JayKumar

Without a boat you can see the launch, if you want to get up that early, and the weigh-in. Some pros will stick around for autographs and to talk, others will bolt right out of there, especially if they've had a bad day. There are sponsor booths where you can check out and sometimes buy products. If you go on Saturday, some of the pros who didn't make the cut might be in the booths so you can chat with them. If your son wants to meet a particular pro, ask one of the B.A.S.S. folks, they might be able to help make it happen. Good luck, have fun, and props to you for encouraging your son in fishing!

Call them, they should take care of you.

Welcome! The fishing media biz is a tough one, but it can be cracked!

Second (third?) the recommendation to get a frog-specific rod IF you will be doing a lot of frogging. Action depends on what you will be frogging around (mats/slop, pads, etc). Needs to be rod that can handle braid, fast tip. Just note that heavy action varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Just try to put the rod in your hands before buying....

Any rod of your preferred action (feel them) and the best reel you can afford.

Either one would be great

Yep try wool with the fingers that you can peel back. I'm gonna test out the Simms neoprene gloves this winter. You can also look up ice fishing gloves....

Know what type of water your lake is (lowland rez, highland rez, etc), then learn and apply seasonal patterns, and get the best electronics you can afford and really learn how to use them. You will find the fish. From there it's all execution. You can do it!

Stick worms, aka Senko or YUM Dinger. No doubt!

Big black Power Worm or shakey head or Senko. Go-tos for me.

My own feeling about inflatables is I don't trust them. Would rather go old school. Just my issues though....

Ocho is different from Senkos because it's not round -- has 8 flat sides, so I guess it could flash. Interesting post, tx!

Molay is 100% right on the hookset. Line looks okay, rod also real important -- not too stiff. Recommend the Mustad KVD trebles: http://www.***.com/Mustad_KVD_1x_Strong_2x_Short_Triple_Grip_Treble_Hook/descpage-MKVDEST.html?from=bblst

My PB is a NH 9.5 -- and several fish at least that big were swimming in that pond, one the locals said had no fish. The DDs are there!

All good advice. Also make sure you're rigging the Fluke straight. If it's even a little off, it will twist your line.