Fishes in trees

As I recall, those hooks are called "kirbed" hooks and they are intended for use with live bait, like minnows or worms, stuff like that. They don't work very well for presenting artificial baits. Sharpen them prior to using them, that goes for any hook assortment that you purchase. Eagle Claw used to make a hook called the "Messler". Messler was the last name of the guy who designed the hook. It has a different kind of curve to it and the point didn't exactly align with the tie eye of the hook. It was designed to be used for fishing plastic worms and the notion was that when the fish bit and the hook was in the mouth of the fish, you'd feel the hit and set the hook and the compound curve of the hook would guarantee (most of the time) that the hook would rotate and catch in the upper part of the mouth of the fish, thereby making catch & release easier. I didn't experience much success with these hooks, but without a picture can't really tell what the hooks look like. My 2 cents. . . .

When I was fishing BFL as a co-angler, I went through so many different tackle storage approaches it was kind of funny. I'd change something up every tournament, or at least every other tournament - with mixed results. There is a fine line between carrying too much and not enough stuff. The one toy that I purchased that I never got away from was a rod caddy. This made transporting 6 or 8 rigged rods from the fishing truck to the boat so simple, I was surprised I didn't see more guys using them. See page 181 of the 2019 BPS master catalog, the rod sack I used was similar to the one pictured.

IMO, the pro fishermen give interviews in generalities and broad statements because that is what journalists, who write the articles that allow them to communicate with the fishing public, let them get away with. A pro isn't going to say, "I didn't practice much because I didn't need to, I've been in touch with various buddies over the past few weeks, they have practice fished for me, I trust their info, so I have several specific areas and waypoints." The information sharing rules are kind of silly because, IMO, everyone does it, so everyone just winks and pretends like no one does it. Every so often someone gets steamed at some one else, plays the information sharing card and sometimes DQ's happen and sometimes they don't. Plus there is a LOT of information on the lakes where the major tournaments are staged, available on the internet that is readily available to all. The line on what is private and public information is fuzzy. A guy can get information privately and then, because great minds think alike, find very similar opinions on the internet later. At the beginning of the day, what all the tournament competitors are required to do is "put the trolling motor down & go fishing", so, technically, no one is lying or concealing private info.

I've somewhat upgraded my spinning reel collection in the past few years. I've found the Pflueger president to be a good reel for me, as well as some mid-range Shimano and Diawa reels. I got a Shimano Nasci last year and fished with it some. What I didn't notice when I got it was that it didn't have anent-reverse switch, i.e. anti-reverse is always on and you can't switch it off. I don't like that - there are situations where I want to turn it off and back reel. Talking to the guys at Rogers, they mentioned that this was common on many new reels and that the drags were so good an anti-reverse switch was unnecessary. Well, I'd scuffed up the reel enough that I didn't feel right returning it and it does fish good, BUT I like an anti-reverse switch. If this is an issue to you, take a moment and check prior to purchase. I still fish with the Nasci, because it is an upgrade to what I had, but I'd like it better if it had that switch.

I don't have one. I want one. I see it more as a soft plastic/feel bait reel as opposed to a reaction bait reel.

I use both styles, the extendable pole and the "hound dog" type. Which one just depends on how I think the bait is stuck. The previous post that none of them work great in the wind is correct. The hound dog types do a poor job of getting lures out of trees. I bought a dog leash like a couple of pictures up and it makes stowing and deploying the weighted retriever much easier.

When I'm throwing jerk baits, it is generally windy. I think spinning gear works better for throwing jerk baits in the wind. What I use for throwing jerk baits isn't anything special - a 6'3" Shimano Med/ex-fast rod - light braid with fluorocarbon leader, and a wide spool spinning reel.

First, I'd recommend fluorocarbon line - lb test, whatever you feel comfortable with. Secondly, in that situation ( visible fish shallow, not committing ) , my next move is to find the deep edge of the weedline and put a lot of time in there. I'd lead off with a wacky senko, maybe parallel the deep weed line with a bait like a #5 or #7 Shad Rap, maybe a Brewer Slider worm, or some finesse plastic fished on a slider jig hook. The prior suggestion for big swim baits seem intriguing, but I've no experience in using those baits so I can't speak to that either way.

Kind of looks like a Lucky Craft, BUT, I don't recall the 2 red dots on the belly on the Lucky Craft version of clown. This leads me to think that it is a Lucky Craft knock off. Perhaps one of those import baits that start with an M, that I can't think of the rest of the name right now. Mizmo? Matso? something like that? Renownsky has also marketed some knock off hard baits from time to time. If you've got to have that color and you can't find that exact model, I'd go with a Lucky Craft, or a Rogue, or a Bomber Long A. All 3 of those baits have a good clown color.

To the original poster, the first step is to chastise and mock your buddy. "What, you're so cheap you can only afford one size of hook?, So afraid of making a poor purchase you're got to take a poll prior to purchase? What up with that? Are you contending with Ned Kehde for some frugality prize?" Kept in the packages, and dry, extra hooks never wear out, why not have extras? If I came across some on sale hooks that I thought might help/wanted to try, I'd buy a couple of packages of each size.

