Bird

I have plenty to do around the house......but I'll have to wait.

Yet another vote for MH.......single hooks get MH in my boat. No, I'm not talking about drop shot. Lol

He didn't.......That there is a BOGEY.

If you tied it correctly and slobbered on it a little, the Alberto won't fail.

I also did a great deal of catfishing back in the day, with chicken liver and sun ripened shrimp, fish slime was a sanitizer in comparison. Lol I never really considered Bass that slimy really but never had the urge to fondle and kiss them.?

Welcome Ben. Not much better than introducing a young to bass fishing.

Looks like well taken care of equipment there. When I had a bass boat, used 303 religiously, good stuff.

I keep on hand, scissors, multitool, needle nose, fish grips, digital scale, net, vice grips, screw drivers and 1st aid. Many of tools are actually tied to boat with long enough cord to still be functional.

I fish a similar lake and do as stated above with great success........a drop shot with leader long enough to suspend " Roboworm " above the slime. Note: drop shot is not a great option for heavy cover. You could also Carolina rig a floating worm. Lots of options to stay off the bottom though. Top water, Jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, swimbaits. Try throwing a buzzbait early, lots of fun.

From my experience a leader paired with 50# braid is not wise, leader knot is to large and guide contact is inevitable. Not impossible though, I've done it.

I use 6'10 MH moderate Lews Speed stick on casting, works well. I can also throw a leader on and T-rig with it, versatile rod choice. Imo

Wow didn't know Nebraska produced like that, excellent. When I think of Nebraska I can't help but think about Tom Osborne and those great teams. Lol

Almost sounds like line coil to me as cheaper Fluorocarbon has quite a bit of memory. If it is indeed an issue with the reel, Lews has outstanding customer service.

Guess I'll have to start diving in after hung baits and use cigarette butts as Neds.....problem solved.

Practice feathering the spool with your thumb during the cast. Does it still backlash with break turned all the way up ? Is your rod properly loading during the cast ? You could also unspool most of the Flouro " hook on bumper or something " and stretch it out some and rewind, it helps. Lastly, you could go to 30# braid.

Power Pro is all I've ever used except for 50# Viscous on frog stick.

Beautiful fish, glad you enjoyed the outing.

Keep smiling, God bless you.

Yeah, I remember one of my bonehead moves several years ago. Friend invited me to go trout fishing so grabbed my tiny little Pflueger president but was out of 4# test so found some 10# vanish in the gun cabinet. Spooled the reel and off I went, on very first cast...EXPLOSION. Looked like an alternator blew up. Lol

3000 has bigger spool which will come into play with line twist depending on line used.

Yep, I can relate. Just got the email today that our 8 day stay right on the waters edge of a beautiful big bass producing lake.....has been canceled. That one hit hard but I'll regroup.

One of the highest hook-up ratio baits to use is Jerkbaits......bass almost hook themselves on taut line. I also recommend throwing some moving baits and top water until you get a feel.

I can't tie any knot without readers but when I see the finished product, it's always a palomar.

Guess that depends on the rod. I have meds with higher lure weight ratings than some of my MH rods.......prefer MH rods that start with 1/4 oz for various reasons.

Getting ready to order Lews mach crush paired with the speed stick. Was wondering if anyone has experienced any issues with the microwave guides and leader knots ?.....those guides look rather small in comparison to other sticks in my stable. Any other critiques regarding rod and reel are welcome, thanks.