NBR

I sit here and look at 6 bait casters over 50 years old sitting there in a place of honor on a shelf in my man cave. I think the reason for a right hand cranking bait caster is that is how the manufacturers made them. Spinning gear originated in Europe (I think France) and my first one, circa 1948 was a single bail left hand cranking reel. Again that's the way they were made. I believe continuing left or right cranking is a matter of habit. I get confused by just thinking about cranking a bait caster left handed or spinning gear right handed. When bait casting I do palm the reel so I would need to switch hand position most of the time regadless of the cranking hand. I don't think there is an efficiency loss by switching hands. Often and usually when fishing buzz baits I switch hands just before the bait hits the water. I also often cast with the baitcaster palmed in my left hand but not when I want a very long or accurate cast.

Mike, How did your St. Clair trip go? It is a huge lake and can be a challenge?

I use bullet weights but put them on backwards so the point doesn't wedge in the rocks which are at least 90% of the cover where I fish. If I'm stuck I get to the back side and 99% of the time the backwards weight pops out.

NOPE! Fishing if great fun. Catching is like frosting on the cake.

Nothig wrong at all if I'm having a tough day fun fishing I'm apt to troll to try to find the fish. I just think trolling is super boring so I don't do it much.

I often just stop the spool with my thuimb and start to crank. Takes the stress off the reel and instantly begins the retrieve.

Check with your local DNR. They probably know more about the lake than you would think possible. If the state is thinking of taking the lake over you can be sure they have a pretty good handle on the lakes status. I am norht of you by several hundred miles; 5# bass are not that common here nor in NJ. I have fished from the everglades to northern Canada and 1 pound bass are the most common everywhere. IMHO unauthorized planting should result in loss of fishig rights for some years.

On my spinning reels Iset the drag real tight and back reel. Bait casters I set the drag light. If I want a little more drag I squeeze the spool with my thumb . If I want a lot of drag I squeeze with both t.humbs

You won't do any damage. IMHO the only advantage I can see is the line is a bit softer when you put it on but right back to the original stiffness when it cools. Mono absorbs a little water but I doubt that any extra is retained from trip to trip. I do know of nylon auto parts molded in Indiana and shipped to El Paso had breakage problems do to the dry conditions. The reason to soak in hot water is temperature control. You can't get the water over 212F. While hot soaking can be helpfut for some putting mono on your reel correctly eliminates the need for soaking.

I've never kept one but many years ago I was at a lodge on the Chppeau Flowage in Wisconsin. They had about a 10 to 12" largemouth in an aquarium with a chub of about 6" and a bull head a little smaller. We arrived on a Friday night and Sunday morning the chub was in the bass with the bass' belly bulging down by the vent and the tail sticking out the bass' mouth. The bar tender said that in a few days the chub would be digested and the bull head would be swallowed. Then he would restock the tank with more feed for the bass. I have been told that caught and kept wild bass don't survive well in an aquarium. One tackle shop I know of gets their aquarium fish from the DNR.

As I sit here in the mancave I look at my shelf of long ago reels. Most more than 65 years old. Never dried, oiled or anything else after a rain. Oiled when ther needed. Also never allowed to ride in a truck bed. Still work they way they were designed. Oiled when they needed it which was usually at the start of each fishing trip.

What is the GVW capacity of your truck? If its close to the total weight of the boat rig, the truck and passengers you are ok. First issue is stopping the rig not pulling it. Does the trailer have brakes?

Why are you forced to use the boater's PFD? I am not a strong swimmer and I fish alone in my boat often so I bought a self inflating PFD and I take it with me when I fish the back seat. I put it on when I get in the boat and take it off then the day is done. When I have someone with me I have them bring their PFD. A poorly fitting or worn PFD is not acceptable to the coast guard or other marine safety officiers.

Just find points leading from deep into spawning areas. Winni has so much great smallie water it is hard to go wrong. Send me a PM if you would like!

Same rod, same weight line, same type of line, same lure. A lot more to casting distance than the reel.