casts_by_fly

if there is cleaner to be had then sure. 1’ isn’t what I’d call muddy though. I’m talking 6” or less type muddy. I’d probably go home if that was the case. But if the water is 1’ dirty then I’m looking for cover on the sunny side of the lake. At 48 degrees I’d expect the fish to be closer to the winter end of their range than the spawning end. In that scenario I’m looking for the steeper transition zones moreso than the flats. also, I’m ignoring ffs for the sake of this post. I have it and would use it (maybe even in the 6” muddy scenario) but not everyone does. And the thought process would still be the same for finding where they are. Just easier to confirm with live imaging.

yes.

it’s a light oil with a needle applicator that I can get easily and works well. I’ll also use it to lube anything that needs a light thin oil. Door hinges are a good shout. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KW7NA8?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

fish them all until you figure it out. Like a jay said, take your time- you’re not in a tournament. If it’s really cold still, find a sunny shoreline. Wind blows baitfish food around and they follow it. I hate fishing muddy water so I don’t. In the spring, warmer water is better generally speaking.

talked with the guys this week. It’s in the shop this week and should finish next week. We decided on mounting options, chargers, etc. I think I’ll pick it up on Saturday the 22nd.

If you’re thinking explode, then the zodias is a natural option. I have the 6’9” ml and like it for lighter stuff up to a 3/16 and 4” plastic.

not in any way. I was a little worried about that when I ordered it but definitely not the case.

The expert amistad might work. I used my regular expert amistad for a-rigs (among other things) to just over 2 oz. It was pushing the rod, but it managed. The XH is a bit heavier. But if you're going to do that, have a look at the Cara big bait rod. 7'9", 1-5 oz. I picked it up for the same things you're describing. With a 6" magdraft and 3/8 oz owner beast I can see I'm going to like it based on yard casting. I didn't cast the 8" magdraft yet, but I tied it on and flexed it in the house. 2-3 weeks and I'll have it on the water. I'm confident in it.

Falcon Cara heavy cover jig. 7'4", Rated 1/2-1 oz, heavy, fast. But its a 6 power falcon heavy which is on the lighter side of heavy. And the 'fast' action isn't really that fast. It's got a nice top third bend for what you're describing. And it was designed to drag football jigs.

No, it's the 'i dropped my rod over the side' device.

New or used?

The head turner is a 'heavy' but it's not. Look at the lure rating to se that its rated for 1/4-3/4 and I'd say that's pretty accurate. Other makers might label is 1/4-1. It aligns with a MH in a St Croix power wise. That's the difference between a 6 power heavy and a 7 power heavy. So a 1/8 oz weight plus a modest plastic is going to put you at 3/8 or 1/2 oz total bait weight pretty quickly. Compared to the HCJ, the head turner has about the same power in the butt, but the last 1/4 of the rod has a much faster taper and a lighter tip. That much lighter tip will let you throw a lot of things on it.

Yes, but he was asking between the two JDM versions. Handles and knobs will be the same. And I think the spool external specs are the same on both reels, just that the met 100 has a smaller arbor to allow a bit more line. Not that I find the 20 Met to be lacking in that area.

Pretty sure the 100 has a little deeper spool and that's it. the 100 is a 2023 release model while the regular met is a 2020. but the frames and everything else are the same.