JackstrawIII

I work really hard to limit myself to 20 total setups in my garage... means I have to sell one when I buy one... which helps me buy fewer of them. Same... except I usually end up with 7-8 in the boat.

You don't give a budget, but Dobyns has some long BFS style rods in their Sierra line that are reasonable and perform well.

My favorite (and I've tried many) is Suffix 832. Got turned onto it by others on this forum and I have been extremely pleased. It handles well, is plenty durable, and isn't overwhelmingly expensive. It's all I buy at this point.

I don't have this particular rod, but I have many Dobyn's rods and they're all incredible. With that said, they tend to fish softer than their ratings. But, you're using pretty small frogs, so it would probably be a good match.

I try to only bring 6 rods if I can... but usually I end up with 8. Don't feel like typing everything out, but here's the gist 1. (Spinning rod) M/F for ned & neko rigs (starts with a Ned) 2. (Spinning rod) M/F for flukes and wacky rigs skipped around docks (starts with a caffeine shad) 3. MagH/XF for frogs & toads (starts with a toad) 4. MH/F for paddletails (starts with a Keitech) 5. MH/M for chatterbaits & spinnerbaits (starts with a Jackhammer, usually) 6. MH/F for pitching/flipping (starts with a texas rig, usually) And then I usually grab a few more because I want to try something different that day and it's easier to grab another rod than re-tie. Like a carolina rig rod, or something more appropriate for crankbaits, or another rod with a jig already tied on.

I do the same thing. I always try to take a minute to appreciate the moment. Part of that is holding the fish out so I can look it over. I look at how healthy it is, the unique coloring of that particular fish, and take a deep breath before returning it to the water.

All the northern boys said "Amen" Fall will come and will bring it's own fun (hunting, bonfires, fresh apples), but I will NEVER wish away summer.

I love the soccer, swimming, and track & field... but I mostly focus on introducing my kids to the more obscure events that we only see once every 4 years. So, things like handball, water polo, rugby, fencing, volleyball, equestrian etc. We only watch those sports a few times, but it's fun to introduce them to something they've never seen.

Save your used paddletails that have the tail ripped off. They’re perfect as spinner bait and chatterbail trailers… and anyone who fishes paddle tails regularly has plenty of them readily available.

I use one of these in a 7.5:1. It’s a very solid frog reel.

Looking good. I believe the tatula line is the best value in the fishing world. Enjoy your first of many to come.

I was thinking the same thing. At least you got to feel the tug! Nothing feels worse than to be totally ghosted.

And the guys there are passionate and knowledge about pursuing other species too. You'll find good info there if you seek/ask.

One thing people forget is wind. It might be that your 9 good casts are with the wind and your 10th cast is into the wind... which will cause a backlash unless you're very careful and/or adjust your brakes. Might not be your issue... but it also might be your issue. Just something to look out for.

Add this to the list of reasons to avoid New Jersey haha.

Thanks to all who have shared some of the history of ladies in pro fishing. Like most of history, it seems like a mixed bag. I'm glad to hear that some have found their way, but it sounds like we have further to go. Thanks for broadening my knowledge on the topic.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. You are the best and most committed female angler I know, and I value your opinions greatly.

Very cool!! Thanks for sharing. Haha whoops. Thanks!!

I use a weighted wacky hook 99% of the time. Simply because I feel like it gets bit more. Maybe the faster movement triggers the fish more or something, not sure.

I have a question that I hope isn't offensive in any way. I've always looked at pro fishing and wondered why there aren't more ladies involved in the highest levels of competition. It seems like fishing is an area where women could compete with men on an even playing field, and yet it doesn't seem to happen. Though fishing is stereotypically seen as a "guy thing"... that's not actually true. A recent Bassmaster article suggests that over 1/3 of anglers in America are female... which makes one wonder why there is such minimal female representation in pro fishing. Has anyone else wondered this? Is there a good reason? I read some articles about it and people have postulated some ideas, but they all seem kinda arbitrary. Just curious to hear if anyone has insight into this. Thanks.

The splash on a topwater bite. Nothing comes close.

That was going to be my answer as well. To me, the Tatula line (both rods and reels) is very hard to beat in the $150 range. Also a big fan of Dobyns Sierra casting rods and St Croix Premier spinning rods... both also in the $150-$170 range. I've used some very expensive reels and I don't really notice any difference as compared to the Tatulas that I use so much. Never tried very expensive rods, so I can't speak to that... but I'm quite happy with my Tatulas, Sierras, and Premiers.

The new state record just came out of Cayuga Lake a few days ago.

I think the real question is… where are you fishing that you got so much action on your frog in July?!? This month has been tough fishing here in Upstate NY. Maybe it’s better wherever you’re at?

Cute! Congrats.