A day with the Phenix

And I did spend at least 3 1/2 out of just over 4 hours with it. I got frustrated with it though, but not the rods fault. I got a faulty component for the build and would never have thought to check it when I bought it. Note to self, buy Fuji parts only next time. I had gotten another brand of tip and the tube section was open on the top near the eye in the tip but behind it. Whenever the braid would get around the tip, the line would part, cuz we all know that braid doesn’t like abrasion. Cut the line 3 times this morning. I had a Fuji tip at the house and once I figured out the issue it got changed right away. A q tip dragged across it didn’t hang at all, just a sharp edge. You can bet I’ll be checking parts in the future. Other than that it was a stellar morning.
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This one got the stink off and fought way bigger than he was. He also shows that not all the fish I get are dark like the coppernose. Female maybe? If y’all know please tell me. My first stop usually gives up 2 to 6 fish, but today it gave up between 12 and 15. This said, I was looking forward to a good day with active fish. They didn’t disappoint either. It wasn’t house a fire good but I stayed busy the whole time I was out. I don’t think I got any tens, maybe one, but I did get several over 9 1/2 and some that were just real chunky and looking like they’d been around a minute. And they’re still there. None damaged, none taken. A couple of little bass and a couple of dinner sized crappie were in the mix. Lots of redbreast with some of the bigger than usual versions and a couple of smaller ones that tried to steal my rod AGAIN! Drag pullin little fools. Also met some real nice folks today, one gent and his friend had come from Hinesville, Ga to fish for the weekend. They were scoping and had about 14 when we crossed paths as I was headed home. I knew it was time to go when a jet ski went by and through the no wake zone at near 60, then came back doing the same thing. I threw my arms up and pointed to the sign and he waved back, but he didn’t use all his fingers. Yup, time to go. Hope y’all got a few this weekend and a smile along with em. Hope to see you out soon, til then……..Skeet
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Sounds like you found some nice ones today. Definitely some pretty ones . Got to love those redbreast
! That first one is cool looking too .
That’s one of the things I love about panfishing. All of the variety in colors .

Nice outing. Nice catches. Sorry about the inconsiderate lake lice. I like the looks of the outfit in that last picture. I am a fan of full cork handles. What is that tackle?

Awesome job and pics. Some nice pretty catches. Hate you got a bad rod component. Sounds like a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing

Thanks Bill. I have to say that I don’t know how folks with lots of combos get the time to play with em all. The rod and reel in the last pic is a Lightning rod that’s at least 15yrs old. It’s 5’6” and rated light for 4-8 lb line and 1/32 and up for lure weight. I tried to get another 2 years later and they had changed them to a softer tip version that wasn’t near the rod this one is. I’ve used it heavily until about two years ago when I got other rods that caught my interest. It shoots a jig under branches and docks wonderfully and handles a surprise fish very well. The reel is a President 20 size that I’ve put carbon fiber drag discs in and it’s loaded up with .175 Varivas pe over 4 lb backing. Though I don’t use it often now I’ll probably not get rid of it til I’m not able to use it any more. That one and my 6’6” trout slayer series with a 1000 series Daiwa Regal with a little heavier line will be kept as travel rods as they’re both two piece. The only change I’ve made to the Lightning Rod is to add two guides to the tip section to get the line to lay better. What goes through my mind when I think of this and a few other rods I have is that I hope everyone has a combo that fits them as well as these few fit me and the way I fish. Versatility is the word.

Nice variety

I thought the reel was a President. Wasn't quite sure. Nice looking rig.

Any day on the water is a good day

BCS, welcome from Central Florida. Let’s hear what you’re doing up there.

What a smorgasbord of feesh:biggrin and I agree with the fuji components, I've only been disappointed once with Fuji stuff, and it was a new real seat when they just came out, the type with the opening on the casting cut out where you still feel the blank, seemed to be "brittle" and porous, it was replaced from Mudhole, but hated having to rebuild because of a 5 dollar ~ part:Doh:

Nice to see you got out and got a few. I especially like the redbreast, which we never heard off being caught thus far west. Though I read some Pumpkinseed were caught in the Reno area of all places, so never say never I guess...lol. Thumbs [emoji106]

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Thanks for the share Tim. You certainly boated an awesome mixed bag of fish.

some of them fish look previously abused bro , was that one female half scaled by a larger fish ?
and was the male previously used as bait ?
looks fun though , KABOOM is the word

Nice variety of great looking fish. Glad you are enjoying your new build.

Good job, great day on the water. Tons of cool pics, tanks for sharing.

I agree some of them look battle worn. Every full moon they are found near the beds so I can’t help but think that they’re tending the beds, fanning and such. The hard bottom might account for some of that but dunno. All I can do is treat em as right as I’m able and put em back to heal a little better.