FishTank

I have a pair from Smith in the Guides Choice with the brown lenses. They have a pretty high contrast to them and are great for early morning and low light.

You got me.

So she really had baited breath ?.

I was going to mention a certain insole in my post but I couldn't remember the name. I had a pair after my fourth foot surgery (fractures and ingrown toenails). A few family members had them as well. Anyway, you heat them up in the oven, put them in your shoes, and walk around for an hour or two. The insoles mold to your feet. They helped me recover faster and they were quite comfortable but unfortunately I worked on concrete in steel toes for 12 hours a day, which made wearing them impossible. I wish I could remember the name brand but it was years ago.

Jackall Gavacho

I hate to admit it but at one point in my life I managed a shoe store. So when it comes to shoes, I'd like to think I know a few things and one of them is, everyones feet are different. Also, your feet are different at different times in your life. For most people that means even having your feet change as the day goes on. Your feet swell and sweat throughout the day. So what does that mean, most people don't were the correct shoes and you may have a hard time finding shoes that are perfect for your feet, even from most name brands. A couple things that are hard to get into peoples' heads are... shoes sizes are not universal and soft, "comfortable shoes" (Hokas, heavy cushioned running shoes, Crocs, for example) are usually the worst thing for your feet. Another is don't wear the same pair of shoes everyday. Sounds weird but most vulcanized shoes take 24-48 hours to reform and have the sweat from your feet evaporate after you wear them. Letting a pair sit for a day will get the shoe to last longer and allow it to form better to your foot making better for your feet. From my powerlifting days....These two images below illustrate what I am talking about when it comes to bad/proper fitting shoes for day to day wear. Even though they are meant to illustrate why squatting in the wrong shoes can be bad, the same principle applies to standing all day. So what shoes do I recommend..... For some, this is like recommending fishing line, it can get personal and rightfully so. I would find a good shoe store or even a podiatrist to look at your feet and get their input. Be prepared for a reality check. For me for fishing, I have tried all kinds of shoes over the years. The Keen Solrs I have been using this year have been great. But prior to that, I was using Teva Strata sandals. Both shoes give/adjust to how my feet swell and are comfortable all day. When it's colder, I use hiking boots from Asolo. For everyday, I like the Oboz Sawtooth. The insoles are fantastic, as they form to your feet. For a comfortable indulgence (aka grilling, sitting around and drinking beer) I like sandals and slippers from OluKai. For working out, I like the Nike Metacon and if I am serious about some heavy lifts, the Adidas Adipower. Running shoes... never going to happen, see pic above.

Been there, done that. I hate to say it but this thing comes in handy.

I used XL and 100% FC off and on for years and so did a few fishing buddies. We all have had issues with both lines. I liked the 100%FC but the last two batches I got from BPS were just bad. My buddy is a diehard XL fan has since switched to Sufix Elite or Stren Original Blue. Not sure what's going on with their line.

Megabass Valkyrie H with spiral wrapped guides. Great rod. It can be used for all sorts of stuff.

I watched a guy fish just this one bait last weekend and he killed it all day. The Bait Monkey ? made me do it.

Shimano World Crank Megabass Deep Six Megabass Sleeper Craw - No luck yet Megabass Cyclone - use to be good Any of the Rapala X-rap baits

I took a day off and went to a new lake for me. It was unreal. I caught 17 smallmouth in the 12-15in range and a couple in 3+lb range, 2 largemouth, 5 sunfish, and 1 big gar. It was just fantastic. It was best day I have had this year. This big girl was around 23in and 7lbs. Most of the smallmouth I caught were this size. I also saw one crazy boat on the way there. I'm not quite sure where he was going to put it but it had 4 350hp engines on it. I can't imagine the cost. Sorry for the bad Pic but I passed it too quickly.

I have purchased rods, reels and many lures but their shipping on rods has gotten pricey. I think the last time I looked it was around $65.

For kayak fishing, I have been using my Megabass P5 Super Destroyer more often. It's almost a complete junk fishing rod. Meaning, I can cast just about anything with it. I have a Bantam MGL on it with 12lb Sunline Machine-gun Cast. I can throw a weightless senko and up to a 6in Magdraft on it. It's great for 3/8-1/2oz jigs especially around docks. But out of the rods I own, it wouldn't be my first choice for a jig rod. I have also thrown 3/8oz - 1oz cranks on it. All have been great. Its also a pretty sensitive rod. My only complaint is the handle. It's made out a slick carbon plastic. It takes some getting use to.

I have been using both Xplasma 16lb and SX1 40lb. The SX1 is similar to 832. It's larger in size and is loud through the guides. It works well for topwater and vegetation. I would definitely not call it a finesse line. It has zero coating. Xplasma is thinner and slicker than the SX1 making it great for spinning gear. I have it on my main wacky rig setup for the past two seasons and it has worked great. It's definitely more finnese oriented. Downside to both of these lines is that they fade fast.

This year I will be using the Keen Solr Sandles. They are a little warm because they are black but they are great for standing all day or even hiking. Another would be the Teva Strata. Same deal as the Keens. Both of these have slip resistant soles. Just on a side note and I usually don't express my thoughts this strenuously but..... do not use Crocs. They are a death trap. I would compare it to not wearing a life jacket while whitewater kayaking. I have seen more injuries with these shoes than anything else while fishing, especially at the boat ramp. My fishing buddies have wracked up sprained ankles, broken knee caps, concussions, a broken elbow and forearm, stiches for cuts and one broken feemer. I know it sounds crazy. I myself have two pairs. Both are comfortable around the house but I will never wear them on a boat or around water.

I have been using a G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR. I like the shorter length for tossing a jig around docks and occasionally fishing streams.

I use mine for whatever, 1/4 oz and up. I have one on a St Croix Mojo Yak M Fast. Another all purpose type rod. The two pair well together.

I have one that is also fishless .... a Lobina Rico's. I had one years ago and the paint was almost gone. I caught some fish on it but it was due to be replaced. The new one, which looks exactly like the old one, has been a dud. Can't figure it out. Another one that has been good for me is the DUO REALIS Popper 64 in the color Prawn.

I have used a variety of crankbaits but this year I have switched the DC over to a general purpose set up that I throw spinnerbaits and some topwater frogs on. Last year though, I was throwing Megabass DeepX 100's, Spro Rock Crawlers, Deps Evoke 1.8 and 2.0, Lucky Craft LC 2.0 and various deep divers as well. The rods I used for this reel were a G loomis IMX Pro CBR 7'6'' M Moderate Fast and a St. Croix Legend Glass Med Moderate.

Megabass Griffon. Good size for smallmouth and it has a sporadic action.

The Megabass Baby Pop X has been my go to for sheer numbers. I have one that saw 100+ fish last year. I fish it kind of like a jerkbait. I pop it fast a few times and let it sit. When it's still, the fish crush it. Also, the hooks on these are light and sharp but you do need to replace them on occasion.

I have the Curado DC and I have had no real issues with it. It's a great caster. Is it greatest long distance casting reel? Not really but it excels at casting into the wind. I would say I could get 120' easily with 10lb mono, 1/2 oz crankbait, and a 7'4'' moderate-fast rod.

Maybe this will help.

I have two of the new Steez A II, one of the Zillions and 1 Steez CT so...... The A II is everything that the Zillion is but just slightly better. They cast better, are a bit smoother, and seem to be more of a workhorse reel. Is it worth $300 more? Even though I like mine, I am going to say, no way. I bought both of mine from a JDM site and they were around $340 shipped. At that price, I am good with it. I do really like the CT though. It is just a fun, almost BFS reel but at the same time it can take on some big fish without issue.