Bigassbass

Wind: depends on if you're fishing in a boat or from the bank. Then how big is your boat? Wind is always an added element to fishing. In a pond you should fish the bank in the direction the wind is blowing, you should also fish the calm part of the pond. This goes for lakes too, not really rocket science, wind will blow you around in a little bitty boat and if it can blow your big boat around it might be time to get off the lake.

I am 5' 3" tall and I've never thought I needed a short rod for anything; 6"8, 6"10, or 7' works well for me and I can throw jerk baits on all of them. Actually I think a longer rod works better for jerk bait action, but you did say you're fishing from a kayak so buy yourself a nice Fenwick, they have every length anyone would need.

Top water bass, I'm really good at catching them.

I love to fish, I have other hobbies and fishing doesn't get boring because I love nature and the out doors so if I'm outside I'm happy. Teach a kid to fish, catch different species, bank fish or boat fish or both. Fish salt water, rivers then you'll see a lot of beautiful country.

Cheating at fishing tournaments is nothing new, it's been going on forever. I fished a tournament one time and it was to be lie detector given to the winners. That told me enough right there and they didn't have a machine set up for anything much less a lie detector. Some guy gave my friend some big crappie he had caught and told her to weigh em in she might win. We took them home and cooked them up, decided not to even check in to see who won. That was my first and last tournament fishing. Waste of money, people are sick cheats.

I haven't ever tried to emulate anyone but I've taken advice and lessons from a few. Bill Dance taught me how to slow roll spinner baits, and one day at a pond I caught easy 20-25 3-5lb bass slow rolling. I like Dance and Hank Parker don't want to be like either of them but ole Bill is a funny guy.

Stay quiet when walking up to the ponds, banks because fish are usually lying close to shore where you are walking. Expect to catch a fish on the first throw, you should have your lure of choice already tied to the line, and don't drop your tackle box, bag, etc on the ground sit it down softly back a few feet from the bank. In ponds fish according to the weather, use lures you're confident with, if you don't catch anything then go buy some live bait and come back and learn! I fish from the bank all the time, ponds mostly, occasionally from creeks and rivers. I've owned a boat and it is fun but bank fishing is much easier and lots cheaper, no boat to launch. Make the fishing trip fun, pack a lunch, invite someone to go with you.

Run & gun

Fishing rods do make a world of difference in detecting a bite. I have several Japanese made rods and you can detect the slightest nibble. Using the right rod for the species of fish you're targeting makes a big difference in detecting bites too. You wouldn't use a heavy rod for catching brim nor a UL for taking on big strippers. Sensitive rods are made for both spinning and bait casting reels, most men use heavy equipment for catching all and any fish. Spinning rods come in more lighter powers than bait casting rods until you get into the finesse fishing rods.

Forums are great especially fishing ones, but in the real scheme of life meeting and talking to people in the flesh is better than any forum. I applaud all who have taken the time to meet each other from this forum in person! I love to fish, I do not love to type and winter is when I'm on the computer more than any other time. I'm not going fishing in frigid temps, I'm waiting for warm weather! This forum to me has become a GREAT place to chat online, but it doesn't and won't ever beat fishing in the great outdoors!

I bought one SC rod in my life and that was a mistake, I've always said there are better rods and SC just has a cult following of people who think that warranty is the greatest which lots of people have proven it ain't so.

I hate exercising, I've always played and worked enough to stay fit. Worn out my knee, had it replaced last year, that is a horrible surgery! I'm still going fishing but not as long and as much, we do what we must to stay healthy and happy!

Digitaka is the way to go to buy Japanese fishing gear, safe site, easy ordering and great prices. No fees or taxes to the USA.

North Carolina use to have lifetime fishing license for free after you turn 65, but I think they did away with it. Better to buy a lifetime license when you're young and forget about it.

Is it worth it to fix a rod that is broken? It's broken down toward the handle, so the sensitivity of the rod shouldn't be affected much, so should I try and fix it and how will I do it?

So I ordered me a SC spinning rod ml 6'10". The USPS broke it in shipping, Fish USA replaced it fast and that's really good! I've never been a fan of SC rods but they were on sale, and the fish monkey got me. I like the action of the rod, and hate the way they made to nut that holds the reel on the rod, it doesn't screw up and fit well, anyone else have this problem or is it my Daiwa Luvias doesn't like SC and more than I do. I'm debating on whether to send it back or not. Give me your opinions.

I have a St Croix ML spinning rod on the way, couldn't resist the sale. Thanks to you Tom (WRB) I am soon to be the proud owner of a Victory SC rod!

Just ordered a SC victory ML spinning rod, hope it's super good cause I've never been a sc fan. Can't help you with med but most say med ef has a soft tip and med fast is true to it's rating.

I bought 2 Ticas and upgraded the handles, not much of a reel if you don't fix the handle and honestly you can buy most any brand reel with nice handle for what you'd pay to upgrade a Tica. Those reels are just ok, nothing to get excited about.

Buy the Lew's rod it's made well, and is great in your hand when fishing. I have a Pro Custom med spinning by Lew's and it's my favorite bass rod ever, I've owned all brands! Also the Phenix doesn't come in ML. A light rod is different if you are catching a good size fish. Senkos and wacky rig worms can be thrown on either power rod, it's totally preference as to what you like, not that either rod won't do the job.

Buy yourself a Shimano Stradic in whatever size you prefer, fantastic reel and the best over the three you have listed. Dig-ataki has them at a good price.

I played around with shrink wrap and Winn grips that you attach, they are just ok, honestly if you're looking for that kind of feel buy a rod that comes with Winn grips, looks better, works better. But if you gotta have some on your favorite rod then Winn Grips are better than shrink wrap any day.

In ponds right now bass are in the deep and they move up into the shallows later in the day. Easily caught with lipless cranks, jerk baits, worms and live bait. Lakes they should be in creeks are arms close to deep water.

I caught a 30lb carp on a black ant one year out of a pond. The reel was a cheap closed face Daiwa and was toast when I got the fish in. It was super fun!

Stradic from Digi-taka it is a super nice reel, I have an Ultegra and a Miravel no comparison to the Stradics. Ulte-gra and Miravel or intree reels, Stradic has been around long time and there is a big difference in the three. Stradic.