Dan N

On spinning equipment I use 10-15 lb braid to mono leader. I don’t feel that floro makes a big difference when it’s a 10’ or so leader. I’ve gone to straight braid for swim jigs and not noticed a difference. Most other baitcasters I run straight mono. On the spinning rods I use the leader as much for breaking off snags easier and knowing that the leader will always break first, but I also fish some clear water so believe it helps? Pitching Texas rigs is never long distance for me, and I’m not worried about mono stretch on short pitches or casts.

The banks I fish , my vehicle is near by , so I don’t carry much. 1 rod/reel and a small container that fits in my pocket with extra hooks/ weights and a pack of plastics. If crank bait fishing, usually 2 extra baits. Vehicle is full of extra equipment.

Found me a pond that was wide open today, the only 1 I’ve seen! Got me a couple 12-13 “LMB to start the season! few weeks earlier then expected. Gonna keep it rolling now, very nice weather next few days here in Wi, so more should start opening up.

This simple, not large bass. It’s when I first decided to commit to bass fishing. shakey head worm. I was very proud of it

I must contribute. I just recently ordered a fenwick crank bait rod, because it was on a huge discount. I returned it. The only time I have done that. It had a clearly visible wierd bend in it . Maybe just a Lemon? But I was not impressed.

I live on south end. I believe the man made humps are the way to go, they on the mapping info available on graphs. also had some good luck around some docks and typical shallow water stuff. I believe it might be better further north around islands and humps. More smallmouth up north towards Oshkosh

Fox Lake has some great fishing, for large mouth, great size average. Big green has both, and can be awesome, but maybe a little tricky to figure out. Lake Winnebago is big, but plenty of bays and areas to get out of the wind. I live on Winnebago, and it’s been known as “ The walleye factory “ but bass fishing has gotten really good in the last several years.

I know you tube can make some money, but no pros that I follow have anywhere near a million subs, most have under 100,000. Still I would think they would get paid something from sponsors for pushing their products.

I gotta say, that was great. I was really on the edge of my seat! Was pulling for Wheeler, but tip of the cap to Gill! he beat one of the best.

Exciting finish. Congrats to Gill.

Yes, an 11th place finish in BASS pays 7000$, I believe. So if a guy finishes there in every tournament of the season ( what would be a great season) would make 56,000$ ? I make more than that! And I’m broke🤣

Hank cherry in the lead? Bill still in second!

And I guess I don’t know how much the sponsors give? Some guys say it’s just some equipment? Do they pay them?

I get the big names making it. But it’s gotta put some the young up and comers in serious financial trouble 🙄

So, I don’t understand how these guys can afford this for a living? I realize first place pays 100g , but how often does a guy win? A 10th place finish ( which is great!) doesn’t even seem to be enough to pay the bills? A 4-5 day event, with all the lodging, food, and all the fuel has got to cost a bunch. Not to mention a 100,000$ boat, and a truck to pull it! I don’t get it.

Does the winner get 100 g? I thought I saw that. Maybe I’m wrong. But that would be some incentive!

I know everything has not been perfect in the coverage, but it’s getting better, and I’m sure it will improve. Gotta say, I’m a fan.

Wheeler is getting it done Very nice interaction with the young fan as he’s catching fish under her dock! good guy👍🏻

Love cranking, and have 6 rods just for it, but I would say, a medium/fast action rod would certainly work. Maybe mono for a little stretch, and watch the drag setting. Rods actions are not consistent. the printed rating on the rod is not a reason to say it will work for only certain methods. If it works for you, that’s all that matters 😎

Bill Lowen in the hunt for another win!

Watching on live is very glitchy. anyways, I guess watching others fish is just not for me 🤣 . I’ll stick to just checking in occasionally and watching some highlights at end of day. maybe check out weigh in.

Checking it out now

I have several Lews, and Abu reels, and have no complaints about either. Not high end stuff, so I’m not looking for it to last for 10 years, but I never keep anything that long. I like buying and trying new equipment.

I’m not opposed to hitting a couple ponds that usually open up quicker! can’t wait to get out there. Reels have been cleaned and lubed, new line is on as needed, just waiting… impatiently 😎

I see some 50’s, and even 1 day at 60 next week here in my area of Wisconsin. looking good. Still a lot of ice to melt🙄