Bird

Most of my plastics are Z-man.......BUT, I'd rather throw my back out than throw a chatterbait bait, feels like my line is hung up in trolling motor.

This thread leads me to a question. Couldn't tell you how many times over the years a beaver swims up close to my boat and smacks his tail, happens a lot while night fishing and can be quite startling. You think this is an act of aggression ?

I've only managed 1 Largemouth over 9lbs and thought I hooked a big catfish as it stayed deep. Our local river produces many citation SM and surprisingly they've all stayed down until I got them to the boat. Back to the point though, A hefty LM ain't no slouch by any means and neither is a big Crappie. Lol

The wife and I are fishing Christmas eve......well she said she's sitting on the lake bench and read a book. The 24th is actually showing a spike in temps so gonna throw a jig for couple hours.

If I getting skunked I always turn to finesse, always.

17* this morning above you in VA. Going out Sunday afternoon, calling for mid 40's. I'm getting to old to fish in my boat in freezing temps. Lol Merry Christmas

This thread brings up my preferred method of fishing.....alone. I do however have several friends with bass boats that invite me quite often and I always have fun but my intensity level drops considerably when I'm sitting in the back jigging stumps that just had a fish pulled off it. Lol

Lol, blame it on the Minnesota winter.

For coverage---spinnerbait. For sitting---plastic worm.

Lmao, didn't realize you were 60.....I'm 59. Ok I have some catching to do.

Smallmouth are beautiful ain't they ?

d**n son, that's serious dedication. I'm retired and mtnbike every morning, 3 miles after coffee, rain or snow. Keep it up as the reward for being physically fit is paramount for overall health. I'm not you but close. Lol

Yes, they are compact once deflated, can throw them in your trunk, more durable than expected. Take a while to inflate and my biggest complaint......the floor is like moving on a cloud, no stability and you won't stand.

I would definitely start looking at fishing kayaks.....they keep progressing in design and are well within your stated budget. I have a Jonny boats bass 100 and don't miss my 18ft Skeeter at all.

Virginia is a Smallmouth heaven I guess as I catch several citations every year. White spinnerbaits and cotton candy Zoom lizards and there no trouble to catch......no experience needed with SM.

I prefer pre-spawn over any other time. They move up way sooner than one might think but can be lethargic. UNLESS you throw heavy jigs in there face. Lol

Wow, making me want to get out. Hmmm I saw a 40* day coming up next week.

Never put a bait on scale so was assuming 1/4 oz spinnerbait was 1/4 oz. Didn't realize that, thanks.

I have to echo what's been said, have always been pleased with the Fenwicks I've owned and still am. That said , look for a 7' med fast and at present, liking the Kastking Speed Demon pro rods, give them a look.

I use Speed Demon pro's, rods and reels.....good stuff.

Table rock and Lake of Ozarks right in your home state.

I/4 0z is as light as I go with a baitcaster and that's usually a spinnerbait. I throw my baitcasters more during an outing vs my spinning tackle unless I'm finesse fishing then it's all spinning. I'm sure you could go lighter using lighter line and keeping spool clean.

And do you have water in proximity of your house to justify the purchase. Not to be Debbie downer, just honest. I had an 18ft Skeeter and continually had to drive a minimum of 90 minutes to nearest lake, which I did and even further. Years later, sold it for a very formidable fishing kayak and drive 15 minutes to 10 different " electric motor only " lakes and fish 3-4 days a week now.......just throw and go. If you have a reputable lake close by, disregard and congratulations as Nitro makes a really nice fishing platform.

My 7'3 heavy fast is arriving tomorrow but with about a 50% chance of being in one peice.....from the reviews.? It's a Kastking Speed Demon pro.

Just a heads up......completely turn down the magnetic brake before adjusting the bait specific tensioner knob.....then turn back up your brakes for optimal casting.