Grim_Reaver

Fed up with bottom bouncing jigs, can't get bites and would rather fish a worm or standalone craw.

Refers to the size of the reel (100, 150, 200, 300, etc.). Just like spinning reels, different sizes have different line capacities and strength of components. Reels within the same size, regardless of brand, usually have similar capacities ( an outlier would be Daiwa reels, they generally have more line capacity then other brands of the same size). As already mentioned, check the specs.

BOSS Dock Knocker jig heads are money.

Okay, thanks for the info guys. Definitely interesting to see the different opinions on screw ins vs pegging I learn something new every day.

7' ML-F : Ned rig, dropshot 7' M-F : Finesse jigs, shallow/medium crankbaits, jerkbaits, tr worms, light topwaters (1/4-3/8oz) 7' MH-F : Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, swim jigs, frogs, medium topwaters (3/8-3/4oz) 7'3 MH-F : Flipping, Football jigs, lipless crankbaits, swim jigs, buzz toads, tr worms, flipping, heavy topwaters (3/4-1oz) 7'6 MH-F (muskie rod) : Punching, deep crankbaits, swimbaits (<4oz), big hair jigs (snook candy), a-rigs, oversized topwaters (>1oz) From my experiences, the stretch in mono allows me to fish treble hooked reaction baits on a faster action rod without fear of ripping out the hooks. Most H power rods in my current price point feel like pool cues and braided line negates the need for heavier powers due to the lack of stretch. Couple that with longer MH power rods providing the same backbone and ability to handle heavy weights as shorter H power rods and it's a no brainer. Less fatigue and more fun.

Anybody know of some good screw in bullet sinkers? Looking to experiment with screw ins/straight shanks vs pegged slip sinker/offset worm hook for my worm fishing.

I'm in the same boat but I'm gonna throw that spinnerbait until God says "Enough is enough" ?

Depending on how secluded we're talking, you might see a sizable gator but thats a big if. I have seen big brutes basking in ppls yards near by in the Wesley Chapel area but it's been many years and the insane amount of development has most likely pushed any remaining ones out. As stated before, a knife won't help against gators or snakes. Boots and awareness are important.

What part? Only sizable gators I have ever seen are on the outskirts or in the Hillsborough River. I've rarely encountered water moccasins but I'm sure they are there.

Never had a problem with gators. If you walk up to one, they'll swim right off. Water moccasins on the other hand will attack you. I'd say forget the knife and get some snake proof boots.

A 7'M will cover anything you need (poppers, spooks, texas rigs, finesse jigs, 3-4" swimbaits, small spinnerbaits/underspins). 12lb mono will get the job done easily (a bass can't pull anywhere near as hard as a bull redfish). If you're fishing from the bank and in creeks you don't need a whole assortment of lures. Keep it simple and learn the basics, location and fish activity is way more important than what lure you're using. A bass is a simple creature and will eat anything it can fit it's mouth around.

Like already stated, get a full size if you will be towing more than a few miles, especially on the highway. Boat would weigh almost as much as the 4Runner/Tacoma itself. Do you trust them to stop that boat in an emergency? I wouldn't. You can always find a second hand full size for towing for cheaper than a new truck.

I have have the Lancer 7'3 Mag-MH casting. Very light and plenty sensitive. I'm currently thinking about getting another before they're all gone.

Good to see everyone's opinion. Definitely cool to see different approaches to the topic

Like others have said, I use offsets for narrow baits, ewg for thick baits. Straight shank flipping hooks pop out to easy for my liking.

I just went back and read it again. They said chartreuse appears similar to white. So there is a difference but it is not scientifically significant. That might explain why.

https://academic.oup.com/cz/article/65/1/43/4924236 Found this scientific study on the color vision of largemouths a while ago. In short, red and green are easiest for bass to distinguish. Black seems to be distinguishable from blue, but not significantly. Chartreuse appears to look no different than white. What do y'all think? I have definitely cut down my color selection after finding this.

https://www.flwfishing.com/tips/2019-12-06-flw-tbf-extend-strategic-partnership ??? Just announced today

Unless you're talking UL creek fishing, 2500 size. Larger spools offer better casting distance and line management then smaller spools.

I haven't either but I'm looking to experiment. I usually use the jungle wide gap and more recently the 4/0 beast hook for the purpose you suggested. I just wanted to try a toad that floats.

Alright, I'll keep your experiences in mind. Thanks for the replies.

I've bought their dock knocker jigs before. Paired it with dirty jigs 60 strand skirts and made a good combo. I liked the angle and stiffness of the weedguard and the hook is strong and sharp.

I'm looking to try the Stanley Top Toad due to my previous success with their ribbits. Will the Owner Double Toad hook (I'm an owner hooks guy) work or should I get the Stanley Double Take hooks and switch out the spring (I have a bunch of large size owner CPS springs laying around)?

Check out the Daiwa Tatula 100 currently on sale for the same price on Sportsman's Outfitters.com. i got one a few weeks ago and it's sweet. Definitely better than my friends SLX.

I'm going to echo 15lb test