T-Billy

Low and fast seems the way to fly with BFS in my experience. Sidearm and underhand roll casts work well, even into the wind. Trying to bomb 'em out there overhand hasn't worked well for me.

I think all three reels you listed are solid choices and I'd add the Curado MGL 70. The 70 will probably be the best of the bunch with lighter T rigs and it's small, light, and very comfortable to palm in my medium size hands.

Never do that in the morning. The early bird WILL get your worm.

LOL. I know I sound like a broken record, but I absolutely think these are the best value in the rod market that I've found. Until about 7 months ago I had never even heard of ARK rods. I now own 11 of them, and I'm a very happy customer. Edit to add: Reviews are how I ended up here. Quite a few times I was looking for gear reviews online and found them in BR threads. There's some good sticks here who aren't being paid to hock products, giving their honest opinions on gear they've spent more than a couple days using. That carries much more weight with me than anything a sponsored pro has to say, or some anonymous review on a store site.

Either will work, but I'd go with the 745 for jigs. I have the 744. It works well for light T rigs, and small swimbaits. I prefer more backbone in a jig rod.

Yeah... Umm... About that... Just kidding you brother. I think you have an interesting job. Every day's an adventure.

I'd say 25hp or under maybe? When I got my 20hp Suzuki I was researching props and everyone I saw that tried stainless went back to aluminum. Aluminum is definitely the better choice for me as I run a shallow river a good bit. No biggie replacing a $60 prop now and then..

Everything is a topwater right now. I've seen smallies destroying schools of shad on top in 40 degree water. Of course my topwater box was at home that day. It never stays home since.

Aluminum on small outboards. Too hard to spin up stainless Imo.

Nice little pistol , but didn't work with my grip. I kept locking the slide back with rounds still in the mag. My Springfield Hellcat runs like a champ for me though. I carry it in warm weather, and usually a G19 in the cooler months.

Did you???

Congrats. That's a chunk.

^^^ This^^^ I stupid rig them most of the time. You want a jighead with an EWG hook for stupid rigging. I use 3/0 for 3.5" tubes and 4/0 for 4".

I like my bottom contact casting rods to balance on my middle finger when palming the reel. I use those furniture feet. I fire up the Lee pot and pour enough lead in them to achieve the balance I want. Usually it's right about the first internal ring in the foot. Dirt cheap, easy, clean looking, and work perfectly. Moving bait rods I prefer to be a bit tip heavy. No right or wrong, just personal preference.

Highly recommended for your intended purpose.

Now that's using your head for something other than a hatrack!!! Great idea. Last time I serviced one of my Super Duty's the pivot pin for the flippin switch got away from me. Took quite awhile to find that little bugger.

We got about a foot and a half of fluffy white rain here this past week.?

Out of the reels you mentioned I'd go 7 speed Curado 150 MGL. Are you planning to fish more moving baits or more bottom contact stuff? I like Dobyn's well enough for moving baits, but I've become a big fan of ARK Rods 40 ton Torray blanks for bottom contact. I think they're an outstanding value. They offer those blanks in several series at different price points with seats, handles and guides determining the price. Falcon BuCoo's and Low Riders get lots of love around here too. As do the Phenix Feather series.

Down to 6 overnight. High of 17 tomorrow. 6 weeks minimum before we see any open water here. Good progress today on the deck build in the new 1648 though. La Nina. Don't know about down your way, but that normally means a rough 2nd half of the winter for those of us north of the Mason Dixon.

Yer gonna like it. Really nice rods. I got my L and immediately ordered a ML too. Curado BFS on the L, and Curado 71 MGL on the ML. Didn't get mine till Dec. Can't wait to get on the water with'em. Spinning rods are for crappie fishing after picking up this pair. The L/BFS combo will throw a 1/8 ned 100'+ with an underhand roll cast. 6# XT.

Sewing thread is the best. I like red because it disappears underwater and it's the most abrasion resistant and best handling line ever made.

Another vote for the Phenix Feather 7'1" L.

Pair it with braid and you can do a lot with it. Jigs, T rigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, cranks, top water.......... A moderate action rod with good backbone is a very versatile tool when paired with no/low stretch line.