Great knot and really strong. Works good with fluorocarbon the knot wont slip. I also run the line through the eye twice to start so it's doubled up and if you did it rite you'll have three lines to cut when done.
Mattabesset River can be productive for bass. Also go to ctfishfinder.com to find great fishing spots all over the state. Good Luck/Tight Lines
Spend an extra $20.00 and get the St Croix Premier you wont regret it. And their made in the USA
I compare it to hunting. Trying to figure out where they are at any given time under varying conditions. What baits to use during those conditions, What colors, Are they on the banks or in open water... It's a challenge, are you going to fish for numbers or for that lunker.
Lew's Tournament Pro LFS Speed Spool. Great reel for the price.
Team Lew's Custom Pro Speed Spool SLP
I got tired of replacing my expensive glasses and bought a $20 pair of Rebel's from Wall Mart this year and they work just fine. Two tips I have is to buy wraparounds and wear a baseball cap to keep the sun light out.
Your going to need to react quicker and not let them take it. Set the hook as soon as you feel the bite. A better quality rod and fluorocarbon line will give you a more sensitive feel for the bite.
With out question, in that price range "St Croix Preimer". Lowest price St Croix rod made in the USA and worth the money.
Try Bending the hooks outwards slightly with a pair of pliers exposing the tips of the hooks. You'll snag some weeds now and then but it will help with hook ups.
I have the same reel on a St Croix Premier 7'-0" Med/Fast rod that I really like.
Rage Bug Texas rigged with a 1/2 oz weight, crawl it on the bottom or cast it weight less to the bank and swim it back.
To be efficient at top water your going to need a heavy rod with 50 lb braid (min.) and a tight drag for fishing frogs in the weeds. Be patient on the hook set then set it hard and get them out quick. Keep your rod tip high and try not to let them dive down. Second, you'll need a set up with mono to fish the weed edges and keep your walking baits, poppers... on top.
A solution to the problem is a tackle room/man town addition to the house or garage. The wife gets her kitchen back and your freed up to buy more. Problem solved.
Try a Rage Bug. use a 3/0 wide gap hook weightless. Swim it on top, drag it on bottom, hop it off the bottom. Mix it up, fast slow, stop & go.