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Finally got to change lakes to a much shallower, almost muddy water lake today with water temps in the low 50s (51-53). As I thought, I found active fish fairly shallow despite the lake being down 2-3 ft below normal. Was a nice change of pace from the past 2 months of fishing.

The pound test has little to due with your problem. The fact that braid in all test strengths has no give or stretch is the culprit. The number of strands doesn't change thing either regarding stretch.

2019 trip to Toledo Bend, well two days in & only 3 fish ? But one was tagged BassCashBash which I was registered in, it won me a 2019 Dodge Ram

After my diagnosis the range of emotions has been unbelievable. Then I realized yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't promised, we have today. Just like before! This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

God lined up the stars again for my first trip of 2025! He gave me the opportunity to cross the path with five DD bass in 7 days!!! My best 5 for the trip went 54lbs! Also had a 8lb 4oz, 7lb 4oz and 6lb 4oz. The breakdown of the top 5: 11lb 4oz / 25¾" L × 21" G 11lb 4oz / 25½" L × 21½" G 11lb / 25½" L × 21" G 10lb 8oz / 25½" L × 19½" G 10lb / 24" L × 20½" G I've been trophy hunting for ten years now and this trip is what it's all about! I still can't believe what went down. The first 11lb 4oz hit the net within the first few hours of day 1 of the trip! I was on cloud 9 and told myself any fish from that point on was just a bonus, not knowing four more DD's would hit the net before it was over! I was able to watch all five DDs eat on the new Mega Live 2. I also was able to hone my mental fortitude this trip by sometimes going 6-7 hours with zero activity/hits and staying mentally in the game. I weighed all the DD's multiple times on my IGFA certified 15lb Boga Grip. As usual, my custom F5 rods paired with the Calcutta Conquest 400MD's put in work! All were caught on various swimbaits. The series of pics below are in order of the top 5 listed above (better quality pics on IG - 22RangerZ520R, had to resize/shrink them to post here). Man, it's going to be very hard to top this trip and I'm smiling ear to ear just typing this. Can't wait to go again....!

Set your drag at 8 lbs, 1 gallon of water weighs 8 lbs, try lifting it with your combo. 8 lbs of drag is max force your rod can withstand. 40 lb /.013D braid may cut your hands whereas 60 lb / .016D is easier to handle. Your reel has a drag used it! Tom

Just a guess, but you’re ripping holes because of the combination of a non forgiving XF rod, heavy braid and locked down drag. I’d say you’re ripping her on the set because of the power and setup of your combo. I use 50# original Power Pro only because it is a 4 strand and can cut through pad stems better when it’s needed than a more manageable 8, that’s the only reason. I’ve had great luck with 40# also. As Dwight said, the strength of the line isn’t your problem I too use a heavy action rod but with a slower action. I tried a XF but now delegate those to bottom contact presentations only. Mike

I caught my pb largemouth on a glide bait and my pb smallmouth on a Rago so these could be interesting.

When you do that, make sure you leave a copy of Rock Bass Secrets

I'm going to have to one up you. I can tell you where the fish are not located, what they are not hitting, what depth they are not at, stop the pre spawn, spawn, and post spawn bite, and change a good moon in to a bad moon.

If you do go the silica pack route, these are the perfect size. 200 for $10. For a 3700 size box I usually spread out 6-8 packets across the bottom. I'll replace them every year or every other year. https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Packets-Premium-Desiccant-Dehumidifiers/dp/B00E880DYS/ref=sr_1_3_pp?crid=1JZ7MDSMHQKYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.X1ydbBRYp4hHW0oTb3T7qerkknGYYP2RveFR-g2z5l-JKVsGyVgusX2K3hytyoZnS4yhLap40HESdYYgJgnGnvMjNJgRoHnx09ttWo2K0bfYjzz70S2j9iyaJ01W15ZIuXAN-G-W7LUF0o3bMkwHodSH5lRMGBMSVLYzG5IQW2i76qBq_j_vfWI_abzle1WhskSP1O2rYT06uXejozH9gPjJ4-kfSHHmSddKyVRQYWw.Cwdu2YN1u5ckJmmmw8xgKTWjh9NiFmR8fyX8KZXWbi8&dib_tag=se&keywords=silica+gel+packets&qid=1741130071&sprefix=silica%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-3

Here's some powerfully effective tackle, a string, stick, and old plastic bottle:

Another superpower I have is being dogged. @T-Billy has it, fishing night after night. So does @AlabamaSpothunter, fishing hard through the winter. @pdxfisher has it too. I've seen him launch his little boat in the winter and I've also seen him fish from his little boat in merciless winds. Of course, other BR members also have this superpower. I'm dogged in not launching at the easy places, I.e. parking lots with ramps. I lug my gear through the woods and wade into water before it's deep enough to step into my canoes. So, I'm a little like John McClane. I'm scruffy and outgunned and sometimes bloodied, but I keep fighting.

