MOsmallies

That meanmouth is awesome looking! Congrats on the awesome day!

Yeah that's scary stuff... I haven't heard any updates. Hope he is doing well too!

Haha I know... I'm sorry man. My father-in law has always had Gary over at Sports World Boat Center work on his boat. If it was up to me I'd tow it down to you for sure. Some day 😉 Once it warmed up a little and I got her started she ran great!

Oh yeah! That was an awesome weekend!

Only saw 7 or 8 boats all weekend! I’m not a hunter so I typically spend the opening weekend of MO rifle season on the water. Water temps were 50-52 all weekend. Saturday morning the old 2-stroke was being stubborn so I just trolled to a nearby dock on a secondary point (10-14 feet of water) and dock shot a limit of Crappie with a few real thick ones in the 12” range. All released to swim another day. That afternoon I was able to get the big motor started and ran around chasing the bass. Didn’t catch many but the size was good! Spinnerbait and Buzzbait did the work... One more good one around noon on Sunday (Spinnerbait) before heading home...

Like Conor said... I don't think its been consistently hot enough yet. They seem to need some sunlight right now

Headed on the yearly family/friends vacation to our favorite stream in Missouri at the end of June. Caught lots of fish and some decent size. Even caught the same 17.5" fish off the same spot on the kiddie pole on Monday and Thursday! Missed some big ones but that’s just part of it. Best week of the year, every year. It’s good for the soul!

That Arashi looks familiar Glad its caught fish for you!

I don't know that line is the issue. Spincasting reels just don't have great casting abilities. I would highly suggest stepping up to a spinning reel and practicing to get the hang of it. Shouldn't take long and it will allow you to do so much more. Pflueger President in the 35 size would be a great all around size. It's arguably the best reel in $60 price range. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Pflueger_President_Spinning_Reel/descpage-PPSS.html Throw some 8 lb P-Line CX Premium or 15/4 braid on it and you'll increase your casting distance greatly.

Is this a push button spincasting reel? Or a spinning reel?

No I sold these back in 2016/2017... Sorry man

Great read as always Al! Can't wait to see the pics! What a day!