JackstrawIII

I bought a couple MH/F spinning rods for when I have guests on my boat who can't use a baitcaster. I let them use them for topwaters, texas rigs, etc.

Suffix 832. Knots less, nice and soft, very smooth.

I occasionally use titanium leaders when pike fishing. I never catch pike, but do still catch bass haha. Clearly the bass don't mind the Ti wire leader.

Another very good point. For my boat, having some more weight up front is actually really helpful as far as getting on plane and such... but I see your point for a smaller craft.

This is true, no doubt. However, lead acid has a LOT going for it. They're inexpensive batteries that you know will always work, won't catch on fire, and can be replaced in any hardware/automotive store in America if you're in a pinch. Yeah, so you might have to replace it every couple years, but big deal. At least that's how I see it. Are lithiums "better"... maybe, but I'll gladly keep buying lead acid for the time being and just replace them every couple years. Maybe I'm wrong?

Interstate marine battery (or whatever they sell at the Monroe Muffler nearest your house, and a Noco charger. Simple. Enjoy!

I think you answered your own question. Make yourself try different lures/techniques each time. There are LOTS of different ways to catch a bass, start experimenting.

I tend to do best with baits fished near (but not on) the surface during rain. I think the rain makes fish look upwards, but can make it hard for them to pick up lures on the surface. So, something near the top of the water column, but not all the way on the surface.

1. Topwater toad 2. Paddletail swimbait 3. Ned Rig

I use weighted wacky rig heads. Specifically the VMC 1/8oz wacky head.

I actually have a fanny pack in my car for moments like this and it works GREAT. With pole in hand and the fanny pack on... I can go anywhere and not have to carry anything besides my rod. It's great. I keep the following in there: - one small bait bag with non-elaztech plastics (a few each of paddletails, senkos, flukes, and rage menaces for trailers) - one small bait bag of elaztech plastics (ned rigs, GOATS, etc) - a few hooks (EWG, swimbait style, dropshot, ned heads, etc.) - a few weights (bullet weights for t-rig, dropshot weights) - a small spool of extra line (8lb hybrid) - pliers I don't bother with crankbaits or anything big and "hooky" like that. Just some easy to carry stuff that covers a LOT of bases.

You guys are intense with your rules... makes me wonder what kind of people you invite to go fishing with you haha. My only rule is "I only invite people I want to fish with." That pretty much covers it and have never had a problem. Turns out if you don't invite idiots, you don't have to worry about idiotic behavior.

The Tatula is a lot more reel, but also costs more unless things have changed recently. If this helps, I learned baitcasting on Speed Spools, but have since moved on and don't use any of them anymore. It's all Tatulas and Shimanos now.

Some decent looking length/power options in the lineup. I might end up checking these out if the actual sale price is lower than MSRP, which they often are.

When I grow up, I want to have the skillset to NEED as many reels as A-Jay.

Are there any trout species in that particular lake? While they wouldn't normally be up shallow like that this time of year, it's not impossible.

Very cool, man!! You're quite the handy craftsman. I love it.

I live in NY so I can't speak to your specific geographic location, but when you're stuck catching dinks you have to change something. Usually that involves moving to a new area of the body of water that you're fishing. Unless you're fishing a stunted pond full of small bass, there ARE big bass around, but big bass (in my experience) tend to congregate around the best structure/areas and the dinks take the other spots. The trick is finding where the big ones have settled, which is easier said than done.

Very cool. Pics?

Beautiful fish and an incredible outing. Congrats!!

Sounds like life, man. You'll get 'em next time you're up here in NY.

Yes. I still struggle to skip with a baitcaster, so this is my approach if I want to use a jig. I use one by Seibert Outdoors, who is a sponsor on this site... can't remember the name though. Most folks use Arkie style heads, myself included.

The one thing nobody ever talks about in these discussions is the bass's ability to "feel" things in the water (including fishing line) with their lateral line system. I'm guessing that mono, fluoro, braid all feel somewhat similar to the bass depending on line diameter?

Same for me. Legitimately it is the only non braid I buy or use in any capacity. Very pleased with it.

Yup, that's what I do.