Even as primitive as this kids fishing gear is, I would wager a months pay that he has his favorite bottles, sticks, line, hooks and would argue for hours over what is the best knot to use. He may even measure the length of his sticks, and I'm sure he acts like nothing is going on if he gets a bite, and anther angler is walking by.

https://bacustombaits.bigcartel.com/product/bladed-grass-jig?fbclid=IwY2xjawFNmeFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZI_suq2oTDZh2AYlsEGF0f4sA7ekaOlf56BXAQSlLA0gHFcEzilr0iLIg_aem_o7VGjjyZBBIjUcmydbYRaw

It was a couple of years ago. Was fishing a small remote lake in WV not known for big bass. It was April 2 with 52* water temp and was throwing a swim jig. Can't say it was a single fish but a crazy unexpected day.

I have several Edge boxes and they're great but I found I like the KastKing knockoffs better. The latch system just works better and they're cheaper.

In 1986 while stationed in SC, I bought a Skeeter Starfire and really got into Bass fishing. I worked in a weapons shop and 3 of us fished every chance we could. There was a Black Marine from Detroit that asked me if I would take him some time. He had never fished for Bass and had nothing. I rigged up a couple extra rods and put them in the boat. We headed out to my favorite river on a perfect Saturday morning. Within 1 hour we landed over a dozen really nice fish and 4 of them were his. He was beaming the entire day. I wish I had a camera on the boat. By the end of the day we must have landed 30+ fish. He was so excited he went to the PX the next Monday and bought some gear. I took him out 4-5 more times over the season. I was rewarded that day with my last fish being a nice hog caught on top with a Devil's Horse. I wanted to show my Wife so I took it home, got some pics and let it go in the base pond.

We get that a lot here in MN. People claim they've seen a wolf, they show a photo of it, and they are corrected because it's a yote. The difference between the two is pretty astonishing. The giveaway is usually the length of the legs. Wolves stand much higher than a yote does. Minnesota has the highest gray wolf population in the lower 48. If ever in doubt, it's a coyote until proven otherwise.

Yep, worm on jighead for the sinker. It was cold and a little windy Sunday morning and he broke it off, I started humming the jeopardy tune while he tied the next one on for half an hour

Bazinga !

I'd guess I have bought/sold/traded 150 rods from them over the last 8 or 9 years. There has been some that have gotten broken or wind up all the way across the country because of shipping issues but never do to negligence on ALFs part. If I have an issue Brian gets me taken care of he has gone above and beyond what I expected several times. I personally have sworn off the back order deal regardless of who it is. I waited since October for a bait from TW that has never made it. They are at the mercy of the suppliers I know but I don't need the stress. They are launching a new website. ' , '

Was this through American Legacy? I have never had an issue with them and they have always been good to me, whether on orders, problems with orders or rods broken during shipment. They always stood behind things. Sounds like you had a bad experience, but I don't agree that they are a horrible company. I've dealt with others that were FAR more questionable.

I've got a few edge boxes that I use for specific stuff like jigs, and Fogy baits. Other then that most of mine are 3700 or 3600s, IMO the #1 rule to keep rust out of your box is do not put wet baits/hooks away in the box. Most of my rust issues went away since I started this. Rarely do I deal with a rusty hook unless I keep a salty soft plastic on one.

For $5K, I'd be looking at a early 2000's Bass Tracker 175 that's been garage kept. It will probably have a 50HP two stroke Tracker/Mercury on it, and will probably need maintenance and upgrades like new fuel lines/primer. Ask for a water test, and you get anything but "sure we can do that", then move on. Also inspect the trailer for rust, tire tread, repairs (such as bad welds). And ask for a clean title for both the boat and trailer. I just went through this last spring to help a neighbor buy his first boat of FB Marketplace, and we had to weed through at least 20 listings before we found the right boat and seller. Trust your gut, if it seems to good to be true it is, and if you're not comfortable with the responses, walk away.

I've been doing a lot of boat searches lately myself so have a feel for the market (at least up here). At that price point, you are going to be looking at early to mid 90's boats and individual condition will be more important that the brand and model. You don't say glass or aluminum specifically, though do reference two glass boats. Not sure where you're located but if you're in the south east or Texas you might have a better selection to choose from. Up here, $5k will get you a stripped out 1990 ranger with torn seats, limited carpet, and a 150-175 2-stroke. The trolling motor may or may not work and don't look for any electronics. If you go aluminum, then you can get into a late 90's or early 2000's tracker with a 40-60hp and half decent shape.

If the water is that cold in Florida: My lures are: 1.) College football on TV 2.) Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips 3.) Yuengling Tan & Black Beer 4.) Johnny Walker Black if Yuengling doesn't make me forget about the cold. 5.) Buffalo Chicken Wings Those are my lures, because I'm probably not outside. 😆