In seasons past I've used various brands of 17 or 20 lb mono. This year I'm trying 14 Yo-zuri co-poly on my primary spinner bait rig and I can't complain about the line.

My current favorite rod for throwing my home made jika rigs in the half ounce range is a 7'2" Fenwick AETOS - MH - ex fast tip. Occasionally I will throw this rig kinda far (half the spool on a Chronarch 50) and I've successfully felt hits and set the hook with this rod on multiple occasions. I've found this rod light enough and stout enough and a Chronarch 50 blanches on it well.

Rather than get a few "all purpose" rigs that you have to re-tie to switch baits, consider going "technique specific" This will justify the expense of many more rods, not just 2 or 3 more. Consider that if you take care of your gear , they will all last longer because you won't be using any one rig as much. You've got a decent start for your first half dozen rigs, consider what you might want to learn next. A few recommendations from a technique specific tackle junkie . .. .. Ned Rig, Alabama Rig, separate rigs for spinnerbaits, chatter baits & buzz baits, something to throw poppers with and something to throw Spooks & Sammy's with. Don't forget a Frog rig, finesse frog rig, drop shot & Bubba drop shot rigs, something to throw those ounce to ounce and a half square bills. A jerk bait rod would be nice and then a separate one to throw soft plastic jerk baits. A bait casting rig to throw quarter ounce sliders on and a spinning rig to throw lighter ones on. I'm leaving quite a few rigs out . . . on purpose . . wouldn't want you to get overwhelmed. Don't forget "back up" rigs. When you get a difficult back lash on one of your bait casters, it is much simpler to put the out of commission rig back into the rod locker and pull out a similar rig - think how much time you'll save. Put it into perspective by reminding yourself that you can buy fishing gear, but you can't buy extra fishing time.

The 50 E is a pitching reel. Making 50 or 60 yard casts, you're throwing out way over half the spool, more like 3/4 of spool capacity. That's crazy. Get the right tool for the job. Get a 200 size Curado, or a Calcutta, and reel with increased spool capacity. JMO

I like the gear collecting aspect of fishing, bass fishing in particular. Some could call it an addiction ( some did, when I outgrew my garage years ago and built a 30 by 50 metal building to store my stuff in ). I lined the walls with shelves and bought many plastic shoe boxes to mouse proof my collection of extra soft plastics. But hey, if I was extremely partial to the booger sugar, all I'd have to show for it at the end of the day would be a runny nose. I like learning techniques that are new to me and often that requires specific gear that I don't already have. Can't throw A rigs on a pistol grip rod, or larger swim baits on an ultra-light, stuff like that. I know Slider fishing has been around for a long time, I read Charlie Brewer's book when it first came out. I catch more fish throwing sliders now, with the quality gear that I've got now, than what I did in the late 70's-early 80's, when a Skyline Graphite rod was top of the line. Heck, even the 6 lb mono that I commonly throw now is light years ahead of the 6 lb mono of the 70's & 80's. I think that good gear helps you catch more fish. I know that using lighter bait casters lets me fish longer without my wrists getting sore, compared to the Calcutta 250's I used to use. As far as what is considered a "bass fisherman" I think that you can consider yourself anything you want. I frequently consider myself a jerk on one end of the line waiting for a jerk at the other end of the line . . ..

Never been a fan of Shakespeare reels - can't help you there, I don't even know if they are worth cleaning. The Cardinal 753 - I'd clean that one. I've got a couple and mind are great trout fishing reels - for me - fishing at Lake Taneycomo. No clue about what to fish for in Pacific Northwest - but that reel will throw little spinners on. 4 lb line - at least it does for me. Previous advice on having the Ambassadors professionally cleaned is good advice. I'd get that Shimano Sedona done also - it is a decent all purpose reel, a little big for me, but most guys have larger hands than I do. The pistol grip rods, imo are wall hangers, not really a collector item, but I wouldn't fish with them. Actually, most of those rods I'd clean up and use as wall hangers. I'm pretty sure that somewhere in the greater Portland area there are several decent tackle shops. Do some research, find out where they are, take a Saturday to visit and chat and find out stuff. Or maybe a Thursday, they're likely to be much less busy on a Thursday. While you're in Portland, realize that you're in one of the micro-brewery capitals of the country. Take some time to grab a good sandwich and lift a few pints. I'd go to the Bridgeport Brew Pub. Never been there myself, but I like their IPA, a batch of which makes it to Kansas City from time to time.

I guess I'm a numbers guy. I fish for fish and every so often keepers and bigger fish happen.

I have a few of the Kistler rods, purchased years ago when Cabelas decided to get out of the Kistler business. I have 2 of the love green ones (Helium?) and a couple of the blue ones (Argon). One of the Argons is a 7'5" telescopic heavy pitching rod. I like it a lot and use it all the time as my go to bubba drop shot rig. One of the olive ones is a called the "small swimsuit special" and I've found it to be a great square bill rod. The others see occasional usage. They are good rods, but I wouldn't have paid full msrp. I paid 40% off or something on that order.

