J Francho

Heck, I don't even stick to one pond when I'm out pond hopping. One might be hot, another not. I keep lure selection simple, and it's usually based on cover each pond offers.

@clayton86 uses a device that inflates when submerged. I can't remember what it's name is, though.

I just saw they're calling for snowy mix on Thursday. This puts a serious crimp on fishing and skateboarding.

Drop shot rig or jigging spoon are the two main things I use.

Maybe not, if tethered to your PFD or something.

I don't tether when I'm using the rod. I suppose you could add a pad eye close to where you hold the rod. Seems like it could be a pain, and I don't like stuff that can tangle in front of me.

Siebert Dredge wire tie with Rage Chunk, Craw, or Zoom Superchunk. http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/

Owner Down Shot Offset hooks for anything but bubba-shot. https://www.ownerhooks.com/product/down-shot-offset/

Blue Gill.

I've seen multiple 5s come from a specific pond that is not much more than an acre. Blue gill are the forage as well.

Not putting screw eyes into my rods.

Most of the waters I fish benefit from catch and release, and I don't care for the taste of bass. There are other species that I occasionally keep.

That won't pass. It gets submitted every year. Not to get political....

How do the leashes with a D clamp and split ring work?

I thought this was gonna be another workout video.

My full cork Avids float with a sub 8 oz. reel, with nothing added.

Fixed the font issue for you. Size 14 pt. is the normal size. Welcome to the forums.

Butch is on another level. We're talking about a beginner swimbaiter. I want the margin of error to be high.

These are how my skate board bearings are made. You can actually completely disassemble the bearing by removing the shield and plastic cage. The let all the balls got to one side and take it apart.

Hobie Kayak Leash looks like the best option out there. At $20, it seems like a no brainer for our expensive bass rigs.

I don't recommend any fluorocarbon for swimbaits.

I don't like the leader idea at all for swimbaits. CXX is pretty economical. 600 yd. spool is less than $15.

I know you're looking for rod recommendations, but you might want to rethink your line choice. I use 20# CXX. There's many other that go this route. You can get away with lighter line, or the braid, but as your bait collection grows, you want to use an extremely tough line. Speaking of growing your collection of baits. Go slow. I made the mistake of buying everything I could afford. I now use just a handful of baits that suit my fishing and my waters.

I missed this. Very sorry for your loss.