Bird

I haven't used mono in years but when I did, it was always Stren. I do use alot of sunline as leaders. Yes, I'm a Braid addict. Lol

I've been quite impressed with the Kastking Speed Demon pro, rod and reel for the money. I have the 7'3 heavy/fast for 1oz jigs, magnum flukes, frogs, punching and baits that require backbone. I like your other suggestions as well. My other baitcaster which I really like is a Abu Garcia Orra SX on a 7' med Fenwick, making it quite versatile for many applications.....I'd actually start with 7' med. I really enjoy finesse fishing and do so on all spinning tackle.

Good point, never considered hand fatigue.

Never really thought about it until I was recently asked why I used both hand reels. It all started many years ago when a friend sold me a left handed Shimano and I acclimated to it seamlessly. Just ordered a new baitcaster and never paid mind to what hand it was simply because I have no preference.....Strange? Yes, all spinning reels are L handed.

I understand the obsession, really do. BUT I can look at my rod and reel setup and tell you what line is on it. If it's a 7'3 heavy rod and 5000 reel with a frog tied on, it ain't gonna have 8lb mono. Lol About all my equipment is bait specific with only 3 different sizes of braid and 3 different sizes of floro.....that's it, and can throw every bait I own with confidence. But I completely understand.

Sounds like your itching to get on the water.....go. I hate wind but don't mind light rain or cold as big fish can be had in winter, just not many. You bank fishing or launching ?

+1

Try polypropylene and come back and thank me......it's what I was issued in the military, great stuff.

Wow, looks show room and a Google search shows outstanding reviews.

Good to have you Paul. What kind of boat are you looking at ?

If we're talking fishing, in summer, just a pair of shorts and Keen water shoes. Winter fishing, first layer is always polypropylene then fleece. I only fish lakes in winter months and never have water intrusion. Very seldom do I kayak for recreation.....I must fish. Lol

I checked it out on the tube......unbelievable how Kayaks keep progressing, especially fishing, very nice.

Lol on the ex comment. I agree, I just got use to the feel of fast action on heavier rods but to optimize , go with higher ratio reels. Imo

Very interesting, the kid sounds confident in this technique. My local lake " 178 acre " is nothing but stumps. I'm actually gonna try this for sure, just need a heavy action rod. Thanks.

What a coincidence.....had a Tatula rod in my cart, Amazon. I'll hold off and explore other options. Thanks

Praying your health allows you to enjoy life to its fullest and no better way than getting a line wet. I just recently retired and hoping I can stay on the water for quite awhile yet. Stay positive.

I've watched to many videos of Snakeheads ripping apart equal size LM to know they will have an impact wherever introduced. I use to fish with my feet dangling in the water on hot summer days. Lol

Yep I bit. Oh, what was you using ?

The Tacoma is well within spec to pull your bass boat and sharp looking. My boat pulled much easier than the RV, little wind drag. Sure, you can get the Tundra but then you gotta look at it.

Not sure of the distance from Richmond but have caught good numbers of SM from Claytor lake and Philpott lake. Both places have campgrounds. I always go to camp and fish for several days and always have a blast.

Bought several dark Colorado bladed spinnerbaits on clearance which make the claim " designed for night fishing ". Never considered them for day use. I do however throw spinnerbaits quite often and it's always white and always willow. I've always worked these baits high in the water column and fairly aggressive and find to many other effective baits vs slow rolling spinnerbaits at depth. Perhaps it's time to give these dust collectors a try, thanks.

What I was thinking.

Hmmm may have to give plastic worms a try. ?

I'd say that research is more based on theory. Timed tested colors by actual fisherman would be of more interest to me. I admit, I don't stray far from but a very few colors and white has been a primary color for decades, especially SM.

She's a lucky little girl to have such an attentive dad, awesome. AND actually was a great fish.