Bird

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.

Guess I'll have to start diving in after hung baits and use cigarette butts as Neds.....problem solved.

Practice feathering the spool with your thumb during the cast. Does it still backlash with break turned all the way up ? Is your rod properly loading during the cast ? You could also unspool most of the Flouro " hook on bumper or something " and stretch it out some and rewind, it helps. Lastly, you could go to 30# braid.

Power Pro is all I've ever used except for 50# Viscous on frog stick.

Beautiful fish, glad you enjoyed the outing.

Keep smiling, God bless you.

Yeah, I remember one of my bonehead moves several years ago. Friend invited me to go trout fishing so grabbed my tiny little Pflueger president but was out of 4# test so found some 10# vanish in the gun cabinet. Spooled the reel and off I went, on very first cast...EXPLOSION. Looked like an alternator blew up. Lol

3000 has bigger spool which will come into play with line twist depending on line used.

Yep, I can relate. Just got the email today that our 8 day stay right on the waters edge of a beautiful big bass producing lake.....has been canceled. That one hit hard but I'll regroup.

One of the highest hook-up ratio baits to use is Jerkbaits......bass almost hook themselves on taut line. I also recommend throwing some moving baits and top water until you get a feel.

I can't tie any knot without readers but when I see the finished product, it's always a palomar.

Guess that depends on the rod. I have meds with higher lure weight ratings than some of my MH rods.......prefer MH rods that start with 1/4 oz for various reasons.

Getting ready to order Lews mach crush paired with the speed stick. Was wondering if anyone has experienced any issues with the microwave guides and leader knots ?.....those guides look rather small in comparison to other sticks in my stable. Any other critiques regarding rod and reel are welcome, thanks.

Most of my reels have holes in spool or are braid ready but the few that aren't I use whatever Flouro or mono I have on hand as backing, maybe 20 yards. Never heard of the tape trick to prevent back lash.

I fish Abu, Lew's , Kastking and Shimano.......my Abu Orra's are definitely work horses.

I have no flaws in my game, actually gets redundant after awhile and simply remove hooks to even the playing field......nah. Need to work on mental toughness......wind picks up I bail. Been working on more accurate casting from a kayak around cover. I need to spend one solid day throwing a chatterbait to determine once and for all, this bait is more suitable as an Dennis Rodman ear ring.

That's a nice body of water. Whenever I'm fishing deep water quarry " only fish 1 " I find the road bed and also like fishing horizontally to banks or use deep diving crankbaits to search water column. Natural colors in clear water.

Yes, adding a 10# leader reduces your 30# mainline down to 10#. Why use leaders opens up much discussion. This site shines a lot of light on the subject. I fish very clear water and and like braid, feel more confident with a Flouro leader, 15# braid to 8# leader mostly. A good knot and location of knot is important when using a leader. Imo I wouldn't mess with a leader if you can live without braid or fish stained water.

Whenever I'm Texas rigged or throwing a weightless Senko, I like to see my line move before setting the hook. Plastic worms and Senko's are inviting to little pan fish and those are the ones you usually miss, or have your bait stolen.

Now your starting to understand why you need around 10 different outfits to optimize your fishing experience. Lol In your case, I'd start with a 6.10 - 7.0 med action and go from there. I'll answer your question though. I'd rather have to much rod for a specific bait than not enough. Imo