NYWayfarer

Yep. I cleaned that brass ring on my reel and I didn't re-lube it properly and started hearing that same noise.

Sorry for your loss. Looks like a young man and we lost him way too soon.

Good advice and very true. Go with the Lew's it's on sale right now for $124 https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/lews-mach-1-speed-spool-baitcast-combo-16lewumch16ft10mhcom/16lewumch16ft10mhcom With the other combo, the reel is great but the rod is junk.

I have the same combo, the Stealth Vengeance, and love it. You are equipped fine. To increase success be mindful of time of day fishing. Frog bite in my area is best just before it gets dark. Color is also a factor, I try and match my frogs to the colors of the actual frogs in the area. Sounds like your retrievals are spot on with what I do.

I have a baitcaster spooled with Berkley 10lb Trilene Big Game that I use for casting weightless Senkos. Casts far and I catch fish. Hope that helps. I am not answering for @CroakHunter just giving my opinion.

I have been trying old classic lures lately (Beetle Spin, Buzz Plug) so I purchased a Rebel Frog-R I will be trying it for the first time this weekend.

Very observant of you to notice @FishingNoob other thread "Does line affect fishing?" I agree with the solution to downsize to 6# clear line. As others have mentioned observe the other anglers that are catching and imitate them both bait/lures and how they work them. You might even want to start up a conversation with them. Not every angler is going to give up their secrets but most will help if you are asking for help.

Yes they do catch Bass, Rock Bass that is. Beetle Spins are panfish magic. I have caught some dink Smallmouth on them as well.

No offense, but I could not imagine texting my wife to tell her I would be gone for a week. Seems like something that should be discussed in person. This goes to show everyone's situation is unique. Only you know what your spouse will tolerate.

AMEN! I discovered fishing topwaters for Bluefish by accident. I was showing someone the action on a lure and reeling it back fast when a Blue came up and hit it.

I have one of those Pisicfun line spooling stations. https://www.amazon.com/Piscifun-Fishing-Spooler-Spinning-Spooling/dp/B01CVGOGA0 That combined with liberal use of line conditioner has really helped me with line twist this year. I notice a huge difference.

In this instant gratification world we live in, Fishing doesn't fit in with that mindset. Fishing requires patience. It requires the need to focus for a period of time with limited distractions. Be one with nature so to speak. It boggles my mind that the current generation can sit and stare a tablet and play fake farming games where they buy crops and animals or crush candy for hours on end but can't sit still to watch a line move in the water.

Awesome story and thread. I have been re-connecting with old classic lures as well this year. On Saturday I tied on a Johnson Beetle Spin. I caught over a dozen Rock Bass with it. I forgot how much fun this lure can be.

I use them and they help some. I do notice a slight difference when switching to a regular dropshot hook. My dropshot lines of choice are Kastking Flourokote 6-8# for super clear water and Suffix Elite 6-8# for everything else.

That mantra is usually followed by another one: "Why do men die before their wives? Because they want to."

No lies here. My wife would smell the fish on me when I get home and I would be busted. Life should be a balance of time with the family and time to yourself. When one is out of whack is when the problems start.

The world is a changing.

I have the first generation Powell Max casting rod Med/Xtra fast action. It is one of my favorite rods. I throw weightless stickbaits and wacky rigs on it mainly and it performs great. I have no experience with Dobyns rods.

I took only a baitcasting set up last night to go bank fishing. I threw weightless Dingers and a spoon. Got 3 fish, 2 Pickerel and a Largemouth. I love the accuracy of the baitcaster when bank fishing. I can toss baits into tight places I would not be able to with my spinning set ups.

Luhr Jensen Super Duper spoon. Jig them for Smallmouth, use them while trolling for Walleye. Nothing I use catches both species as well as this spoon.

Always wanted a Boga Grip since I seen them on the Roland Martin show. I currently use these: https://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/fishing-tools/pliers-grippers-hook-removers/pc/104793480/c/104720580/sc/104505480/ego-kryptek-mini-grip-tool/2575745.uts?slotId=5 My Dad picked them up for me for $19.99 clearance at DSG. I use them mainly for controlling toothy fish and removing treble hooks. The magnet and belt leash system work great. That magnet is super strong and with the leash it's not going anywhere if dropped. The only downside is no scale.

I usually take bottled water, diet sodas and iced teas. I love my beer and whiskey but I never take any on a moving vehicle (car, boat, etc.) I save that for when I get home. It helps with the fishing stories. The taller my drink the bigger the catch gets.

None on me yet this year(knock wood) I see lots of wood ticks around. I wear jeans and boots even in 90 degree weather when bank fishing. The only exposed parts are my arms and face. Liberal application of Off Sportsman on my arms and hat helps me stay Tick free.

I tried to convince my wife that this was the answer: https://www.cabelas.com/product/Little-John-Lady-J-Female-Adapter/747125.uts She said "No friggin way!" The real answer wound up being shorter trips of 2 or 3 hours.

I agree. Daiwa has a lot of spinning reels in that "sweet spot" price range between $50 and $100