T-Billy

Absolutely. This applies to everything in life.

#STRAIGHTBRAIDBRIGADE!!! 🤣

Hmm.... I've bought four Zillion HD's and seven Lexa HD's in the past year and a half. I didn't get no stinkin free shirt. I did get 11 great reels though. 😉

They're certainly a curious fish. I've twice had them come up vertically and raise their heads above water to look at me. I've also had them swim up and hang around the boat many times while I was working along a bank fishing for bass. At least one complete 8 EVERY... SINGLE... CAST...

Muskie seem curious about the transducers. Followers that don't bite will sometimes suspend directly under them. Sometimes for several minutes.

@AlabamaSpothunter livin on a little slice of Heaven. Congrats brother.

He won't be mad at you. He won't believe you!!! 😂 Nice fish brother. Congrats.

https://www.amazon.com/Luhr-Jensen-Original-Hook-File-Handle/dp/B003KHC9MW/ref=sr_1_5_pp?crid=TF0XQQ5UV6KY&keywords=fishing+hook+file&qid=1707596674&sprefix=fishing+hook+file%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-5 Good file at a fair price. Easy to learn to use, and it'll pay for itself. Give it a shot of WD-40 now and again to prevent rust.

I've missed you around here cyclops2. Welcome back. I'd wager the clear bill is the least off-putting thing about a crankbait.

Falling overboard into frigid waters, with air temps that will also take you to a state of hypothermia rapidly is a big concern for me, as I fish in these conditions a good bit. I always keep a pair of insulated coveralls in a dry bag under the deck in these conditions. A recent addition is a Striker Ice, Trekker Series coat and bibs. I can't recommend them highly enough. Lightweight, very warm without being bulky, and the insulation also provides flotation to keep you afloat for up to two hours. They also function as cold weather rain gear. I've fished comfortably in a steady 40 degree rain while wearing them.

I'll use braid to a 20# mono leader when fishing jigs deep to make breaking off easier.

I have one. I prefer a faster rod for jerks, but the Jack is great for grubs, small swimmers, and small cranks. It's an outstanding choice for a day of wading after river smallies.

Mega Strike fan here. I can't say it's ever got me more bites, but I don't think it's ever cost me any, and fish definitely hold the bait longer with a good attractant. Kick'n Bass is also very good but kinda messy.

Of the tackle you listed. I'd go 7' MH F and either Daiwa. Start with the braking set pretty high.

I ran into a similar situation last summer. The guy wasn't swearing at her, but a woman was struggling to back the trailer in and was very frustrated, and getting no help from hubby. I had her pull up and get straight, then walked next to the drivers window and coached her in. She got it in one try with a bit of coaching. She and I had a pleasant conversation while tying down. Hubby didn't even wanna look at me. Lol.

I'd run 65# if you're gonna throw the swimbaits a lot. If it's gonna be mostly the other stuff with the swimbaits mixed in occasionally, then I'd go with the 50#.

I wouldn't worry about it in your waters. Those ain't exactly highly pressured bass you're chasing.

In the waters I fish, gulls will lead you to the white bass all summer, and put you on giant schools of shad that are loaded with suspended muskie all through the late fall. I never saw a cormorant in OH until a half dozen or so years ago. They've become a nuisance in a short time.

I can vouch for the Lexa in the HD series. I've been VERY happy with mine. Happy enough that I now own three 300's and four 400's.

Sorry to hear. I'll be keeping you and the rest of his loved ones in my prayers. God bless y'all.

Congrats. Enjoy your retirement. Prayers for your continued recovery.

I see Boyd caught two fish for 4# and 39th place on day one. That's a solid day for him. Y'all suppose he'll give himself the boot at the end of the year, or give himself a "legend in his own mind" exemption?

AFW stainless wire and a haywire twist leader is how I go about it.

Not high end maybe, but I've been very happy with the Ark Invoker 7'6" XH. The 40 ton blank is plenty sensitive and has proven durable. It's a lot of rod for $150 IMO.

Welcome aboard Vantage. I just bookmarked your site. This is great to see. One of the things I've enjoyed as I've gotten into muskie fishing is the cottage industry aspect of it. The majority of musky baits are built by small companies right here in the U.S.A. I wish you success and look forward to shopping your site.