OldManLure

Noise first, size second and then color (I usually start light and go darker if necessary). Up or down depends on target, and I’ll adjust speed of retrieve downward. I tend to avoid baits that rely on erratic movement, relying more on straight line retrieves. There are probably other strategies and tactics, but these seem to work for pretty well for me.

I should have been more clear. Why does it matter?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ThermoPro-TP605W-Waterproof-Digital-Instant-Read-Meat-Thermometer-Food-Candy-Cooking-Kitchen-Thermometer-with-Magnet-and-Backlight-TP605W/326733999

There are too many quality lines available to give so much attention to those giving you problems. Trash ‘em, buy a popular, proven brand, and go fishing.

Does it matter?

Not at all.

Accepting the risk of possibly doing damage, my son and I used this to clean up several Civil War relics. The results were impressive. I would hesitate to characterize them as being restored, but they cleaned up so well that he proudly displays them in his home.

Not only will I pre-rig, but I’ll place those I swap out while fishing back into the box or bag. I don’t give a thought to how long they’ve been stored, and it has never bothered the fish when I’ve tied on a stored one. In fact, I’ve probably caught as many or more on jigs that have been rigged for who knows how long as I have on those I rig while on the water. If the fish don’t care, I can’t think of a reason why I should.

Harbor Freight offers a couple different needle file sets. The different file profiles make sharpening even smaller hooks a breeze. And they are excellent for restoring barbs. https://www.harborfreight.com/needle-file-set-10-piece-69876.html

There is only two types of casts…those that find water, and those that don’t.

Excellent advice. Thank you!!

Don’t ignore the barb.

Open the ‘MENU’ tab at upper left corner and go to ‘FISHING ARTICLES’. Scroll down and there is a category devoted to clubs. This should be a good a start to exploring starting a club.

Geesh. I failed to mention I am definitely going with the stocking foot style.

I really appreciate all the replies. Thank you. In the beginning I was looking at only the 2 styles of chest waders, but after reading through the comments, I have become sold on waist waders. They seem much more suitable for the various waters I’ll be wading, and more comfortable on land. And unlike chest waders, I’ll still be able to wear and access the multiple pockets of my vest or fishing jacket. So I’ll spend a couple days researching brands and their features, and look forward to trying my choice before it gets too cold. Although, with the river being as low as I’ve ever seen it, it could be next spring before I need them.

🤭

Waist deep has always been my upper limit. I hadn’t given waist high waders a lot of thought, but they are probably the better choice for the reasons you mention. At 6’2” and 185 I don’t think I’m an odd size but I know what you mean, and it makes sense. Very helpful. Thanks

^^ After spending several minutes explaining to my daughter how to bring a fluke back to the yak, she cast it out and caught her first river smallmouth when it intercepted the fluke 2” above the water. Talk about an extra special first!

I know what you mean. I grew up learning to fish on all the Alabama lakes on the Tennessee River with my father and a few of his friends. It was, is and always will be a very special place.

I’m from Alabama, lived in Florence for 5 years during late 70s, early 80s and fished Pickwick to Wheeler almost weekly. While I very much enjoy seeing old friends when I visit, the river is the main reason for my yearly trips.

I visit friends in Alabama pretty much every fall that includes trips to Pickwick Lake and Wilson Lake. Green Pumpkin Orange is the color to not leave home without.

I’m no expert, but it seems to me that the thump you are seeking lies in the blade. Is there something unique to the blades that are thumpier than blades of less thumpier baits? Maybe a slight difference in shape, or maybe something to do with the ratio of blade diameter to depth of the convex? Or both?

Fit of footwear wasn’t necessarily something I’ve considered, but is valuable information. Unfortunately, I’ve had a couple unsatisfactory customer service experiences with Frogg Toggs, and can no longer in good conscience do business with them.

I think you’re right. A similar flattering is “preferred buyer” or “preferred customer”. I have received emails from hunting suppliers with this introduction. I haven’t hunted in 40 years, and have never scrolled a hunting supplier’s website. I’m guessing there is evidence that a certain percentage of anglers also hunt.

I frequently wade for smallmouth. For the smaller rivers/streams my hip waders suit me fine, but there are a number of very attractive places on the big river that aren’t suitable for hip waders. So I’ve decided to purchase chest waders to allow me access to these deeper, and some-times faster, waters. My question is what are the pros/cons of bootfoot v. stocking foot style. I’m guessing new materials and maybe technology have made past comparisons somewhat irrelevant. It may be helpful to mention that a number of the spots I frequent require hiking a couple hundred yards from my truck to the water. Several locations do allow me to carry my waders and change in to them at a spot I can leave my boots and change back on my return to the truck, but quite a few don’t so I’ll be hiking only in the waders. And almost everywhere I wade is rocky. Any insights comparing the two styles will be greatly appreciated.