BrianMDTX

I like fishing weightless Trick worms. They are easy to fish with little or a lot of action, depending on the retrieve and rod action.

Absolutely. It’s called a 5”” Senko.

Late spring/early summer. Warm enough to enjoy the day without broiling. Catching bass on almost anything cast.

Same here. Either wacky or T rig. Mostly wacky.

Thanks. Not a bad deal!

Like I said, time will tell. But seriously, it’s surprising a reel at that price works as well as it does. I haven’t had to readjust spool tension once (unless changing to a lighter or heavier bait). Nor the brake. Maybe my one “complaint” is that there can be a fine line between too much, just right and too little braking, and without numbers on the side plate you can’t simply set it to “6” for a 1/2 oz. lure, etc. But once it’s set, it stays set.

I was bound to the bank myself and wanted a decent, yet inexpensive option to fish the numerous small to medium-sized ponds near me. Also wanted easy portability and storage. And I really did not find a float tube appealing. So I opted for a Sea Eagle Packfish7. I got the Pro version with the optional plywood floor. Total was $399.99. It comes with an inflatable seat, which is comfortable but you sit lower in the boat. I bought an inexpensive 7” seat pedestal and a low-back seat, and with hardware I spent about $60.00. Well worth it IMO. I also spent about $20.00 on materials and hardware to make a two-rod holder behind the seat which gives me the ability to carry four rigs (there are two rod holders up front, and one on each side that are Velcro loops, but I find those to be of little use unless you like your rigs getting dunked). I also spent about $40.00 on a yak paddle, which is much easier to use than the supplied oars (the oars are fine using the inflatable seat but a real PITA when seated higher). All-in-all I spent less than $500.00 and I have a comfortable and stable fishing platform that allows me quick access on the water. I’ve fished over 8 hours straight with no issues whatsoever. It takes about 7-10 minutes to inflate with the supplied foot pump (I keep mine inflated and simply slide it in/out of the bed of my truck) and is easily carried. Ive seen one angler on a yak and one in a canoe all year. I normally have the pond to myself as far as being on the water is concerned. It allows me to fish a lot of spots that bank anglers can’t reach.

Not in over 30 years. And likely never will again. Now, big bluegills? Man, it’s tough to beat some fresh bluegills lightly dredged in flour seasoned with salt and pepper sautéed in Keller’s butter and served with a wash of melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

I would think quite a few have no love for such an inexpensive baitcaster as the BM. But owning two, I have to say that I was surprised by how well I fished with them this year. Definitely easy to set spool tension and braking. I guess time will tell how long they last, but truth be told, it’s a hard reel to beat for that price. I think I paid $43.00. Even that’s a real bargain.

I would think so. But that’s about $200.00 over what I was looking to spend. Looks like a nice reel, though!

In August, the tip broke off my new Fenwick HMX HMX70MFC rod. I requested a warranty replacement but they were so backlogged it wasn’t going to come until October, then November...then December. As I had purchased a Daiwa Aird X AIRX661MFB in the interim, I opted to have the rod replaced with a HMX76H-FC. So now I have a M, MH and a H. Time to start shopping for a new baitcaster. Looking more and more like a Daiwa Fuego CT. I have some big swim baits to try!

To be frank, I loathe site changes. Most of the time they take a user-friendly site and make it as unuser-friendly as can be. Can’t say that about this update. It looks fresh and clean. Bravo!

When we attempt to grab a bluegill or a crayfish, we do so with the intent not to damage or injure it. A bass strikes to eat prey. It’s not thinking about anything but EAT. So we often try and grab it slow and easy, and get stuck or pinched in the process. It’s like how does a vet or a vet assistant get pills down a dog or cat’s throat and when we do it, we struggle. It’s because they do it fast and quick without worrying about causing it anxiety like pet owner’s do. They have a job to do and do it. So does the bass. The job is survival.

Compared to ammunition that’s gone once I pull the trigger, Senkos are cheap lol. I may lose a few, but they catch bass. ‘Nuff said!

Don’t feel bad lol. I bought a short net for my inflatable. Kept it stowed behind the seat. Used it once on a 4.5 lb’er. Worked great. Next time out it fell overboard without my knowledge until I got out of the boat. Had to buy a new one.

I struck out yesterday but only fished for two hours. I’ll freely admit I thought it was going to warm up quicker than it did, and I was not dressed warm enough. It was 52° at 9:00 am with a good breeze and frankly, I got cold. Regardless, I got nothing on topwater, T-rig, wacky rig or a fluke. Of course, two hours later the sun came out and it warmed up, but I was into yard work by then. Plus, a strong cold front blew in the day prior so that was no help.

The hooks were fine. But these older guys (I was a teen so they could have been 50 and old to me then lol) were using Champion spark plugs for sinkers fishing for catfish on the C&O canal on the Potomac.

I’m no expert. But I see the spool is still turning but the handle is stationary. So something is amiss.

Gorgeous perch! They are bony, but they are good eatin'!

I think I’d opt for your first choice. I love fishing T-rigs and mostly with 1/4 oz bullet weights but sometimes up to 3/8. I’d love a rod so sensitive I could tell different types of pond muck apart lol.

Is $24.99 plus tax acceptable? ? Sounds like a cool thing. I’m relatively new but I think I qualify. PM on the way.

Yeah, same for me, too. With some baits more than others for sure.

Manual. Except if I bust out the Mitchell 300!

That’s a pretty reel!

I read this last night but had to wait to respond. I couldn't think of anything good to say. I still really can't, other than to say I'm truly sorry for your loss.