Mobasser

Plastic worm is the ticket most of the time for me too Catt.

Catching a LM bass of this size would be amazing. It may not be good for some folks. They may not be comfortable with all the publicity or hoopla. Some guys might love it, but some would not.

ABU Black Max casting reel, with a Berkeley Lightning Rod.

I would choose the largemouth. If you could catch that fish, your life would never be the same.

Most times it's good to carry a few different things, to fish the whole water column. But, you don't need a huge amount of stuff. We don't know exactly where the fish are holding until we get there.

All MSRPs are higher than what most of us pay. That's with everything. Fishing gear is a competitive thing. Shop around and get a price that makes you happy.

When I started, I had red ABU 5000. The red reel looked good with most all rods. Next was an ABU 5500c. The aluminum color looked nice also. If your worried, get a black reel. It will go with anything.

I try to take good care of my tackle. Am not concerned about matching colors etc. I keep reels clean, and spooled with good line. Give my rod a wipe down on occasion.

I have two Weber grills, both charcoal. I've never had a propane grill. Now it's just my wife and I so the little Weber Smokey Joe is a good size. The next grill I get will be a Lodge cast iron Hibachi. I've always wanted one for steaks, chops etc. I use a charcoal chimney to start my charcoal. I'm also going to try and make my own BBQ sauce. I'd like to make one batch a little hot, and some sweet.

Sorry to hear. My Sahara is just like yours and works great.

Yes I've helped a few over the years.

I think a lot of bad line reviews are due to spooling the line wrong, or tying poor knots. Just an opinion...

Understood. But I think most guys would start with something that's worked before, be it a spinnerbait or any other baits. If this doesn't work, try something different or new.

Yes. Think outside the box.

I know some BR members have already been fishing through the cold months. I'm hoping I can start next month. My own starting lineup of baits for my first trip are: 1. Spinnerbait( inline and standard). 2. Jig with pork frog trailer. 3. Lipless baits. 4. Plastic worms. ( most likely a Roboworm or Zoom finesse worm. 5. Tube baits. I can see a tube working early in the year. I haven't done this much in the past. 6. Tailspinners. 7. Crankbaits. I can use them early before the weeds get thick. Both shallow and deep diving. Reels are cleaned and spooled with fresh line, just waiting patiently for the big day. I'll admit that I've been skunked on my first trip more than any other time. The cold water, sluggish bass are a challenge. But, the first trip is always an important one. What baits will you include in your starting lineup?

I've been bass fishing for over 35 yrs, and still have days like you describe. Don't let it bother you. It's fishing.

Shimano has a great tutorial on reel maintenance. Look this up. I've been using this basic method for many years.

A-Jay, this has always been hard for me. I get so attached to my dogs, it really tears me up when they're gone. Hope things work out as best they can.

Mike, I would ignore this guy until he says something directly to you. Even then, try to be calm but stand your ground. I hope you can get this resolved soon.

I use an ABU 4600C.Over 20 yrs old. Smooth, and still working well.

A simple question. Why do so many bass rods have a length of say, 6'9 or 6'10? Is there a reason? Years ago most rod lengths were 5'6, 6'0, 6'6, etc. The lengths with 9" 10" seem to be the most common now.

It's a red building across from an old garage. It was originally the scale house, where farmers weighed grain.

I'll agree on the Sienna. I have two 1000 size. Great reel.for the money.

Around 20 yrs ago, I bought a 6'6 St CROIX PREMIER rod at a sport show in Kansas City. It's been a fun rod. I've never intentionally used it for bass, but have caught bass on the rod while fishing for crappie. Mine is light action. Lines 4 to 8lb, lure weight 1/8 to 3/8. If you can find a light rod, try to get one with some backbone in the butt section. A tip with a little flex can help with playing fish too.

I love to fish shallow cover with topwaters. Hot summertime. There's still a skill in casting accurately, and picking apart the cover. No electronics doing this. Old school bass fishing.