J Francho

Many target smallies in current using the same gear.

Yep, that's short, lol. I start at 11', and have a 13' and 15' rigs for mudsharks.

I don't know that I have any real "skills" that I can share. It's more an intuition on waters I know. I remember years ago being frustrated that I only had good days when fishing with an experienced angler, but when alone it was hit or miss - mostly the latter. Somewhere along the way, after many, many days on the water that problem waned. I still have tough days, but that keeps me coming back.

I'll keep an eye out. We have a family run grocery locally that has an impressive collection of hot sauce (as well as the most amazing beer and chip aisle), so I'll check there before trying to order.

Catcherman.

I still have my Deep South stick I bought from Speedbead. It's gotta be 20 years old, but works great.

Anything chipotle/habanero is good. Those two pair up so well.

We were due for one of these threads Did you spool up with just the braid, and no tape or backing?

I've had it. Not as readily available here as Melinda's. It's good, too,

In fall, I target smallmouth. For large mouth, I pick spring, specifically prespawn/spawn period. Largemouth are fickle during cooling times.

Agreed!

My first paddle was a Carlisle Magic Plus. It worked pretty well with my OG Big Game, which paddled like a sheet of plywood. Now that I think of it, it didn't have a sticky ferrule, like the cheapo no name aluminum shaft paddle I have for the guest boat.

I have a ton of Avids (SCIII), and a handful of LTB (SCIV), as well as a custom built SCIV. None of the Mexican built have ever really turned my screws, but I do have a single Eyecon (SCII) spinning rod that is decent.

I'll never get over Neko Macho.

we could not afford that lux

19" was a common size tor televisions back in the 70s lol

I have no idea. I usually eyeball it, and check the rating, when it comes to terminal tackle.

230-250 will be fine. I use an AT Oracle full carbon with a custom bent shaft, that is adjustable for length. You get the same adjustable length paddle for around $120 without all the fancy materials. It's the most aggressive blade shape they make.

I was going to post this same product. This should help.

Great on tacos!

Frank's is better as an ingredient than alone.

Other than the Texas rig style hook and plastic, I see no similarities between the two. Neither are rigs I've found any use for.

My complaint about using musky spinning rods has always been the oversized grips. I have set many up with inshore rigs using a 5000 series reel and up to 50# braid. These are usually frogging rods, but I bet you can find a rod that is a little heavier and rated for the baits you want to throw, and still has "bass sized" grips.

I get it at the grocery store. All of them carry it. The plain is run of the mill, but the XXX-hot is pretty hot. It's an habanero sauce, it's very red so I imagine they are using ripe peppers. Get used to it, and Frank's will taste like sweet and sour sauce.

How do you guys feel about non-vinegar based sauce, like Melinda's? I used to eat a lot of their XXX-hot. It's carrot and onion based.