BassinLou

You wrap 50lb braid around your arm and just pull using your arm alone? Impressive. I am too soft skinned to even try that. Lol!! I use either a rag that I carry with me, and if it's real bad, i will wrap it around my pliers. On the boat hang ups are not a problem.

I think direct sunlight over prolonged period of time will yield more of an effect vs indirect heat.

Fixed it Darren, thanks again!!

Thanks Darren, dang it I mixed them up again.... lol!!

Darren, you may be right lol!! I for whatever reason get those 2 mixed up sometimes.

Flush the bearings and try again. If the problem persists you may have to take it for a breakdown.

I can understand that logic. But when you are pitching into thick vegetation, although fish are weary by nature, when their in cover they are less weary if you can reach them. As far as pitching, you can pitch from a considerate distance. Flipping on the other hand is a little bit more up close and personal.

Those are tree cutting skills right there!!

To the OP, congratulations on your purchase. Ranger tins are nice!! As far the advice given above. Several of those points are suspect. But hey, we all have our own way of doing things.

I will not use braid for cranking or spinner baiting. I know many do, and I did for a spell to see if I noticed a difference. I did notice a difference. My heart was broken by losing several big bass. Braid's 0 shock absorption serves a purpose, but in regards to cranks, those small hooks and the action of the strike requires more of a "give". To remedy that with braid, either you have to fish with a Med rod with a fast/mod tip, or loosen the drag and play the fish. Just my .02

Nice!! Enjoy these outings together.

Are you fishing from the bank or from a boat? If you are fishing from a boat, pitching and flipping will be more ideal than punching in pads. Imho. Pads have little pockets and openings that require accurate technique. Punching although a very effective is used for matted vegetation and breaking through layers. Mikey Ballz does have several entertaining vids on punching and flipping. From the bank, punching and flipping presents a challenge. The main one I see is tackle retrieval in the event you get stuck. Fishing with heavy braid you have to be careful when you attempt to pull loose your bait. protect your rod and reel at all times and utilize a stick to wrap the braid around and then try to pull your bait loose. Good luck.

Welcome to BR, as far as colors, I mainly throw watermelon varieties and okeechobee colors. As far as weights go, I agree with your assessment, the weight you were using was too heavy. Imho nothing effects the action of a worm more so than a too much weight. The weights I throw range from 1/32-1/8. More than that you are dealing with really bad wind or really deep water. If you want your worm to create more action, downsize one more size. 2/0 EWG. Again, keeping the bait as natural and light as possible will increase your hook up %. Good luck and see you around.

I plead the 5th on this one...... ROTFL!!!

I know I am guilty of this and I will stop. Having close to 50K members is a good problem to have on the site. I do not want to rock boat and wanted to ask why there are only 6 moderators? Wouldn't the addition of more ease the load? There are several well spoken, seasoned BR members that I would love to see as moderators. Just sharing my observation.

Bluegills. Bass do not bunch up like that in open areas.

Good luck!! Keep us posted on your progress.

^^^ Simple as that ^^^

Try a speed worm, for ex a zoom u-vibe, burned right on top with an emphasis over small pockets. That can be really fun!!

Since your throwing in the jig into the mix I would have to say 734.

You're welcome.... anytime. Glad the input has helped you.

Good to know, I have to try that. Thanks!

I have a whole ziplock bag that I call my frog cementary. They are all mangled, but i keep them around for parts.... lol

Congratulations, beautiful fish.

Taking high dosages of Alleve (Naproxen) over a long period of time can/will lead to kidney issues. If an someone has to take a anti-inflammatory on a daily basis to seek relief. There is a significant underlying problem that has to be dealt with head on and not in the form of a pill.