Duped again. Thought this was a thread about different guys personal favorites - but it isn't.

There are some techniques that aren't a real good fit for the waters that I fish most of the time. Carolina rigs come to mind. There are some techniques that took me a while to learn - drop shot fishing would be one of those that comes to mind. Then sooner or later someone you know is going to have some good days doing something you don't do well at and you ask yourself "Why can't I do that?" At that point it becomes a challenge. C-Rigs - When I was fishing BFL as a co-angler I saw so many other co-anglers doing better than I was, and they were fishing c-rigs - so I had to start. I've never gotten to where that's my favorite technique or anything like that, but I'm confident enough that I can throw it and not feel doomed. Drop Shot - I experimented with several different drop shot rigs with varying degrees of minimal success and then I heard about the concept of "Bubba Drop Shotting" which is basically using fairly heavy duty bait casting gear and rigging up drop shot baits on that. I've never had a great day doing the bubba version of the drop shot, but I have had it turn bad days into ok days because I caught 7 or 8 fishing that wouldn't have bit any other presentation. So, my experiences tell me to keep an open mind when learning about new techniques, they might not all be your cup of tea, but they are a challenge, and that in itself is a reason to try to figure them out. On soft plastics, I've got no clue why some baits work for other guys but not so much for me. Brush hogs are a perfect example, I can pitch tx rigged brush hogs for hours and not get bit, buy when I put one on my home made pika rigs, over the past couple of years brush hogs are my most consistent producer. It is a mystery. I tend to fish by myself more often than not, so keeping multiple rigs out on the deck ready to use isn't much of a problem

If you live near an Academy Sports, check out their H2O house brand. Some guys like then and some guys don't. Me, I have 3, 2 bait casting and 1 spinning. The bait casters are 7' and on the light side of MH and I like them for pitching. I got them to replace a 6'10" Falcon Eakins Jig Special and I found them very similar in quality and action. I got a 6'6" Light spinning rod, to throw size 5 Shad Raps and similar weight baits and something about it just isn't right, so it hasn't seen the water. It will probably make some buddy of mine a decent crappie rod, once them get something to trade that I want. I got all 3 of these rods on close out at less than $50 and I think the spinning rod was closer to $20. Back to the subject of Frog Rods - currently I use an older Fenwick HMG 7'4" with a Calcutta TEGT and 65 lb braid. It will throw a half ounce frog (closer to 3/4 oz after I finish putting BBs inside and a stout split ring) as far as I've needed it to. Downside of this rig, it's a little heavy, so while it is nearly always in the boat, I don't throw it all that often. Last year I used the "finesse frogging" spinning rig much more often, and I got bit more on the finesse approach.

I 'd go Bass Raider - no question - much more stable when you decide to stand up in it. Either boat you will decide to stand up in it from time to time. I'd recommend a trailer. Harbor Freight generally has decent deals on small trailers and sometimes Orschlens does. The Harbor Freight ones seem easier to customize.

Bank fishing around gators . .. even back in the day, when I was a die hard, meat fishing bush hippie, no way would Ibe bank fishing around gators - I might have gotten into gardening, who knows? No clue how old you are, but my advice is to make acquaintances with guys who have boats and go with them. Or buy a boat and learn that way and everything else that goes along with boat & tow vehicle ownership. I'm in Missouri, not Alabama, so this doesn't really effect me one way or the other, however, if I lived further south there isn't any way I'd be bank fishing anywhere near alligators, I'm too old and too slow.

I like Terminators or War Eagles. For Murky to Muddy water I like a half ounce Colorado Blade spinner bait, with the blade slightly bigger than a quarter. Colors for clearer water I like a Golden Shiner or the War Eagle Mouse or Spot Remover color. Murky to Muddy water I like Chartruese/white with either painted blades or a copper blade.

I have several nice looking (IMO ) fishing outfits. I like cutting down on the sunscreen, although I still put it on my neck, ears and back off my hands, knees & thighs. I have to wear knee high anti-blood clot socks, no sunburn from the knee down, ever. I didn't think that the long sleeve knit sun shirts would work, but they do, they are MUCH more comfortable than cotton. No amount of explaining will convince anyone, just have to try it and find out. Back when I was a youth, I could get away with looking skuffy when I went fishing, these days I don't feel like looking that way. I have some HUK, Under Armor Cold Gear, Columbia PFG and some Patagonia. I generally carry any extra set of clothes or two in the fishing truck. I find that clean, dry clothes after I've been fishing all day feel good on the drive home, and I don't stink as much so if I stop at a restaurant, they don't automatically put my back in the corner far away from everyone else. Oh yeah, clean hats - it bugs me to wear a dirty hat. During the course of a summer I'll buy 2 or 3 wide brim straw hats, and I have 2 or 3 good fishing hats that get washed regularly. Worse comes to worse, Walmart is almost always on the way and they nearly always have clean white caps for $4. Wear them a couple of times then they become lawn mowing hats. As mentioned previously, I've known a few guys who got skin cancer from sun exposure and it ain't funny - I have enough health issues anyway without inviting that problem.