Armtx77

I retie before each trip and than check after each fish caught. I retie after 10, no matter what it looks or feels like. I usually don't get to 10 before the line just needs it.

Like 40lbs braid, rainbow colored lures, treble hooks and snap rings...I doubt it makes much difference.

I try to keep it simple with tackle choice and limit myself to 3 rods...senko, top water and a skirted jig. Whatever the "pro" is throwing, I try something as complete opposite as I can. As an example below, the Pro was throwing Rattle Traps. Before the LaCrosse WI pool was all the rage back in the late 90's. I took 12 on a buzz bait, over the wing dams in the main channel and all were over 3lbs. That was out of the back of the boat, during a Red Mann tournament. When they asked the Pro what the winning recipe was, he said 'Buzzbaits, over wing dams in the main channel' and the crowd roared in laughter.

832 on the spinning rods and baitcasters. I have a few bulk rolls of it and figure it should last a long time.

The man who taught me about bite detection, would have me hold the rod and would gently tap the end of it, to simulate a bite. He would also grab the line and gently pull it and that was to simulate a fish swimming off with a bait. At the end of the day, just keeping your lure in the water and experiencing that it doesn't feel right or look right. The best advice he gave me, when in doubt, knock em out (set the hook)

Most of my fishing involves grabbing the lure and "pitching" it. I can put it in a 5 gallon bucket at 30' on most "pitches". Am I pitching still? Honest question, not trying to be smart. Just curious which one I am doing. 7ft rod...same with spinning rods.

With a 7'6" rod, might as well flip it that 20-30 feet. Already have at least 7 ft pulled off.

I dont know if this counts, but I started pinching down the barbs on my hooks and my % to lipped fish has taken a little hit. There is a different technique, maybe even a different powered rod that may be involved. I'm just trying to get them back in the water ASAP after getting a quick picture.

Still probably an offset...I would move up to a 3/0. I know it doesn't sound like my much, but fractions of inch of ruined and forged greatness.

I don't understand the question...

Pretty solid advice right here.

2/0 offset, might be a touch small. Is it a EWG/Hybrid or a straight shank? I run 3/0 and 4/0 for my TRigging and I throw a ton of 5" Senkos. I couldn't tell you if one hooks them better than the other, but I throw them both and buy them by the 25 pack...using 40lbs braid, I typically go through a few bags of Senkos before changing a hook out. I typically touch them up on the stones and toss it back in the 25 count bag.

Ned rig is all about the rod IMO. I would check your local Bass Clubs to see if they have anyone selling rods on the cheap. I agree with others ML/F 7ft is what you are looking for. The Revos are pretty good at the 50ish price point and you might be surprised at what comes your way on a good used rod.

15lbs 832 on the spinning rod. 40lbs 832 on the bait caster. Line twist doesn't bother me and I don't fish around much rip rap/rocks.

I'm still catching them on Rooster Tails I'm still catching them on Rebel Craws I'm still catching them on ScumFrogs

I have a couple of BG 1500's mounted on 7 FT HMG in Light and ML, but they are a little more than you are looking to spend. The 1000 series reels are sketchy IMO. They always seemed hIt or miss, even within the same line of reels. I have a couple of old 500 series Shimanos that have held up, but I think it was luck and going with a better bearing early on. I think I paid as much for the bearings as I did the reel, but I wanted a solid micro reel for keeping the weight down on canoe trips to Minnesota BWCA and a trip to Saskatchewan. Good luck

Shimano Curado K 201HG. Start with a lefty and don't look back.

I like them and the insole can be removed, but it is glued in. So there is a level of work involved getting them out.

Google water shoes...there are some good looking ones out there. I bought a pair of UA Kilichi's for the canoe and kayak. I like them and wear them around as a quick slip on too.

Abu Garcia BlackMax in left hand...circa 1994. Still have them and my dads house and I still catch fish on them.

You are over thinking it. Buy one of the under 10 dollar hook sharpeners and don't lose it.

Black w/blue flake Watermelon in various colors Pumpkin seed in various colors Clear water and things change up and I go with more realistic colors and baits.

When in doubt, knock them out. I have ghost hooked a bunch of stuff. I think the only way to learn to fish by feel(articials) you have to be able to discern between the stump and the bump of a LMB.

I have one sitting on a Falcon LowRider, All Purpose, 7ft. #40 832

Hard to beat, at the price point...A LOT of good spinners in that 80-120 range. I have a couple of BG 1500's on Fenwick HMG rods that I use river fishing and they are my favorite set ups.