Bossdog

Anyone have any experience with wide arbor spinning reels? I've been looking into the U.S. Reel line of spinning reels as well as the Bass Pro models. I see Pfleuger has recently added one to their list also.Just curious to hear if people like this style of spinning reel.They sound good on paper but I've never heard any feedback or comments on this type of reel.Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,B.D.

Thanks for all the help.Looks like I'll give the daiwas a try.Thanks again ,B.D.

I'm in the market for new baitcasting reels as my 20 yr. old shimano bantams have seen better days.I'd like to replace all four reels so I'd like to keep the price down.I was thinking of the daiwa exceler 100hs 7:1.Any opinons? Thanks, B.D.

Grub Fluke Drop-shot Tube Jig Spoon Silver Buddy

Crestliner- While most people feel fishing the "metal" is a cold water technique, I have a spoon and/or silver buddy tied on year round.Whenever I mark fish on or near bottom in anywhere from 15-35 ft I drop it to 'em.I have saved many a trip fishing spoons and buddies during the heat of the summer when I couldn't buy a smallie on anything else.They're also great to use if the wind picks up and other baits become a pain to fish.So to answer your question,You can fish spoons anytime of year.

zachvii- Catching smallies on spoons is a blast.Your best bet is to go with someone who is experienced in this technique.I'll try to explain ,but it's better to see it first hand.I live in Maine and the favorite spoon in the northeast is a 1/2 -3/4 oz. gold hopkin's spoon.Let the spoon free-fall to the bottom or level of the fish on a controlled descent.Lift your rod tip up and let the spoon semi-flutter back down again. You want the spoon to flutter down but you still want be able to "feel" the weight of the spoon on a semi-slack line.Silver Buddies and other blade baits are fished in the same manner.Spoons and blade baits get bit mostly when the lure is falling. Sometimes it's just a tick, that's why it's important to stay in contact with the lure .It's a fine line between the flutter and the semi slack line but over time you will see how it works.Hope this was helpful.B.D.

Jig-X Knot =Uni-Knot After looking at the directions for tying their knot,the knot is basically a uni-knot tied on the jig eye.

I live and fish in Maine and it is illegal to use any "spiny finned fish" for bait.It is well known that hawg smallmouth have been caught trolling native yellow perch.I personally feel you should be able to use whatever forage fish is native to the lake you are fishing but unfortunately the great state of Maine disagrees.I have caught a few 4pound smallies on senkos that had partially digested 5-6 inch yellow perch half-way down their gullet.Check your local regs because fines can be stiff.B.D.

When it's tough to keep the boat in position,I break out a 3/4 oz. silver buddy and drift-fish.The "buddy"gets down fast, and I can feel it working even in the worst of conditions.It's saved the day for me many times.Hope this helps.B.D.

gamblerOH, Again , Thanks for the reply.I really appreciate your input. Looks like I'll pick up that machine sometime this week.Thanks,B.D.

Gambler- Thanks for the reply.How do you like the screen size?B.D.

I'm thinking about putting an X67C on my bow and just wondering if anyone has any experience with this unit.Any comments pro or con wopuld be greatly appreciated.Thanks,B.D.

I'm looking for a color fishfinder and wondering if anyone out ther could comment on these units.I have a store credit of $500 and the lowrance unit is back-ordered till the end of june.The store currently has an Eagle fishmark 500c and a Hummingbird 585c in stock. Are these units decent machines or should I wait for the Lowrance 102c? I fish in 45-50ft or less and gps is not an issue.Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks, B.D.

I'm looking to replace my 20 year old trolling motor which finally died this spring.I'm partial towards Minn Kota motors and I'm looking at the Minn Kota 55AT H.Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks, B.D.

Anyone out there have any comments good or bad about these motors?I'm in the market for a new trolling motor and was leaning towards a hand controlled model (hate cables) but the powerdrive motors seemed to be worth a look.Was wondering if they are a pain to raise and lower and if the universal sonar feature is worth it.Don't know if the transducer can be repaired if needed.Any comments would be greatly appreciated.Thanks, B.D.