Honestly for 5k; you're probably looking at something like a 90's bass boat with a 75hp Mercury 2-stroke. Now, you'll not hear me talk bad about 2-stroke engines; the vast amount of boat fishing I've done was on a 2-stroke. A well-taken care of, maintained two-stroke can run. But an old 2-stroke engine with plenty of hours on it can have a myriad of issues. Not to mention the fiberglass boat attached to it; which can have holes, transom issues. I'm not saying you can't find a sweetheart of a deal. But if you plan to spend 5k on a bass boat, be prepared to spend a lot more money on it that you didn't see coming. Now, you can get a new Bass Tracker Classic XL with a 5 year warranty, decked out with modern equipment and a 4-stroke engine that is easier to maintain and gets better gas mileage, a 16' that you can work in shallow water. Now it's around 15-17k new for one, and occassionally you can find them a couple years old on marketplaces in the 8-10k range. This being your first bass boat, lets be real; you're learning how to use your equipment. Aluminum boats can take a bit more punishment than fiberglass boats, and they don't cost a zillion dollars. They are light and can tow well. You'll be able to fish in places a 21' fiberglass bass boat dare not go to. I'm looking at a boat of my own. Personally, I'm going with a Tracker 175, which is a foot longer and a foot wider than the Classic XL. It's also got a bigger motor, and they go new for about 23k. Take your five grand, put it toward a Bass Tracker (New or gently used), finance the rest for a relatively low monthly payment, go fishing, and if you need something fixed, utilize the warranty and make it someone else's problem. Otherwise, if five is all you're gonna spend, take a guy that knows boats with you, pay him a c-note to check out the boat for you and have him tell you if it's worth buying or not. Hope this helps.

Losing a floating crank-bait, and being able to cast another one and snag it almost every time. Not sure if this is a super power or just being frugal. Lol

No, you join us, I like when fish tug on my line. If I knew where you lived I'd sneak in your garage and setup every rod you own with a dropshot rig

Same. The rest of you, join us. Lol

It's tough keeping tackle dry when it rains....

This is my most ridiculous set up. Old BPS Extreme 68Mxf, Shimano something or other spinning reel. 20-30lb straight braid. My dedicated Fat Ika rod. I use it in incredibly irresponsible places with over the top hooksets. I love fishing with it.

Here are my three baits that produce time and time again—regardless of the season or conditions. If you’re tired of showing bass lures they don’t care about, these three go-to options will always have you reeling them in. 👉 What’s your favorite go-to bait? ⬇️

The biggest game changer in FW bass fishing I've personally witnessed is undoubtedly the senko. They catch fish now, but when they were just hitting the scene, it was like cheating. The only other gamechanger that comes close in my mind is the introduction of Gulp in the NE SW game.

@TnRiver46 a baited Ned rig? I’ve thought about this. Wonder how often they bite the sinker. This would solve that problem. Along the same lines as putting hooks on the blades of spinnerbaits 😂

There’s a bit of a run below the dam too, but it usually fishes pretty good. You can get up close if the waters not running or fish the riverine portion downstream. White roostertails will almost always catch something. Once it’s warmer the edges of current and close to the bank are best for largemouths but that’s one of those places where you could catch any of a number of species.

If the lures/hooks are dry when sealed in a box no problem. If the lures are wet and sealed without air circulation corrosion will occur. Desiccant's help to absorb moisture. I drilled 1/8 dia holes in my regular Plano box’s for years without any lure or hook rust, air is your friend mitigating corrosion. Tom

I'm like 95% basic Plano 3600 & 3700. I've got a few 'Cabela's' & 'Lund' boxes, (came with the boat) but they both just seem like re-branded Plano products. I try not to 'put away' wet baits; especially jigs/skirt type deals. Drying them out helps keep the rust monkey away. Oh no, a new monkey ! A-Jay

Looked at several used Bass Boats for sale and nothing in your price range worth considering. In glass 18’ bass boats. consider doubling your budget! Tom

Been chewing tobacco for 50 years and never spit on a bait. HOWEVER ! I did spray baits down with WD-40 years ago when someone started that craze 😁

1. 15-16lb Fluorocarbon is what I use 2. absolutely, perfectly fine 3. in my experience, you get what you pay for with fishing line. I don't cheap out with it. It's such a critical component of hooking and landing fish. To me Sunline FC Sniper strikes a great balance between performance and cost.

I fish a shallow rocky snaggy river and don’t use straight braid for two reasons: 1) Braid has poor abrasion resistance. 2) When I get snagged it’s easier to break the leader than the braid mainline. If I just fished weeds or open water I wouldn’t hesitate to use straight braid, even hi-vis.

I’ve used nothing but straight braid, (10 lb) no leader for a very long time. I won’t use anything else. I don’t have to deal with zebra muscles, and I don’t drag my line and baits across rocks so abrasion has never been an issue.

I like the idea of the Edge boxes, but the cost and weight of them turned me off. I just use regular Plano 3700's etc and put 1 gram silica gel packets in them. I just make sure I don't put any lures away wet and I never have any rust issues.

For that kind of money I would look for an aluminum rig. That’s what I did a few years back. Got a well taken care of 16’ X 50” aluminum boat with a Tohatsu 40 on it. Great boat, still going strong.

Those look pretty sweet

We better get open water soon ~ Loving this FA Peacock flavor. A-Jay

After bending up some of these wires I understand why they cost so much. Going to make some with the small bladed jig blade for now until the real blades arrive. These first batch are fixed wire to the head. I know how to make the swinging wire ones I just need to find some small pieces of aluminum. Allen