fishballer06

Drag technology has made modern spinning reels much more dependable with light lines and big fish.

One more thing to add - in a format where time is so important, you never have to worry about backlashes and picking them out if you're using a fairy wand.

I fish primarily moving baits. That being said, the majority of my reels are 5:1 or 6:1 ratios. The world needs more lefty 5:1's!!!

Check with your local clubs. There may be some local guys with old rods they no longer need. I'd also check with any local big box stores like a Dicks or F&S. I know our local stores have donated items in the past to our club for community benefit events like this.

I'd take that little guy in the bottom center of that picture up to Erie and catch some big smallies!

Crappie in her gullet and she still wanted the @Siebert Outdoors jig.

I like those handle knobs! I won't comment on the rest of the reel.

I practice my pitching in the garage during the winter. I normally use a shoebox sized Tupperware container and place it around 20 feet away. It's great practice and it helps pass the winter blues.

Suffix 832 Pline TCB Sunline FX2

Whatever you do, DO NOT put sunscreen on your fingers. I have seen this turn off a bite really quick numerous times.

I still haven't bought into the WP snake oil. Maybe if I could find one like you I'd give one a chance.

I have a pair of the Simms and the Columbia one's. Both have held up well for me over the past 2-3 seasons, although they do stink of fish. I guess thats a good thing, right?

^^ This. It will cost you more than a spool of fluoro, but man is it awesome.

This seems like a question well suited for this website in January, not mid-May...

Catch smaller fish. Those should fit in the frame easier for you. Or at least that works for me.

Gore-Tex isn't required, but it will be the difference between a $250 jacket and a $400 jacket. Both suits of mine do not have Gore-Tex, and they have never leaked on me. My Huk suit was with me in Canada two years ago for a 10 day trip where it rained HARD for 8 of those days, all day long. Any of the big brands are going to offer you a good reliable suit (Simms, Huk, Aftco, Stormr). Once you start researching, you'll start getting an idea of what you want. Different suits offer different features. Pocket placement, hood/collar system, neoprene arm cuffs to keep water from running down your arm, adjustable waistline, etc. A good rainsuit is an investment, so consider what features you want or can live without. I look at rainwear like this, you're spending the money to get something nice, so make sure you get exactly what you want.

A good pair of modern rainwear is lightweight and breathable, making them very cool and comfortable for wearing all day long. I find myself wearing my rainwear early in the morning on those summer days where it's chilly when I launch and then it warms up by 8 or 9. I'll also wear my bibs all day long during the spring time rather than layering up because they cut down the wind and help me stay warm as well. With that being said, be prepared to drop $250-400 for a good set of rainwear that will last you for years. I own two different rain suits. One being a Huk suit of bibs and jacket, and the other being the Frabill F3 series. Each has it's perks. The Huk suit is a little thinner and better for warmer weather. My Frabill suit is a slightly thicker material so it's good for chillier or windier days, and the bibs also have padding in the knees, which is nice whenever you're crawling around the dock getting the boat tied down.

This is fairly common around PA whenever the ice lets out. Shallow ponds always have some winter kill. The fish might be covered in dirt/algae because they've been down in that stuff all winter long.

Touching on "What does salt do to a bait?" Salt does quite a few things to a bait. It makes the bait softer, thus giving it more action. It also makes the bait heavier, thus making it sink faster. It also gives the bait a taste (whether good or bad is up to the consumer to decide). To clearly see the salt difference between a bait like the GYCB Senko and say a Yum Dinger, take each bait and hold each one in the middle, and see how much the bait naturally folds itself in half. Then, lay each one down and take your pocket knife and scrape (scrape, not cut) the sharp edge along the edge of the bait. On the original Senko, you will see a bunch of salt become exposed from the abrasion. On the Dinger, not so much.

Was there ever even a real debate over that?

Thanks for posting that. Official report here: https://www.bassmaster.com/news/flood-conditions-postpone-fort-gibson-elite With that, next tournament is Guntersville. We've got a nice 42 day break before this one.

Check the pin on the spool shaft and make sure it is straight.

You want the 735 for your purposes. But you'd be amazed at what all you can do with that 734C.

Never even through a Senko.... Shame, shame.

Congrats to Brandon Cobb for getting another W! This kid is proving he is the real deal. Heads up guys, we have an 8 day turn around until the next event. So don't sleep on your picks!