most everything that was big enough to cook. Bass, bullhead catfish, and bluegill all went into the skillet. Now, we mostly cook crappie with an occasional bass or two thrown in. I release 99% of the bass we catch, but I think the smaller 15" bass are good eating too. There are many fish fryers on the market, electric and propane. I'm sure these work well, but I've never purchased one. I've had cast iron pots for a long time, so this is what I use. We have 2 cast iron kettles. One is 10" and 5" deep, flat on the bottom, the other is a "cowboy" style dutch oven, 12" by 5" deep, with 3 small legs on the bottom. I've used this one on a Coleman camp stove, as the legs fit down between the grates. Cast iron is heavy, but holds heat very well, and heat control is really the secret to cooking anything. As colder fillets are dropped into the oil, it's important to keep the oil hot, which cooks the fish better. Over the years, We've tried different batters- flour, cornmeal, or both. They are both good, but I'm wanting to try some of the fish batters from the grocery store too. We have a big fish fry every July4rth. Seldom are any left. For you fish lovers: do you have any special batters or seasoning you like to use? I especially like my fried fish with a couple shots of Louisiana hot sauce. What are your methods for cooking fish? I love a fish fry.

New Old Stock. Older, original baits in New condition

I've been fishing jigs of various sizes and styles for a long time. Try some of each and see which ones work good for you. I wouldn't limit myself to one jig.If you can, be versatile in weights, colors, etc.

I have a couple of older ones too. Have you seen the prices on NOS wiggle warts? Way too much! Now, as WRB points out, a cult following bait.

This is a very nice fish! 191/2 inch is a huge crappie anywhere in the country!