Crestliner2008

Sorry it's been so long to have replied to this post. With covid and other family issues, I have not been out fishing much in 2020. However, being an old "codger" I've fished my way through the Berkshires and most of western MA all my life. If you are looking for "big" (of any species), I'd highly recommend the Quabbing Reservoir, hands down. The Oxbow in Northampton has produced some big bass and pike over the last several decades; as long as you're willing to contend with heavy warm season boat traffic. Other great lakes are Onota in Pittsfield and Pontussuc just north of there. There are other smaller bodies of water in and about the Brookfield areas that produce as well. Like any area, when it comes to fishing, you just have to put in your time on the water. And having a good sonar is a big plus as well. Good luck to you and let me know if I can be of further assistances.

One of the greatest fishermen. So sorry to hear this. In my early years I lived and breathed the Lindners. Ron will be sorely missed. God Bless.

Check out the B n' M rods at Grizzly Jig Co.. I have 6 of them (6' - 9') and they all perform extremely well. All my UL's are dressed with series #20 Pflueger Presidents and 2" test Fireline Crystal (with fluoro leader). Exceptional combinations that have performed well for me over the last dozen years. Just recently purchased a 7' Diawa Presso which I used a couple of days ago. I'm really impressed! A bit more expensive than the B n' M brand though.

After a water bath like you describe, I'd have a pro strip it down for a good cleaning & re-lub. NEVER wash a reel in water.

No. It appears over time and heavy use. Shimano was aware of the problem, which why they kicked up the price to redesign it.

Presidents all the way for me.

It's your choice to stick with Shimano. I use to be a Shimano die hard fan for many past decades. (My favorite was the old 750 for UL use.) That is until they screwed up the friction ring design and put several of my reels out of commission. Their re-design to alleviate that problem kicked up the price considerably. So, I switched to Pflueger Presidents for many applications now. Have never looked back. The 20 series is great for UL use.

I've caught a ton of bass on spinnerbaits over many decades. Started using them back in the 70's. I've always had some in my box and still rely on them. Like any other bait, you have to find fish first.

Here in MA the winter thus far has been very mild. Very little ice left on the ponds and no snow on the ground! Very unusual for us. I suspect that over the next week or two I'll be wetting line somewhere from shore.

Yep, got mine several weeks ago. You should give them a call.

Welcome to the club! Idiotic at best.

Remember one thing. Fish don't "think"....as much as we like to believe that they do. They are reactive to their surroundings and adapt in order to take advantage of feeding opportunities. Their main purpose in living to eat and reproduce. And if the water is pure chocolate milk, they can still find prey. This is why I spend most of my time on the water focusing on depth & speed control. instead of color of the water, color of my bait and anything else I "emotionally" feel. JMO!

I'm assuming their "Spring Sale" will coincide with one for their Cabelas stores - I hope!

Check out the VMC line up of "In-Line" single hooks for replacing trebles on cranks. I troll series 300 Bandit cranks and use a single #1/0 VMC In-Line on the rear hanger with excellent results. The bandits are a bit fatter than the Raps are, but you really need that wide hook gap to set well. JMO.