OntarioFishingGuy

You fish lake Michigan tribs right?

20 is too heavy for me as well. I normally use 5lb or 8lb PP braid, with around a foot of 5-6 lb leader attached with a swivel.

This happens with me in a canoe as well. Not much you can do about it except using your anchor (or trolling motor if your boat has one).

I haven't used the Crucials, but a St. Croix Avid would definitely be a solid option. For a reel, a Shimano Symetre would do fine, but some people find the bail wire to come too close to the knuckles (I haven't had this problem with my 1000). A Pflueger President also comes highly recommended, and would be a good option for less money.

Not sure if you guys know of the show, but it's called Canadian Sportfishing with Italo Labignan. Their theme song is pretty good.

Nice fish! And yeah, a net would be a great idea. I hardly ever go fishing anywhere with out one.

Juvenile tiger trout. Cross between a brown trout and brook trout. Nice catch!

Sometimes I wonder why guys use such heavy lines as well. 65 seems a bit heavy. I used to use 40 for the thickest cover, but I am going down to 30 this year. I could probably use lighter, but I find that the thinner braids dig in a bit. As for the reel, I can't help you there. I use whatever reel I have on hand for jigs, and don't notice much of a difference.

My thumb goes on top of the foregrip, my index finger goes around the foregrip, and my middle, ring, and pinky sort of wrap around the front of the reel seat. Similar to this, but with a spinning reel. I'm used to holding a centerpin.

X6. A ML/F or ML/XF would be perfect for rivers smallies with the baits you mentioned.

I was skeptical at first, but they are actually quite nice. I haven't caught anything on mine yet, but that will soon change.

Yea, this spring has been tough here. At least you're hooking fish.

I am a big fan of Sufix 832 braided line, but have started using Power Pro and have been pleasantly surprised. I always attach some Sunline Super FC Sniper or Seaguar Blue Label as a leader.

Do the reel grips fit on the 3000FJ? Mine came with a t-shaped knob, so I didn't think they would.

Thats so awesome!

Debarb your hooks. Using a smaller lure may also prevent hooks from hooking the fish's body.

Nice fish Kevin!

I really like the Rapala Husky Jerk. The Shadow Rap is pretty sweet as well.

Braid, usually 10-30lb test, with an 8-20lb fluorocarbon leader.

Either a 4wt or an UL spinning rod. I use 2-3lb test line, but for bigger trout you could go heavier.

Looking forward to it. Good luck!

Jerkbaits are meant to imitate baitfish. Are there bass feeding on baitfish in the summer where you fish? If there are, a jerkbait should work.

Yea they will eat it. Bonus pike and muskies are a blast too, and you should get quite a few, especially with the bright color.

Could be either. Nice fish though!

I prefer full cork with a foregrip. Nothing fancy. I have a couple rods with EVA that I don't mind, but I would take the cork over them any day. Looks and fishes better IMO.