Onvacation

Welcome. Wish I were closer. I could use the beer.

I love Toho. My very first solo vacation in my life is going to be spent in Orlando in early February. Welcome

Welcome

I don't even know where that is, but if it's in Florida, it has to be good. Welcome.

Will you be posting some drone videos? Welcome.

Welcome

You've had some decent duty stations when it comes to fishing. Welcome.

That old Stren is a tough habit to break. Welcome.

Welcome

This weekend was the first time that I finally thought I had one of my braid to flouro knots give out on me. That is until I looked and found out just like every other time, 6 pound flouro isn't as strong as 15 pound braid. It broke about an 1/8 of an inch below the knot. Why add time, money, and extra goo to the line if it isn't the weak spot? If it makes you feel better, that's OK.

On a Siebert jig. Caught two little guys so size didn't seem to matter much.

If you are waiting to feel the fish while Ned rig fishing, you've lost 70% of them. With that said, get as sensitive a rod as your budget can handle, because A. You will feel some bites, B. Where you fish is just as important as how you fish, and a more sensitive rod will help you feel out grass, rocks, etc. C. The rod you use for a Ned rig is generally a very versatile rod and can be used for other techniques where you do require more sensitivity.

Welcome from one state over.

Welcome

Welcome

Welcome. You picked a great state to start bass fishing in.

Anytime I've had line strip off a spinning reel, I have found that I have a tad too much on. Cut some off and see if that helps. I also am at the point that I can't stand flouro on spinning reels and just do braid with a leader. As for being uneven in the back, see if you can put a thinner washer under the spool or remove one if there are two.

I use a 7.1:1 to cover all of my bases. The speed is there when you need it, but of course you can slow it down. In reality, filling the spool short is probably going to get a 7.1:1 close to a 6.8:1 anyway so you are in one of those almost splitting hairs situations.

I think they do if I remember, but to be honest, I receive the packages generally before I check my personal email.....I only check email every few days.

You guys have a really nice BPS down there too.

Senkos run a bit heavy, but personally, I think you are setting yourself up for a giant learning curve and a ton of frustration using your first baitcaster to throw weightless plastics. If you already have spinning gear, I think you would get a lot more enjoyment out of upgrading it and using that for your purposes. Then when you start tossing some other baits, pick up a BPS Pro Qualifier/Carbonlite combo on the cheap at one of their sales. Fantastic first reel and a rod that will last you through several reel upgrades. But even when you upgrade reels, you will still be surprised at how well the Pro Qualifier stacks up.

You don't necessarily NEED to add anything just to add it. Spend the time to discover where your current equipment is holding YOU back, not us, and then ask for recommendations. I like fishnkamps idea of duplicate setups for different approaches, but again, you need to figure out where you are lacking. And while you have some nice rods, there is something to be said about a really nice rod in the same length and action.

Good video. Certainly brings up a lot to think about.

1. Make the move to competitive kayak fishing 2. Continue practicing my ambidextrous casting 3. Catch a DD....hopefully in Florida in February 4. Share any knowledge I have with anyone who will listen 5. Build a website to do the above. I'd love to interview average Joe type anglers so that the world can see you don't have to be a sponsored pro to be successful at fishing. 6. Learn, learn, and learn.

My preference is to toss a fat jig at an underwater tree, hop a frog across some thick muck, or bounce a crankbait off of the bottom until the paint is gone. However, where I spend the most time fishing generally has me with a small t rigged worm, a shakey head, or a Ned rig in my hand. Since what I want doesn't match what the fish want, finesse would have to be my answer.