LAO162

Thanks for you insights guys! I wish I was asking questions about fishing:)

Can I use envelope for baits still in their "bubble" packages and what is a cost effective solution for baits that are no longer in their packages? Thanks! Leon

The short of it is that fishing no longer fits my lifestyle, so I will be selling some of my equipment. What is the best way to Ship NIB and or lightly used baits? Thank you Leon

Crank 20 times, soak partially filled spool with KVD Line & Lure, then repeat until spool is full. Give one more soaking, and let sit over night. I've never had much of an issue with line twist , but I usually have some type of tension applied to the line as I reel on the new line. I do like L&L though

The Spool Box works just as you think it should. If you are using filler spools, it's a great solution. This week I used it with a smaller 150 yd spool of Power Pro. Every so often I had to yank the line pretty hard to reposition it. If you have several filler spools in it (for weight), you can leave it partially open and run line from a bulk spool through the opening and out the "eye". I assume my wife picked it up from DSG for less than $10 (I can't see here spending much more than that). Not worth $23, but ok for $10.

I'll need to be practicing at the workbench before trying outside. I think the workbench really helped keep my hands steady. Right now I need the help

If I can tie an Alberto Knot, anyone can. I've been dreading tying knots this year do to the numbness in my fingers. Finally, I got to the point where I had to start getting my gear ready for use. After a fairly successful Arbor knot, I got spooled up with 40lb Power Pro on a 30 size spinning reel. I decided to use a 10 lb Copoly leader. Due to some medical challenges I have a very shakey left hand and tingling in my fingers. I also wear progressives so I can see up close and at distance. I tried the Alberto 3 or 4 times and was getting the lines mixed up. Then I decided to try a double uni knot. Just one side of it seemed even harder to hold and control, so I went back to the Alberto. I got it after 2 more tries. My process was ugly, but the result looks good. I think I would cut my fingers if I pulled the knot any harder. I'm anxious to try it out when my schedule allows. For anyone dreading their first attempt at attaching a leader to braid, I highly recommend the Alberto Knot. From google I used a couple animated examples to understand how the knot went together, then I watched a couple you tube videos for ideas on how to hold the line while tying the knot. Conceptually, the Alberto knot is fairly easy to understand, and with minimal experience it should be easy to tie at a workbench. Tying in by the water would take more practice. So, if I can tie an Alberto not, so can you

You could bring only the essentials in the tackle bag that will be exposed to the elements. Spare and less frequently used gear can be kept in smaller boxes that are in sealed trash bags. Only remove gear from the trash bag as/if it is needed.

Sweet find. I have Browning Midas Boron rod and it will launch a 1/4 oz bait further than any other rod I have.

While I have not used McCoy or SilverThread, they are both on my list to try. I used to use both 10 lb and 6 lb Gamma Copoly on my Daiwa 2500 reels. I never had many line twist problems with 10lb Copoly. I don't think a bass could break the 6 lb Copoly in open water, and I would have to wrap the 10 lb line around a stick to break it when I was hung up on the rocky quarry bottom. BTW, I used Copoly for the same reasons as you. Whichever route you go, you should try KVD Line & Lure to soften (but not weaken) your Mono or Copoly.

Even though the MS recommendation was from a trusted source (that I don't remember), I had some doubt. Magic erasers sound great - what won't those things clean

I have enough rods and reels to cover the basics. Not all are ideal matches. So this year I decided I wanted to fill a gap. I bought one heavily clearanced rod to fill that gap and another very discounted rod because I wanted to try it. I have older reels that will work fine on these rods, but I'd eventually like to try different brand/model reels that would be a better match. Mrs O has "convinced" me that I am done with new purchases for a while. However, if the right deal comes along, the Baitmonkey may still get a new reel:) In summary, I buy the best rod or reel based on the best value at the time.

I've used mineral spirits in the past, but like the idea of a magic eraser better. I have noticed that U-40 seems to make the dark spots on cork look even darker. Where's the best place to get U-40 now. Recently when I've looked online the shipping was more expensive than the product itself.

I have a couple LTX MH rods and love them. Always hoped to come across a deal on the LTA. Congratulation!! If possible try the different reels on the LTA to see which are most comfortable and balanced for you.

Mono has been on freshwater spinning reels for decades. I think the line twist issues started only in the last 10 years You may also want to check out some of the copolymer lines.