Better news from the feeder front: We were able to unstop one of them & restore function (at least for now). Also assembled & deployed another new feeder, so have 4 working. I've always used TH, but may want to check out Sweeney as well.
HSB reign supreme at my place, dominate feeding & fishing. We caught several in the 8 lb range, lost a real biggun that basically just took off & spooled the reel. But last evening my buddy hooked a monster that did NOT escape, set a new pond record. We didn't weigh it due to anxiety about taking it out of the water, but I think a 12! True highlight of his visit, perhaps the largest freshwater fish he's ever caught. Topwater trout imitator did the trick.
One tidbit: Unlike LMB, HSB don't head for cover when hooked. Almost every time, they take off for open water. Based on my admittedly limited experience, HSB are much less cover/structure oriented than LMB. I notice the same thing when tossing out big chunks of fish food.
Speaking of caulking, what kind is best for keeping out driving rain?
