TLHSS

@Bazoo How long do you want the rods to be when they are broken down?

As I've gotten older, I've discovered (at least for my style of fishing and my lifestyle) that less is more. I'm down to one quality spinning reel (Shimano) and one quality fly reel (Orvis). When it comes time to replace (if ever), I'd probably stay with these brands.

@Glenn Bingo!

Interesting topic. In another forum I'm on that is heavy on ultralight JDM gear, there's a few threads on the Daiwa Limited AGS 63UL Italian Special Area Trout Rod. Not an inexpensive rod (around $400 US) that is made in China. One forum member that has been purchasing, fishing and reviewing JDM gear for many years recently purchased one, felt the built quality was impeccable, and felt it performed at a level above most of his JDM gear. Even stated he would be selling some of his JDM rods to make room for additional purchases of this Italian Special-type rod. It makes me wonder what Daiwa has done to produce a rod in China with the same quality as those produced in Japan? Better QC processes? More money spent to produce the product (at less overall profit)? Again ... I think it's an interesting outlier.

I’m a 1. I bank fish, and the number of easily accessible spots in my area are limited. So I decide where I’m going for that day, set up shop, and start the hunt. Admittedly, I’m a 1 when not fishing, so for me it’s not a problem.

Since I bank fish and only carry one rod, I do carry a spare spool that can easily be switched out (spinning reel).

Another reason for attraction may be that very young bass eat zooplankton. Zooplankton look fuzzy.

I love fishing for big bluegill in our local retention ponds. I use a 2wt fiberglass fly rod and a click and pawl reel. It’s tons of fun, and a real inexpensive way to fish. My favorite fly pattern to use is the bully bluegill spider.

Very cool! Even if it's the Yankees

Weightless Texas Rig 3 inch slim Senko Craw on a 1/8 oz Ned Rig Jig

Can't help you with your fishing question, but congrats to your grandson! Did he play minor league ball within the Yankees organization?

That makes sense. I’m wondering if the boiling water soak would do the same as the “bake”.

Thanks for the replies. Very much appreciated! When I fish from the shore, I don’t use live bait. Only hard plastic and soft plastic lures. Everything I catch gets released. I don’t wade. From reading the replies, the biggest risk for spread would be fishing line and my landing net (rubber)? Would it help if my reel spool and net were soaked in boiling water? Or cleaned with a bathroom cleaner that contains a small percentage (1%) of bleach?

I read a lot of articles on how to prevent the spread of invasive species (both plant and animal) by performing proper boat maintenance. I don't see much of anything on steps shore fisherman should take to prevent the spread. For example, does fishing line, lures (both hard and soft plastic), and hand-held landing nets pose a threat? If so, how do you clean your line and nets before moving to new bodies of water? Do you have to replace your line (and baits) before moving to a new body of water? Hope this isn't a stupid question. We plan on doing some out-of-state travel this winter and I would like to fish bodies of water I don't know a lot about, and I want to do it safely. Thanks!