softwateronly

Straight braid is best, but if you have zebra mussels that cling to weeds en masse, it's been better for me to add a leader back in for the abrasion resistance. scott

I throw a 5" on a 6'10M or 6'11M+ baitcaster w/ 30lb braid to a long 10lb floro leader I throw a 7" on a 7'2H (fishes like a MH really) 30lb braid to 16lb floro leader There's so much milfoil in my water I like slightly more power in the rod, and CPS weightless swimbait hooks allow the bait to last many fish. scott

I'm a fan of amber as well. scott

I also work long hours on my feet and this is how most of us in the industry combat foot pain. A sock change at the same time is the chef's kiss. scott

1/2oz 8/0 Fin-tech head - 8" Hags Tornado Storm Chaser 1/4oz 3/0 Fin-tech head - 6" Netbait T-mac Okeechobee Craw 3/4oz brass worm weight / crystal flash bead Carolina rig - 5" zoom super fluke bluegill flash 1/2oz gamakatsu hybrid swing head - rage bug PB&J 1/8oz 6/0 gambler duz it - 6.5" spunk shad GP magic or gambler burner worm gold rush 1/8oz 3/0 keitech ball head - zman fatty worm (cut down) GP This handled most of my May, gonna need to get a flippin rig going soon. The weeds came in fast and heavy this year with the early ice out and now the weekend traffic has cut up enough for some mats to form. scott

Don't really have one, but my confidence grows in Gambler everytime I try something new to me from them. scott

Nishine Erie Darter SD/MD - hologram smelt Stunnas, visions, rerange, world minnows, LC pointers, and Duel sp are all very effective for me as well. Something about the nishine outshines everything though with my water and my style. scott

I’m sure the zodias line is really nice, but the 7’2H Adrena is an amazing rod for me. It feels like a super lightweight MH, but really locks in the power when you want it. I’ve either read or watched people say the zodias might fish a little stouter. This makes sense to me with the way the Adrena has a “dual action” feel. If your other Adrena is the 6’11M+ this is the big brother. If you have the 7’3 MH, the Fast action feels significantly different in my hands. scott

@TOXICneeded the front of the boat to land those pigs. And maybe show up his buddies just a bit! scott

@Paul Roberts has a recent video about stunted fish. I think that term has specific meanings that might or might not apply to that water. As for your specific issues, there's only 2 likely options in my mind; they don't exist in any meaningful quantities and/or you're looking in the wrong spots/at the wrong times. I wouldn't know how to help, other than consistent time on the water during prespawn/spawn when the big girls have to show themselves eventually. scott

I use a Shimano Expride 610M/MF and a Major Craft Days 692M/F. Really happy with both, but the Days is significantly cheaper. scott

With the thumb bar depressed... scott

I do too, never like seeing any of the little guys go in any business. Don't let me tell you what to do, but 2-3lb bass buried in cover on a bright moon will find and destroy this thing when a jig, t-mac, or bull worm won't get their attention here in michigan. I'm sure NJ bass can hate it just the same. Best site I found for the color search. https://www.zeiners.com/hagstornado/hags-tornado-undertaker-color-chart.html scott

The ML Phenix throws a true 1/4oz just fine. I can only get about 20yds with a 1/8oz float n fly with no float. So I think 1/4oz is the true bottom for normal operations. A cut down Zman fatty worm on a 1/8oz ball head flies out there and brings back fish. The ML feather is fun. scott

Haha, all good. I have no idea who's mold it is and who was first. I do think the oversize worm is a unique look to give them though. I tried going through them directly, hope they're doing ok, here's the response... Tommy Hagler Wed, May 24, 4:19 PM (4 days ago) to me Im sorry but the website is down. It may not be back up till middle of June. I realize thats a long time. If you go to Tackle warehouse and check with both of their stores, or maybe request the baits you want thru them. Again Ilm sorry. Thanks Barbie Hagler

I only fish freestyles in 6”. They catch. I like them with the 8/0 and a XH expride braid to leader. I’m able to set the hook all the way at the end of a long cast which seems to be my most likely place to get a bite. scott

It is a tornado. In storm chaser. I’m definitely down to learn about something like it because these are killing and it’s hard to find the 8” version. I just cleared out fishin world in Dallas of their California Red and watermelon. The 6.5 tornado is so much smaller, gets more attention from panfish. scott grande bass? Trophy hunter??

The '22 Bantam is my favorite. The '18 is great, but enjoy the extra casting distance with lighter frogs on the new design. Both are jdm models, right under $250 as of today, which isn't cheap but they seem like they'll last forever. scott

I've found their ratings to be very accurate on the 692M and I've pushed way past the max 3oz on the 702x. Maybe this helps. I got the older one because I got hooked on wanting to try the '23 model. I also have plenty of gear now, so I decided I would like a set of 2-piece rods for some live in the car stuff and some possible/likely extended work trips. The 2 piece makes jdm shipping free, usually. Shimreels.com too. https://www.digitaka.com/item/29/6/5/4573236260310 https://www.digitaka.com/item/29/6/5/4573236260358 scott I chose the M/F because I like to throw finesse jigs in lake michigan. Most of the Days lineup is ModFast

I couldn't find any speedstyles when I was looking in early spring. Now, I have the 692M and 702X in the '18 Days series and am really impressed. The M is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I usually reach for it over the 6'10m expride. scott

If you're fishing reaction, follow @A-Jay's advice. Learning to tie that leader can save you hundreds of dollars. Worst one for me was a full size gantarel completely engulfed in a very healthy pike. Just as I was trying to get the net under her she came up mouth open enough for me to see my $30 glide bait and half tail walked flopped over and tink goes my line. Terrible feeling on all accounts. If I lose another I'm going full @torm Finesse is tough, the only thing I know is straight braid is worse than braid to leader. scott

I'm a line watcher as well with senkos and don't really fish them often anymore and definitely not at night. I went the other way, 1/2oz fintech magnum jig and a 8" hags tornado. The 1/2oz puts me in contact with everything, and the large ribbed floating worm allows for shaking in place as I slowly work through the cover. Has been good to me the last few nights. scott

If Quatro is all you know, I'm sure either of these is gonna be deafeningly quiet comparatively. I have one Steez w/ 8 strand PP and one with quatro, it's a dramatic difference. scott

Welcome southsider! Spent my childhood right down the street on Karlov. This is pro level right here ^^^. Hitting and stopping at $50.97 w/ 3 baits. Megabass, 15% off, free shipping...well done. You and the bait monkey currently have a very nice relationship. Good luck with that here. scott

1/2 and 3/4 are what I have. General rule, up to 18ish feet, a half ounce. Over 25', 3/4oz. Between 18-25' it depends how fast I think I want to reel. The technique works for me on weedy water, but I tend to think it really shines when you can tick the rocks and break the cadence. I also had some success using a *** hags tornado on a swinghead last weekend. The floating worm on a pivoting head gave me confidence that there's some unique action happening. But that's more of a big bait finesse approach. scott