TLHSS

I use them on everything. Makes bank fishing much easier.

In no particular order (and I only fish spinning and fly reels): 1) Budget. If it's a reel that's going to be fished every day, my budget will be higher than a reel fished a couple of times a year. 2) Build quality and repairability. I will ask repair folks what they like based on what's been in the shop for service and repair. 3) Fishing environment. Choices will be different based on freshwater vs. saltwater. 4) Weight. If the reel is being fished every day, lighter is better for me. Like some others, I tend to buy used. Even some vintage if it fits the bill.

I’m not a kayak fisherman, so I don’t have an opinion on this either way. Just an FYI …There is a newly released video on YouTube by the Aggressively Average Anglers doing some testing of the kayak on a river. Interesting to watch.

Fully understand. I'm a UL fisherman, and also used a number of JDM baits. With tariffs, I've starting buying close replacements from domestic "mom and pop" producers, some of which will pour special color requests or scent requests. I also McGyver close copies using common bait pieces, fly tying materials and Mend-it. I've done the same with equipment beyond tackle. My current spinning rod is a great copy of a JDM rod, but made in Michigan. I recently needed a small chest pack. Before tariff, I would have purchased it from a quality overseas manufacturer like Fishpond. The pack I purchased was made in Ohio by ZimmerBuilt. It found it to be better quality and at a very competitive price.

About 100%. I only have a small amount of baits. Mostly soft plastics. I only keep baits that I have confidence in and I know catch fish. I do try new baits from time to time, but if they're not effective in my area, I move them on to other folks. And with short shipping times, I don't keep inventory. My inventory is "just in time". Also only two rods (one spinning; one fly). I don't want to sound judgmental with this approach. People should manage their gear in a way that brings them joy.

The Martin is a classic “tuna can” reel. Simple construction and great to fish on lighter weight rods. Lasts for years. I fished one on a 3wt rod for many years.

I carry the 160mm Knipex bolt cutters. Just a little longer than 6 inches. Not cheap, but I didn’t have much luck with cheaper, wire cutter type tools.

Quillback. A native fish in Illinois. Usually hang out in packs. Eats algae and are good for the river ecosystem. Not easy to catch. Many fishermen mistake them for invasive carp and kill them. I see them all the time when I fish the Kishwaukee river.

None of the bass I catch look anything like the fish in these photos. The conclusion I've reached is the bass in my fishery are users of Ozempic.

I don’t let anything accumulate. Rod, reel, landing net and boots get cleaned after every fishing session.

@Swamp Girl thanks for posting some Annie Lennox. Really enjoyed it! This showed up in my feed this week.

@A-Jay

I still use my Dad's box from the 1950s. It stores my tackle (except soft plastics) and reels. When I get to where I plan on fishing, I transfer what I need to a small bait bag. It's a small way to remember my Dad every time I fish.

Never thought of using them in saltwater. Thanks for the tip!

I fish ultralight. My favorite hooks are the Gamakatsu thin wire offset shank worm EWG (size 4). I'm no longer able to strongly do a hook set, so I appreciate very sharp thin wire hooks.

In my state (Illinois), it's not safe to eat Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, or Common Carp in my local river (Kishwaukee). High level of mercury and PCBs.

Two of my favorites .... Sierra Hull and Billy Strings, singing a Bill Monroe classic. I know this won't be most people's cup of tea, but I enjoy the talent. We saw Sierra in concert last fall, and it was a joy. No fancy costumes, no dancers, no floating cars, no computer generated music. No gimmicks. Just musicians playing music. Looking forward to seeing her again in September.

@Glenn if Steve Harvey joins the forum, I think he will be stiff competition for the most trustworthy mustache.

Since I spin and fly fish, it needs to be two. Vanford 500 and Orvis Battenkill.

Not sure if it's a better option, but I use some small diameter copolymer line and a drop of super glue.

@Ski is that a typical mortality rate for a tournament? Sorry for the question. I know nothing about tournament fishing.

Wooden Arbogast Jitterbug painted like a frog. He would throw it on an aluminum rod with a black bakelite trigger grip. Chrome Southbend round reel with white bakelite knobs. Funny the things you remember over time …

Thank you @little giant. I appreciate the response!

I'll be fishing in a state that recommends using in-line circle hooks for catch and release fishing (when using live or dead bait). I normally remove the barb from my EWG hooks when using soft plastics. It makes it easy for me to remove a hook ... both from the fish and myself. Can I remove the barb from an in-line circle hook and not impact the design of the hook that prevents gut hooking fish? Sorry if this is a stupid question.