MN Fisher

Great info there, Glenn.

If you've got a tablet, you can use this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PT3T8TV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I have this clamped to my 'work table' with my tablet in it. Most of the time I have the I-Boating app running (like Navonics) but I also have the photo app in the background. 10 second timer on the photo app and I can take a pic 'at distance'. My profile pic was taken this way (look in 'Latest Catch' for the bigger version.

I use chatterbaits or spinnerbaits through weeds with little pickup. Weedless swimjig is another option.

Depends on how thick the slop is...I get by with 50#, but if it's really thick I'd consider going to 65#. 80# seems a bit much.

Depends on the lure. Larger ones - 1/2oz or bigger spinner/chatter/buzzbaits...I'll go with a twin-tail. Smaller ones of those three I'll use single-tail. Swim-jigs is either single-tail or paddle-tail.

Any decent battery box will have built in circuit breakers and a built in meter. I just press a button on the top of the box and a 5-bar meter lights up showing me the charge level left.

Oh there are so many techniques you can do with those two rigs in addition to the finesse. Recommended lines: 30# braid on the Supreme. I'm a fan of Power Pro original - 150yds for $15 at TW 12# Yo-Zuri Hybrid on the Trio...if you want a leader on the braid, use the Hybrid. 600 yd spool is only $11 at TW Recommended Techniques: T-Rigs, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, buzzbaits on the Supreme Crankbaits, jerkbaits, Neko, T-Rigs (yes, again) on the Trio I'm sure there's more, but that's what comes to mind off the top of my head. I'd pick 2-3 of those and practice...practice...practice.

Backing isn't necessary with braid...I don't use it on my BCs and don't have problems with slippage. Just make sure the braid is secured to the spool. Tie it through the holes instead of around the spool and it won't slip.

Crankbait with FC - or Yo-Zuri hybrid which is what I use.

Question - what rod and reel are you using. Could be that your current rig can be used for other techniques. My luck lately hasn't been the best, but as one canoeist fisher to another there are things you can do.

Actually - I re-started bass fishing last year after over a decade's hiatus - all my rigs were purchased/acquired in the last 18 months.

Does that mean I've been dead for almost 20 years? I'll be 60 before the year is out and I don't wake up hurting...

I haven't found a need for expensive gear. Currently I have six combos, One reel was a gift from a generous person here, one rod was an old one I had sitting around. The rest cost me less than $350 total. You don't need to spend bucco bucks to have usable rigs.

Jig Man is correct. That's why Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries have fallen by the wayside as they both have charge memory. Flooded, Gel-Cell and Lithium batteries do not have charge memory. I charge mine every time the night before going out, no matter how 'down' it is.

I'm only frustrated when catching nothing. Last two trips were semi-frustrating...one decent bass in 3&1/2 hours last trip, one dink bass and snake northern in 3 hours the previous trip. Otherwise nothing - not even a sunnie...that gets frustrating.

I was confused that a M/M rod was only rated to 3/8 oz so I did a little searching. According to the specs on Academy, the 6'8" M/F is only rated to 3/8 but the 7' M/M (LHA70M-CB) is rated 1/4-3/4. I'd check the rod itself, it should have the line/lure ratings printed between the grip and the first guide.

Wasn't skunked today, only got one...but what a one. 3.92 lbs - best of the year

Shallow running cranks - 10-12# mono or 20#braid Deeper running cranks - 10# Yo-Zuri hybrid

Two kids lassoed a 6' sturgeon in the Minnehaha Creek, took pictures, then let it go. Now the DNR is trying to capture it to move it to larger waters - the Minnehaha is around 8' across and 4' depth average. The DNR is failing with nets where the kids succeeded with just some rope. https://www.twincities.com/2019/07/27/huge-sturgeon-eludes-capture-by-dnr-becomes-edinas-own-fish-legend/

It's in the switch - I did electronics design and construction years ago and a timing circuit is fairly simple and small even using analog parts. With the new programmable, digital chips - one chip to rule them all.

I looked around for Fuego CT spare spools...when I can buy a whole new reel for only $10 more than a spare spool, I'd do that. Changing out a reel is less frustrating in some ways to changing out a spool.

Except, just like when I hunted, I only target thing's I'll eat...and I don't like catfish.

Anything fresh-water over 8lbs.

4WD means it's easier to get it going as all four tires are involved. The tranny cooler means your transmission won't overheat and the heavy-duty brakes means you can stop somewhat before a 1/2 mile. I'd take one of two routes myself - more powerful tow vehicle, or the lighter boat.

That's right on the edge, and the towing rating is mainly for level ground. You want some extra capacity if you're going to be backing that thing down a hill. Does the Escape have an optional towing package? Tranny cooler is the main thing, extra heavy-duty brakes is the second thing. Might want to think about those options.