Bird

What you experienced is what I call a magical day. Had my best largemouth day by a mile recently, cloudy skies, calm and water temp was 55*. The more time on the water, the better the odds of experiencing those " magical days ".

Honesty is full proof ? Downsize your baits and line and go Ole school.....bobbers and nightcrawlers and don't forget beetle spins. You'll get that fishing mojo back guarantee but enjoying time with your boy is paramount.

I over casted a Spinnerbait which embedded into a dock. I tried to shake it loose which to my surprise inticed the interest of a beagle hound. The hound actually ran down the dock and grabbed my Spinnerbait and now I'm sitting in my boat with a dog on the end of my line. My fishing partner is no help at all, just laughing histerically while I'm fighting a hound......drag singing. Was finally able to get to land and staddle the friendly dog and unhook my Spinnerbait. An event that I'll never forget.

I'm back to eating Spam and liverwurst. But if I crave beef jerky, I run to Costco, best I've had.

Long casts looking for feeding fish with moving baits. Spinnerbaits Swim Jigs Buzzbaits - whopper ploppers Flukes and Assassins.

Welcome to getting old. Lol All my jobs were physically demanding. Started out in the hay fields growing up to a roofer, then painting barn roofs, then drywall hanger.....OUCH. Volunteered for all the overtime I could get on every job. luckily got to retire early but the damage was already done. Simply realize your limitations, keep a smile and fish til it hurts. Excercise and stretching has helped immensely.

Entertaining video?

Shimano SLX

I use the VMC crossover rings and pliers. Why I like it is once the Senko looses it salt it starts to float so I add a nail weight and fish it Neko. The VMC rings are pre drilled for either technique. Hint: bright colors promote Crappie theft but occasionally you may catch one. Lol

Advancement in technology is no secret. Every lead acid battery I replace is with lithium. Guess I'll see about longevity but that's the claim.

I trim the top at a 45* angle and press them down closer to the hook, minimal gap. All my jigs have been molested in this fashion.

It'll fade before it wears out. I've ran Power pro 4 - 5 years and still only changed it out because of fade.

Consistently the same answer......I can't catch fish with Chatterbaits. Most consistent catcher this year has been swim Jigs and Spinnerbaits.

Ok got one...... toilet paper MUST unwind from the top for me to catch fish that day.

I pay cash in person locally...... scammers everywhere.

T - rigged culprit ?

Over your budget but you won't beat a Shimano SLX for $100. Imo Under that, I'd go black max.

Probably fish 15 - 20 different lakes per year in VA/WV......love diversity.

Wow ?

Have to assume that BPS reels, rods and baits are all made by formidable manufacturers, simply rebranded.

I'm more concerned with " still hard water here "....... indicating no activity by the fisherman. That's a Debbie Downer.

This is what I've done on several rods that met their demise. Rods are very unorthodox creatures and lend themselves to damage if not dealt with the utmost of care. My last episode involved a st croix that catapulted off the back of the boat while backing to the ramp. Not going into specifics but wasn't my fault.?

Can't really answer directly. All the Lucky Craft baits I own are made in Japan and well made baits.

I'm a braid to leader on all spinning tackle but only throw crankbaits on casting gear. An issue you may have throwing straight braid with spinning is line wrap on baits with treble hooks. I don't see how thin diameter braid will inhibit the baits ability to dive.

Wife just planted all her flowers ?