Master Bait'r

Well that's just it... The bride is one of my oldest friends. She's like a sister to me. I'd throw somebody off a bridge for her, so it feels disingenuous to say no to running around and spending some cash. It's just never ending! I have always been the "no thanks" guy but I was genuinely excited for her. Now I'm just burnt out! They can spend their money however they want but this is mine too haha... And believe me it isn't the cash I care about. It's my sanity! You've never seen a group textalanche like when the bridal party decides to CC the groomsmen to "keep everyone on the same page"... It's unbelievable. Never again! No I'm actually on hug overload!

Oh, weddings. The most obnoxious and self centered pursuit of the human race. Not just one day of celebration but months and months of meetings, plans, responsibilities, pre-parties, and commitments... And I'm not even getting married! I am so sick of the hoops your friends make you jump through so they can feel sufficiently special. It drives me insane. Like, can't you just elope or something and throw a party after? I've got six weekends of crap to do for your wedding, hundreds and hundreds to spend and that doesn't even take into account the driving around to go to your stupid rehearsals, J&J planning, holding onto your tickets and money... It just goes on and on. It literally never stops. Im in having a pig roast with an open invitation. Go or don't. No gifts allowed. Traditional weddings are both a massive waste and a huge burden on those around you. Plan accordingly.

Haha I did that last week too! Monster hookset and a monster snapper. Ugh. For that half second though...

I want to believe someone here has a float plane and puIddle hops to remote lakes. Lie to me. Somebody.

Well it's not necessarily better, but it's very different. When you t-rig, the tug pulls the bait forward in the water and that's what gives it the action- looks like a dying minnow but with lots more "forward progress" in the action. The wacky rig tug gives a lateral pull across the belly of the stick worm so it doesn't really go anywhere it just wiggles a ton- it looks like it's struggling super hard and still sinking vertically. Two very important looks for sure though! Oh yeah, and one word: Zinkerz

Tommy likey. Tommy want wingy.

I write "big'uns only" on the lure I'm using and I'm always sure to use bold colors. The only little fish I catch are the ones who clearly can't read... The poor things.

This is the only reason I didn't get a console motor kayak... To hell with registering my kayak!! Also a big help for me was figuring out which bodies of water around me are better when it's gusty. Bigger open places or spots adjacent to open fields will ALWAYS have more wind. A skinny slot reservoir or pond nestled between hills and surrounded by trees will be a far more manageable choice on a windier day, so I typically save them for those times. One more ore thing about the wind... It's out to get you. It will ALWAYS spin you the wrong way, be gusting at inopportune moments and will have timing you'd SWEAR was malicious and conspiring against your every move. Don't let it get you ticked off. I swear the days I let it get me mad I beat myself and never catch fish like I want. Always either be able to shrug it off or call it and head home. Never let it ruin your day.

It's all in the hips!

And so on?? I may have to set aside $949 for an order. Seems like I can't lose!

The best $150 finesse baitcaster is an older used pixie/Sol/Alphas/Ito Ai depending on your exact desires. Its pretty much the only thing you'll find in that price range that's going to truly cast that 1/8th although I'd be more concerned with the rod loading it. Maybe consider a 50 sized shimano too, the green e series slay too but not quite down to an 8th. May be a better choice for the M rod though! (I use a ML spinning rod for my 1/8 baits)

Hey as long as you know what makes ya happy! I have space restrictions both at home/boat and limited slots so I have to play it a little different. I simply view that as an opportunity to maximize my enjoyment of those slots though, and regularly roll-over upgrade/change components as my tastes evolve. Besides, all my "giveaway" sort of gear has already been given to our kids.

I hear you but you're thinking small ball. Short game. My advice would be to spend enough on this rod so that it is still worth selling when it's time to upgrade. If you buy a quality rod, you can fold some of that purchase price back into the upgrade cost, thus reducing the sting in doing so.

Shimano plastics binder.

Fly fishermen would show you a case with 30 of the same looking flies, each with a miniscule variation... They'd probabl try to pull a few of the baitfish and line it up next to them, select the perfect match... And still not catch anything. Don't feel bad. Sometimes you just can't even buy a nibble.

The Met is simply a more refined reel. The Exsence is no slouch but think of it as a really nice BMW, whereas the Metanium would be more of a Bentley.

Yeah it took two seconds to find. It's a Berk.

Aaaaaand I'm rendered useless

Dude!! That is awesome!!!

*edit: answered my own question instantly

"Yeah whatever kid" *follows kid home and stalks him for two weeks to find said honey hole* I once told a pair of idiots that I pulled a "6-7 pounder" out of a huge but crazy shallow pond as I was leaving and they asked... They were loud and obnoxious so it was in the hopes they'd never leave the place, convinced monsters are there somewhere lol.

If you're going to be solo and don't have a truck, you may want to go kayak first. They're just easier in every way and they are everywhere.

I use the Ned when I really need to feel good about being a fisherman.

I've abandoned bags and boxes for the XL milk crate. 3600 sized trays fit perfectly and there's just enough room for two catch-all coffee cans. It fits my stuff and I can just throw it in my kayak or car or whatever and things stay easily accessible. No zippers, no compartments etc. I like it that way. Anybody want a guide series 3600 bag? Lol. I bought it and never even used it!

It's true. I just wanted to throw that out there, I really enjoy my Smiths and they were very reasonably priced.