WIGuide

I'm sure they're nice, but for $80 they should be. Also seems a bit steep for what it is. I'd be tempted to pull the trigger at $40 or maybe even $50 but $80 just seems way to high for something that could easily fall in the water.

Theoretically you should be able to pitch farther and more accurately with a micro guide rod due to the fact that the tip is lighter without the full sized guides. In reality, I don't think it is going to make much difference.

If it had been sitting for a while before you got it, the gas in the line could have went bad, especially if it had ethanol in it. Congrats on the new rig though!

I always bring mine in and store them in the basement. Maybe it's unnecessary precaution but I'd rather have my batteries last. Also, being that we are in the far north, out boats our in storage longer than those who live farther south and we also deal with more extreme cold temps. Last year we had an entire month that the temp did not get above 0 degrees with many mornings being in the -25 to -35 degree range. Best thing you could do is to bring it in and store it in the basement. Put it on the charger periodically and you'll for sure be good to go in the spring. There have been a few references to an article here and the last line is this "At the end of the day, a good rule is that batteries like the same temperatures that humans do, between 60 degF and 80 degF." I'm willing to follow that rule

I used to have a very small one in an aquarium and noted the same things. When they weren't hungry it didn't matter how close the baitfish got to them, they just didn't eat.

I'm looking to grab a Revo Rocket and hopefully a Beast as well

Better watch it because that bait monkey will be more fierce than Kato. (however his name is spelled)

Wow...you must be a real joy to fish with...

Next time help the guy out. Would have been a great opportunity to introduce them to fishing by showing them how to properly hold it and maybe even make a cast for them and let them reel it in.

In the past I've used 6 lb flouro on my DS setup with a VMC Spinshot hook. This year I tried 20lb braid attached to the 6lb leader. I used a 6-10' leader. I haven't had any issues with the Spinshots. Also have fished them in clear water and didn't have problems catching fish or hooking them either.

Being that you're still growing I'm not sure that you really want to invest that kind of money for something that'll last you a year or two. If you do though, my vote would be for the BPS 100 MPH. The parka is a great option as it protects you more from being exposed to the elements. It stays cool enough to wear it in the summer, and warm enough in the winter and also lets you zip in a liner. I found the Columbia liner from my winter jacket zips right in so I can use it as long as fishing season lasts up here. I've been very impressed with it and I'm sure you would be as well.

My PB on a frog is just shy of 5 lbs. The smaller of these two was caught about an hour and a half later and was mid 4's. Both were on a Booyah Pad Crasher in Swamp Frog color. Bigger one came off the edge of a section of pads and the smaller one came in the middle of a pad field. Frogs have produced many fish in the 3 1/2 lb range for me.

There are tons of great baits out there for drop shotting, but I try to keep it simple and stick to these 4 most of the time: 1 Berkley Bottom Hopper Junior 2. Missile Baits Fuse 3. Strike King Dream Shot 4. Strike King Baby Rodent

It won't do it as well as the M/M but will still handle it just fine.

The 7' M/F is going to be a more versatile rod if you're looking to do something other than cranking. Just be sure when you are cranking with the fast action to loosen your drag and you'll lose less fish that way.

I'm pretty sure the Avid will do just fine in any condition. You're definitely going to love it!

Your asking one rod to do quite a bit with a range from panfish to stripers. Your best bet is to get either a 6'6" M/F or a 7' M/F. It might be a little over rated for the perch and slightly under rated for the catfish and stripers, but you will be able to make it work. Personally I'd go with the 7' rod to give you a little extra distance, especially with the light baits. If you feel more comfortable with a 6'6" though that'll do it for you.

A medium power/fast action will do great with those techniques. I use a M/F for a lot of my soft plastics. With light wire hooks you don't need anything super heavy and a Medium power St. Croix will have enough backbone to drive a regular hook home as well.

Power should come from your starting battery which should be a marine starting battery or a dual purpose battery.

First off, welcome to the form. As far as you batteries are concerned you want the two deep cycle batteries for the tm and then either run a 27 or 29 series cranking battery or a 27 series or 29 series dual purpose battery for starting and electronics.

Sound advice being given here.The other thing you may want to do in that situations as Oregon stated is SLOW DOWN. You can try fishing the same water but downsize your presentation, throw a slower moving bait and try crawling it back to the boat. If you don't get any results, then move out to the closest drop and try again.

I'm guessing they aren't hitting the body of the frog and pulling it under by the tails. If you're fishing open-ish water try a trailer hook. I believe Lake Fork Lures makes one specifically for frogs.

Favorite fishing situation for me is each and every time I hit the water. I just love being out there regardless of how I'm fishing.

My aunt has a Cherrywood that I've made a cast or two with. It seemed a little too whippy. Might have been better had it been a higher power rod. For a few dollars more you can get the Amp which has a bit more backbone. Unfortunately they have limited models, but they make for decent cheap cranking rod.

If you're fishing dingy or stained water it matches the background better by eliminating the shine a little. It also blends in better to the background as it's a more natural color. I use the green tint if possible, and I have noticed zero difference in strength vs clear fluoro. I ran both on my reels this year and with Berkley 100% didn't have any issues.