BassinLou

I own both the STX and a Lews MG speed spool. I have zero complaints on both reels. I enjoy them both. I also have the Revo S and I enjoy that reel as well. I will occasionally have a hiccup when casting where the spool locks during a cast. When I studied what could be the problem I noticed that the screw on the right top side, which controls the removal of the side plate will loosen over time and I think that was the cause of the hiccup. Every time I tighten up the screw the problem goes away. Again, I have only experienced this on the Abu S G3. All the other issues that have been mentioned about the STX, I have never experienced. I have had this reel for over a year now.

Have you ever tried hollow body frogs with rattles inside? Works for me.

Start practicing. Play a lot of xbox to work on your hand eye coordination and finger dexterity.

I have dealt with St. Croix a couple of times, I have no complaints. Received replacement rods, no questions asked. Upgraded on one. Deal I couldn't refuse.

Sounds like a mechanical issue to be if you cannot get distance on a hollow body frog. Those things fly a country mile.

Awesome fish!! Did you also use megastrike??

Depending on your budget, if you are open to $11 a frog will tell you livetarget frogs they are great. If you are on a budget, booya sells frogs for $6. Others have mentioned other frogs that will suit you just fine. I fish them anytime. As far as colors, I stick with earth tones.

That's awesome!! Keep learning and keep fishing.

Does it effect your ability to cast and/or retrieve? Are there any knicks that you feel? If the answer is no, keep fishing. Make sure all the guides are free from debris.

Spray the night before you go.

What you experienced is common characteristic when fishing soft plastics. Regardless of the type of company you use. Yes, some brands say they last longer and are more durable however, sometimes a bass strikes with some gusto and a good hook set to match and its bye bye soft plastic.

On my b/c's I use braid for my frogging and swimbait applications and fluorocarbon on everything else. Although, as of late I have changed to Yozuri hybrid with no complaints. The braid stays on the frogging rod though.

I use a St Croix Legend Tournament, measuring 7ft. Great rod for spinnerbaits and several other applications.

I own both St Croix's and Carbonlites. The carbonlite, will be at the lower end of your budget. They are light, durable, and they get the job done. If you happen to brake it within the year you bought it, simply return back to BPS no questions asked. You will be surprised how good these rods are. St. Croixs are also great rods. For the budget you mentioned my only experience is the premier model. Good rod. It's a workhorse, however the carbonlite in this case is a lot lighter and as strong.

^^ What he said ^^

Run a rattle trap type/crank bait parallel to the hydrilla line. If you are fishing from a boat that is. If you have a heavy rod with #50 braid or higher fish a hollow body frog through the pockets or the lightly covered areas and hold on!!.

I carry the pliers from Browning. Its spring action, durable, have had it for years. Also it has a cutter built in for braid and mono that is built in the spring action mechanism. It runs about $50 but its worth it.

Straight fishing line? Yozuri hybrid. 8-10 lbs. Combo line that's very manageable, #20 PP with 10lb yozuri leader.

Bass thumb is awesome. Proof you slayed them. Whenever someone you know say they caught a lot of bass, check their thumbs.

Frog Toggs has my vote.

Awesome tips, thanks for sharing.

MCS, congrats!! Number 4!! Good for you guys. Best of luck on the induction. Don't worry, we will keep fishing for you.

I wrapped up my fishing day and was heading back to the dock one day. As I was positioning the boat to the dock I stood up and reached up prematurely causing me to lose my balance. As I fell forward I luckily reached the dock with the tip of my fingers and the tip of my feet on the edge of the gunnels. Luckily I was strong enough to pull the boat back to the side of the dock and get my footing. I looked like a Tom and Jerry cartoon character completely spread out with my arms extended, my feet out and my body outstretched feet above the water. LOL. I wonder what yoga move that will be called?

You have to give it a shot for a while and then report back. I personally use a leader. I fish old limestone lakes that are crystal clear and the fish are very cautious. If something is off forget about it. Now when I fish in the everglades and visibility is so so I will go straight braid.

Sweet fish dude,.... and you got paid. LOL. Did they ask to you to demonstrate for the third time? LOL.