MN Fisher

I get donuts from there a few times a year....definitely excellent If want some good donuts and don't want to trip that far (Columbia Heights is 40-45 minutes away), I'll hit Woullet Bakery in Wayzata - 15 minutes.

Depends on what you consider budget. New: An Alumacraft 16' Escape with a 30hp tiller motor and trailer will run about $20k. No graphs or TM at that price (they're added options), but it does have a livewell and storage compartments. Used: You could do what I did - bought an old plain-Jane fishing boat and spent a winter rebuilding the interior. With TM, it cost me about $3k (had the Garmin already) Or you can search around your area for used boats for sale.

It's not too bad here yet - end of day 1: 2 in top 10, 2 more in top 50.

All my St Croix's have come with 'shrink wrap' over the cork.

Since I purchase my rods specifically based on lure/line ratings, power and action - I take the plastic off soon as it arrives and U-40 the cork ASAP.

Yep - you remember correctly...there's not much we can use for live or even cut bait here. Even live/dead salamanders are prohibited.

Indiana's fairly relaxed "Any legally-caught fish may be used as bait. However, it is illegal to use live carp or gizzard shad for bait." https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/fishing/fishing-faqs/

Problem #1 right there I stick with KVD, or Tom ( @WRB) uses Tangle Free and also suggests staying away from Reel Magic.

I tried AbrazX - didn't really like it...so if it's not Tatsu, it's InvizX.

Happy b-day, man Wait until you're in your 60s (like me) and have days that you wake up feeling twice your calendar age...fun mornings.

There-fore proving that they are stupid. I wear mine from launch to landing - carryover from the canoe...ECOS attached to my PFD, so when I'm not at the motor, it can't run. Other gear Horn - hand-held Extinguisher - yep Paddle - yep Med-Kit - yep Tossable - yep

Can't stress this enough - a well-trained thumb is probably the #1 preventative of backlashes. I use KVD on everything but braid and don't plan on switching as it works quite well - and yes, avoid Reel Magic at all costs.

I'm running 40# 832 on my frogging rig...only rig I run 50# on is my heavy punching rig.

I just slapped together something from scrap aluminum I had sitting around - works just fine.

I'm on year 5 with my $79 Fuego CT...no plans on changing it out.

Or for a little less - the Fuego CT - they're basically the same reel...Tatula adds the T-Wing and bearings in the crank handles - but that's it...same frame, spool, main gears.

Spinners and chatters - 30-45 degree up angle. Gives me the feel of the lure and plenty of 'room' for a hookset.

I U-40 every cork handle - even my cheap Okuma Celilos get it.

Yep-yep I even use them on my crappie gear - and one of the rigs is a $35 Wally Marshall reel on a $40 Okuma Celilo rod...take care of your gear, no matter the initial cost, and it'll take care of you.

Everything people above have said. My locker is undivided so the socks 1: Keep rods from becoming tangled 2: Protect the guides 3: I color code, so I can just grab a rig from that instead of having to look at the rod/reel I also use reel covers so they don't bang up against each other in the locker. When I take a cover/sock off a rig to put it on the deck...the cover and sock just get dropped into the locker.

I got these last spring - and they're still my boat shoes this year. Comfortable, stay on, water-drainage. If these get worn out, I'll get the same thing again. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NPFZY8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 AFT AFFINEST Mens Womens Water Shoes Outdoor Hiking Sandals

TW has them https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Freedom_Tackle_Rad_Crankbaits/descpage-FLR.html

Send it to our own @Delaware Valley Tackle - Mike is an expert reel-repairer and has fair prices.

It's more abrasion resistant, but 20#flouro is no stronger than 20#braid. If you're bottom fishing and have got zebra mussels , a good leader is almost a must. Open water - straight braid is fine.