MN Fisher

The one you're just starting to learn... For me - that's pitching & flipping. Never done it before because I didn't have a rod/reel combo I was confident that had the power to pull through the weeds. This year it's a technique I'll be learning and practicing...and probably loosing some lures with.

Back when I had the 14' Runabout, I'd occasional camp on one of the islands in Minnetonka. Years of Boy Scouts, survival training in the military and just general common sense gives me these additions 1. Bring a tarp as well - either for use as a ground-cloth or to set up as cover in case your tent has issues. 2. Even if it's spring/early summer - some long-johns would be a good idea. 3. Yes, yes, yes. Something heavy on top of the cooler. If you don't have a cooler, a 'bear bag' to hang from a tree branch. 4. Bring both - always have a backup for something. 5. Bring two. 6. Should go without saying. 7. Even packages of crackers and cheese from the convenience store counter - protein and carbs. 8. Boat camping makes this less necessary, but don't go overboard on supplies - pack what you need. 9. In ziplocs in several places - including your back pocket 10. Fire starting - always have at least 2 ways to start a fire and know how to use them. I always had 3...lighter, magnesium w-striker, waterproofed matches.

All my reels have/will have the drag set to 1/3 the pound-test of the line, with the exception of the Fuego. Since I'll be putting 50# on that, the drag will be set to 1/2 it's max rating...so 6.5#. The Avocet is rated to 18# on the drag...WAY more than I need since the line will only be 8# test...it's set to 3#.

Personally - Quantum is owned by the same company that owns Zebco, and I had nothing but issues with the two Zebco reels I had when younger. Maybe they've improved the quality, but my experience left a bad taste in my mouth for Zebco or anything associated with them. I know nothing about Okuma so I can't say anything about them. I stick with brands I've used in the past that gave me good performance, quality and long-life...Abu, Mitchell, Pflueger, Diawa.

I'm not sure about that...haven't had anything on my list(s) for more than a month before purchase.

It's working fine now, and the items I had on mine before the drop came back...so anything you had on it before it 'disappeared' should still be there.

Rem oil is bad for any plastic parts in your reel. Get a good oil labeled for use on fishing reels. Far as how to clean/lube a reel - YouTube has tons of videos showing how...there might even be one that shows your particular reel.

I got my Trion-30 last spring. Every trip I took I used it for a variety of techniques. Smooth and sturdy is how I'd describe it. This year, even with me adding setups to my arsenal, I'll still be using the Trion for smaller crankbaits, 2-treble jerkbaits and lighter spinner/chatterbaits (1/2oz and less). Given my experience with it, I'd suggest the Trion. Another possible is the Mitchell Avocet RZT. This is a significant upgrade from the RZ, which I have one of. Given how well my RZ worked last year, I'd consider an RZT if I needed a new reel in the budget range.

Walk away from Dick's - reg price there 4.99; reg price TW or FishUSA 3.99 All the soft plastics at DSG are inflated in price except for their home brand: 'Field and Stream'

Unless you're using the TRD on a drop-shot...that might help some.

That's a guy who after passing a pretty girl headed the other direction, turns his head to check out the caboose.

I notice that DSG does that a lot. Advertises a % off, but they've jacked up the MSRP so that the % off price is either the normal price at other places or still higher. Even though it's the closest 'big box' sport shop to me, I don't go there anymore.

When did she let you out from the last time? ?

It's a small willow-leaf blade on a barrel swivel with the other end being one of those worm-screws. You screw it into the tail-end of the worm and it adds flash.

Do the wires from the charger to the battery(ies) have a break - even a partial break (most of the conductor wires in the cable-sheath broken) can affect the charging. Visually check for kinks or breaks in the insulation. Do a continuity check along the entire length.

I think I'm lucky - all my setups with reel installed balance 1"-2" in front of the seat. I know some will think 'tip heavy', but this is my preferred balance point. Once line is put on, the balance point will shift back...slightly...but it's a go for casting based on my preferences.

My winter projects on the canoe Replace mid and rear seat - installed, still need to paint Install outriggers - done Route wiring for TM - done Acquire and build trailer - need replacement tongue piece Total costs this winter on canoe - @800 when it's all said and done.

A spinning reel should never be that full.

Long as you orient the soft-baits properly. With things like my Mepps Comets, I put them in the box so that the tie end is 'down' and the soft-plastic tail is 'up' when the boxes are in the bag. My worm boxes orient so that the soft plastics are on their sides.

Considering VMC is owned by Rapala - it's not surprising they use those hooks.

Luckily I'm not one of those. My previous truck, WT-1500, which I had from '98 to '16 had a 5-on-the-floor. Prior to that, a Jeep Cherokee with a 4-on-the-floor. Still see no need for the on-off switch for the anti-reverse...you see on on baitcasters?

Off the top of my head? Hand-held short-wave radio. Everyone on the same frequency and it's a 'party line'.

Beats me - I always have it turned on. The drag is what helps fight the fish, having the anti-reverse switch off would have the reel-handle smacking your fingers every time the fish took a run.

With a little luck, I'll be there.

I'll be using Power Pro Spectra, 50# on my Fuego. Depending on how thick the weeds and slop are, you might want to go up to 65#.