Bird

I always retie before each trip, which is quite often but usually not on the water unless, like you mentioned, I've fought one in a tree. Cutting leader lengths and tieing leader knots is time consuming on a small boat and much easier at home with a shop light.

What rod ? So we don't regret. Lol

I do quite a bit of drop shot and only have used Gamakatsu finesse wide gap with Robo, no issues.

Nope, you can't make that fish look bigger, big fish.

I always start outside limbs, weightless Senko or texas. Any submerged timber gets a spinnerbait.

Over 40 yrs of fishing and never sunk a hook in this person, I hate self inflicted pain. I throw a lot of trebles and use grippers regardless of mouth size. Been clunked in the chest a time or two from trying to free a lure but respect those hooks.

Do you eat them ? I hear they are very tasty.

Yes how about that ? New cases in VA has declined 3 days in a row, wheeeew.

They've slowed down in VA due to the reappearance of winter, WHAT THE.... BUT they are sitting on beds here in the western part. Hang in there, better action ahead.

Very informative video, thanks. What I find hilarious, a very close friend of mine who has a rear mounted trolling motor always asks if I'll operate the boat. Claims I'm better at the controls. Lol I'll store this video in my noggin.

Big fish, little fish.

Really good fish ?

I have plenty to do around the house......but I'll have to wait.

Yet another vote for MH.......single hooks get MH in my boat. No, I'm not talking about drop shot. Lol

He didn't.......That there is a BOGEY.

If you tied it correctly and slobbered on it a little, the Alberto won't fail.

I also did a great deal of catfishing back in the day, with chicken liver and sun ripened shrimp, fish slime was a sanitizer in comparison. Lol I never really considered Bass that slimy really but never had the urge to fondle and kiss them.?

Welcome Ben. Not much better than introducing a young to bass fishing.

Looks like well taken care of equipment there. When I had a bass boat, used 303 religiously, good stuff.

I keep on hand, scissors, multitool, needle nose, fish grips, digital scale, net, vice grips, screw drivers and 1st aid. Many of tools are actually tied to boat with long enough cord to still be functional.

I fish a similar lake and do as stated above with great success........a drop shot with leader long enough to suspend " Roboworm " above the slime. Note: drop shot is not a great option for heavy cover. You could also Carolina rig a floating worm. Lots of options to stay off the bottom though. Top water, Jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, swimbaits. Try throwing a buzzbait early, lots of fun.

From my experience a leader paired with 50# braid is not wise, leader knot is to large and guide contact is inevitable. Not impossible though, I've done it.

I use 6'10 MH moderate Lews Speed stick on casting, works well. I can also throw a leader on and T-rig with it, versatile rod choice. Imo

Wow didn't know Nebraska produced like that, excellent. When I think of Nebraska I can't help but think about Tom Osborne and those great teams. Lol

Almost sounds like line coil to me as cheaper Fluorocarbon has quite a bit of memory. If it is indeed an issue with the reel, Lews has outstanding customer service.