reelfish

Smart move.

I fished this bait a lot a couple years ago and caught some dandys (for my water).

Typically what lb test you want to use. I use 15-17 lb fluo for the baits you listed. If you want to spool up 25lb big game or such you I recommend at least a 300 series spool. Another factor is retie. I am more likely to need an increased spool capacity if bottom bouncing a plastic. You might need to rip off 20yds of line if it becomes frayed, nicked, etc fishing around cover. Sometimes I need to to do this multiple times a day. The extra capacity will come in handy - no need to respool on the boat, and more importantly casting distance will be compromised less. I can throw the deps and 8" on a 300, but I always like the Shimano TE 400 series for those baits. Much better fishing experience IMO.

I use an older 200 size curado for those size baits. Those baits don't require heavy gear or increased spool capacity.

A couple of things. Big fish do show up. You can see that on this site in the Got Em' section. There are some exceptional trophies from the waters that they pulled. Second a lot of people don't advertise their catch, have a GoPro, or post pics. Hole burning seems to be a popular past time out West. Finally, 2 special fish appeared in my waters this year. Both happened to be reported and over 10lbs, which is a truly special fish in this area. You are right, the are not that many of them, but they do exist. More often they go unreported.

The lake I fish at is full of fish in the 4-5 lb class. Anything over 6 would be considered a great fish and 7 and up would be a trophy.

What lake do you have Flordia Strain in Indiana? If so, it wouldn't matter unless it happened to be at a power plant reservoir. Otherwise it is a waste of monies.

I have two plug knockers that are attached to rod and reels. The 44 mag comes in when the 1st plug knocker fails. It works nearly 100% of the time if you position the knocker over the snag before sending it down.

Throw them in the gutter and go buy another.

My friend says this bait doesn't work at El Salto.

No doubt the baits are great, but it seems to me the winning formula was changed years ago. The paint peels easier and the rubber is not as soft.

I really like the looks of the toxic gill. Well done.

Highly doubtful, but you never know.

I wish this was the case.

There are plenty of public opportunities within Kansas. As already discussed many of these private neighborhood lakes are managed and dont take kindly to outsiders. It is not worth the hassle

SUCKERS

I can fish my BAA sinker at any depth.

Why are you fishing a rat on fluorocarbon? I use braid for all topwater.

Go read up on how to manage a pond/small lake on your states DNR page. In my part of the country you want a healty popultiation of 12-15." To maximize fish size potential the ratio of bass to other fish must be in check (assuming the fish already in the pond has the genetic to grow to trophy size). Other factors see Trivs post above. My buddy lives on a small lake whose bass population was stunted. They planted grass a few years ago and the shad population exploded producing larger shad. Second they actively fished for bluegill to reduce their population. The results have been outstanding. I go there now and catch many keeper bass.

Hopefully he got hit by a bus.

Top Raman is right. I use the top hook version to fish the entire water column. The top hook version is my goto and is always tied on.

I used this same set$up many years ago. I since have moved to the rod saver and store the rods inside my Tahoe. It is much cheaper than $100 and you don't have to monkey mounting a reel and restringing your rods. http://www.basspro.com/Rod-Saver-Vehicle-Rod-Carrier/product/15989/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions