tholmes

I've had the same experience with the H20 crankbaits, especially the square bills. They're as good as anything out there. Tom

Pole barn nail mounted in a vise. Tom

Abu Vendetta 7' MH fast. It works well as a jig rod, too. Tom

I started with a Zebco 202 on a 5' 'glass rod. I was fishing with my grandpa when a ~ 4lb. bass grabbed my lure and the drag on the reel failed causing the reel to self-destruct. The next time my grandpa took me fishing, he gave me a Shakespeare Model 1920 casting reel on a 5' steel rod. It took me a while to learn to cast that thing, but I finally got it. I still have the combo and I take it out now and then just to see if I can still cast without free spool and multiple ball bearings. Tom

That's my set-up, exactly! Tom

There's an app for that.? ? Tom

I've tied thousands of bucktail and maribou jigs using rod wrapping thread. Size A, IIRC I sealed the wraps with clear vinyl paint thinned 50/50. For silicone jig skirts, I tie them with fine copper wire. I can't remember the exact size, but that's not critically important. As long as it's strong enough to twist tightly without breaking and fine enough to be flexible enough to wrap, you're good to go. Tom

Unfortunately, Jerry has closed up shop. I used to buy a lot of Ambassadeur parts from him. ? Tom

I had over 100 at last count, and I've bought more since then. Tom

Today, here in deep central Kansas, it's 25 degrees with a north breeze and a snow/sleet mix falling. I'm not fishing. ? When I was (much) younger, I would fish in pretty much any weather from scorching heat to as cold as myself and my gear could stand. The limiting factor was usually the wind. Anything over 30 mph is a no-go for me. Tom

As a certifiable old coot, all of my casting reels are round Ambassadeurs. I have 6 in regular use and a couple dozen more that are either retired or backups. Sure, they're heavier than most bass reels, and none of them have double-digit bearing counts or supersonic retrieve speed, but they just work. And keep on working for years with some simple maintenance. tom

This or BPS Excel. Tom

We have many varieties of snakes, but only 2 that are venomous and commonly found in Central Kansas. Prairie rattler and Massassauga. There are Timber rattlers and Copperheads in the Eastern part of Kansas. Western Diamondbacks and Cottonmouths are very rarely sighted in the state. Tom

These are great choices^ Add a few Bomber Flat A and Squarebills to the mix. Tom

I generally don't use snap swivels, but I do attach a swivel (no snap) on spoons, especially when fishing in current. I helps prevent the dreaded line twist. Tom

Mitchell 301 and Garcia Conolon 6.5' light action rod. Ryobi AD 4000V Daiwa Millionaire 5H After these, It's been mostly Ambassadeur round reels. Tom

Culprit 7.5" ribbon-tail in Tequila Sunrise. Tom

6" Mann's Jelly Worm. Grape. Tom

Zara Spook. I've fished one 'til I wore my casting arm out. Many times. I can catch bass with other topwater baits, but nothing on a Spook. Tom

Prayers for her complete recovery. Amen. Tom

I have four round Ambassadeurs in my regular rotation. A Record 4600, Record 5600, 4600 CI and a 5600 CL Rocket. All have been modded with dual ball bearing worm gears and cog wheels. I have about 20 other 4600s,5000s,5500s and 5600s plus a 3600 Black Max and a 3600 ProMax. Tom

Praying for your recovery and for your family! Listen to your cardiologist! Tom

My first baitcasting set-up was a Shakespeare Model 1920 on a 5' steel rod. ***, no free spool but I learned to cast the dang thing anyway. That was about 1960. By the time I bought my first Ambassadeur 5000 (in '71) my thumb was pretty well educated? Tom

The Vendetta line is, IMHO, the best bang-for-your-buck rods out there. Tom

I usually start with a ribbon-tail and on the rare occasions when the bass don't hit it, I switch to a straight worm. I don't think I've ever fished a curly tail worm. Tom