Kev-mo

And they are. I have a 1001 XT, sweet little reel.

Beware of Lasalle in the wind as it's elevated. I believe Heidicke can also be challenging in the wind especially getting under the bridge.

I also have an NRS, can't remember which model tho... probably a ninja or chinook. I do remember trying on several different models and brands and whatever I chose was the only one that fit me both comfortably and properly.

I use decoy round, size 1.5. I think the those are rated around 20 lb. test, similar to my line. They have smaller sizes, lower test, maybe work for BFS. The only time they've failed is due operator error when using a jig or tube. Crossing their eyes is too much force on a 20 lb. test snap (think I had straight braid on when that happened). YMMV I think snaps in general pick up a little more debris than a knot. I haven't found they inhibit action but I also haven't done any personal experimentation.

Semi off topic but I could tie it in to having to take off from work to drive parents around... Are they coming to work sick because they are not self aware or because they would have to use PTO when they are sick? If it's the latter then I totally get it. Not saying it's right but I get it. Only so much PTO to go around...

How did everyone get their parents(s) to appointments, grocery store etc. after they stopped driving? Right now I've been doing the stuff that truly requires it. However that will probably have to end in the near future. Not sure what our options are for any public or private programs yet. Thanks @DaubsNU1 what have you discussed on the above?

Look on youtube for Jon B/Devils River. I think that's what he goes by. Anyway he did a multi day trip. Pretty sure it was BC so I don't remember too many details but maybe it'll springboard you. What I do remember was amazingly blue water and being fired up to go there. Bit of a drive tho...lol

I feel for you. We are in the same boat with my mom. I can honestly say, all things considered for my situation, if she did what your dad did she would be done driving. Keep us updated.

I handle them as little as possible. Unfortunately for the fish, I sometimes need to handle them more than I like.

As others have mentioned red or red/orange is a good in stained or dirty water. I've also had success throwing it in clear water along with chartreuse/black back. Mostly fish rivers. Caught a chunk of a smallie in the Milwaukee river on a red/orange bait in clear water. Crayfish can be many different colors and I believe they change throughout the season due mating and other factors. One fall I had a decent bite on a lipless. It was an old Bagley in pistachio color. Either one of the fish puked up a crayfish or I caught/saw one in the shallows. Regardless it had most of the color accents of said lipless. It was actually quite remarkable looking. Pretty sure the rusty crayfish have invaded a lot of waters and they are rusty/red.....

Not so much but now I think it should be called "twilight world" due the lighting or rather lack of

I too am missing Defier Armilo... I liked McCoy Mean Green prior to Defier and that's probably what I'll go back to when I run out of Armilo. Might also try Big Game based on feedback on it here.

All things being equal... on a body of water that has big fish, you've done your research etc. I'd say the first big fish is luck and any subsequent large fish start leaning toward the skill side of things. As far as tilting the odds in my favor... timing is the first thing that comes to mind. Rinse and repeat. If I caught big fish on X under Y conditions at Z time of year I will for sure be trying that again. Fish when the fish are more maybe a little less wary pre spawn, post spawn fall feedbag, stained water. Fish when others don't, nighttime, less than ideal weather (while being safe), etc.

To add to what @gim said, the virus that's doing the damage is a bit mutated from previous "bird flus". This strain isn't killing the wild birds as quickly as previous strains allowing the sick birds to move around more, even migrate a bit which is causing global problems. This was on the radio the other day. I believe they also mentioned something about 18K seals down in S. America that were dead due the bird flu. Also with this jumping to more species and more birds than "usual" the mutation possibilities goes up. I for sure was skeeved out while wading in December around dead and dying geese. Hopefully we get it sorted......😬