Dammit C/22 I tried to resist posting on this thread, but I'll take the bait.

As I told you the other day I've hooked most of my nates on metal this year (probably because that's what I've mostly used!). I think fishing a spoon well is harder than nearly any other kind of technique, save for maybe drift fishing (just my opinion).

Yes if you wanna be an open division bent metal dongler then buy Herzog's book. Not only is it a good read, but some of the photography is awesome.

Also, yes use heavy line, but not because they'll clean you out on the take. It's mainly because when you get a take you wanna set that hook bassmasterclassic HARD! Big hooks. . .set the hook now and as hard as you possibly can, and you'll land more of the fish that bite. Heavier line will have less stretch and help drive that hook home. Fresh off the spool 12 lb Max UG is the minimum for winter nates in my opinion. Also, steel will usually hit on the swing, but occasionally (especially in dark water) on the hang-down. Steel very rarely bite on the retrieve in my experience (but coho very very often do).

That's all I know about anything,

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