Bassnajr

Hey all.... I am a Daiwa fan working my way up to a Steez set-up.. A few days ago, there was another thread that was deleted by one of the moderators because it got heated (I guess???) I'd like to hear peoples opinions on Daiwa reels, and rods for that matter, I ask this question knowing how people here are VERY loyal to THERE brands and respect that. Please be nice so this thread doesn't get deleted. PS I was advised by a poster on here that there are TWO different Capricorns, a lower end model made for Dicks and a higher end reel. Don't remember who it was, but thanks for that info. I was able to pick up a new 2500 model non Dick's Capricorn for $60.00. ajr

Give the juniors their due...... I am sure they have fished RWP a few times???? and know the honey holes. (cough...cough...Polo Pond...cough....cough...) ;D And anyone who pulls a 6.75 LMB out of ANY pond gets my praise!!! It was a tough bite for everyone, but they rose above. By the way....they were also perfect gentlemen, good winners if you will. We can ALL learn something from their display. Alan (bassnajr)

I haven't launched my boat in a week or so, but still fish from shore near my house. I have access to a beautiful cove protected from the wind 4' to 6' max, rocks mixed in, and some areas where the grass and weeds have died off. Nice toasty water (for this time of year). NOTHING!!! If you read the books, this cove should have some fish in it. In the middle of the lake, there are large groups of "coots" (seagulls here in Rhode Island) right in the areas where the fishing has been good all summer. I am thinking they are still out there in 6' to 7' of water. Gotta get the boat out!!!! ajr

Anyone else want to help the kids and have a good time fishing???? Supposed to be 63* and possible showers. Last year it was sunny, 40*,with 25 mph CONSTANT winds. This year sounds better!!! Bassectomy and I are in....come on folks!!!! ajr

Hey, Why doesn't everyone take a DEEP breath...... We are all "brothers" in the pursuit of the beautiful BASS. I don't think that anyone would put up a post to get SLAMMED!!! One thing I have learned about this site is that folks are very protective and defensive of the gear they use. Let's think back to the first reel you caught that first bass on. It wasn't a Steez (probably) or a Curado. It came from K-Mart or Dick's, or Walmart.... get my point?? Did anyone every think that some "MANAGER" at these big chain stores came up with the great idea to sell returned reels over the internet to make more $$$ with the idea that people would just eat them as opposed to going through the PITA of sending them back??? Great deals are to be had on the internet, no doubt, but the advantage of seeing the product is gone. I'd still fish even if I had to use my Walmart Storm reel and Durango rod...I think we all would. PS Give the guy a break!!!!! OK Slam me know!!! ajr

You need a partner? I hate the park, but want to fish. Gotta check the weather. I don't fish when it snows!!! Come to think of it, I fished this tourney last year and didn't even get an invite or a call for this year. I guess my money is no good huh BH?????

I might be up for it.....I AM JONESING!!!!!!!

RW.... I am interested to know what you think of the post comparing the Symetre with the Capricorn from Daiwa. Gulfman..... I will be looking at the Capricorn BTW. Front drag or rear drag the Symetre is a great reel highly spoken of within this site. But if the Capricorn is on par??? I will have to check it out!!! ajr

I have all Daiwa baitcast reels except for one Quantum and I love them all. But.......... I bought an Exceler 2500 spinning reel and it's OK, but nothing great. Can't compare to my Shimano Symetre. I was going to buy a more expensive Daiwa spinning reel figuring 'you get what you pay for' but think I'll stick with Shimano or maybe look into a US Reel spinning. Of course, I am sure a Steez would be worth the money!!! ajr PS TAKE THOSE REELS BACK!!!!

UPDATE: I have hit the spot twice since posting...no go. I WILL keep on trying and expand the area a little bit looking for the HAWG!!! Thanks for all the condolences!!! ajr

You need to cut it in half and count the rings.....

Too windy...too cold...a few casts and then back to the coffee pot. Nice fish Matt, it's as big as the boy!!!! That's why I don't fish in saltwater. There are things in there that will eat ya!!!! Pieman....why did you say that secret spot is??? FISH ON!!! UNTIL THE ICE LOCKS US IN OUR DWELLINGS!!!!!! AJR

BH... It's archery season and you need to concentrate on that, remember???? ajr

Don't do what I did....... Fish your strengths. I let others talk me into baits and techniques that I was not comfortable with. After that, I was fishing the way others do, not the way I knew how to. I caught one fish. Take what others say as advice, but make your fishing decisions based on what you know you do well. Have faith in yourself, and never let your baits get dry!!! The more casts you make to the right areas, the more chances you have to put fish in the boat. Good luck! ajr

Hi, I had two rods set up this summer. One with 20lb. Power Pro and one with the Power Pro and a flouro leader. There was no difference per se in the amount of fish caught. I think it would make a difference in catching bedding fish or fish that are "spooky" for one reason or another, but in general, no leader is fine. IMO ajr

I went out to a local lake today alone to practice my jig techniques. A beautiful fall day, and as I headed out, I felt like something good was going to happen. I traveresed the lake, North to South, and East to West for about three hours....nothing. I put down the jig and tried pretty much every other bait I had; swimbaits, spinnerbaits, worms, cranks....well, you get the picture. I decided to wrap up the day. I put all my gear away, except for my jig rod, which was still ready to go. I found a small lay down, and figured I'd practice NOT getting caught up! I pitched my jig next to the laydown, once...nothing. Second time, I let it lay on the bottom in about 18' of water and shook the rod tip. it was then I saw a large "log" move toward the jig. I watched as a bass which would have easily become my new personal best "sucked" the jig into its mouth. I stayed calm, reeled in the slack, and set the hook!!! This monster (I estimate around 6 lbs.) was mine!!! Only one problem....I had not set the drag I heard the line come off the reel and the saw the monster spit the jig. I fished the lay down for another 1/2 hour of course with no luck. I came home and told the heartbreaking story to my wife and three daughters. They said "We don't get. We don't know why you catch fish and then throw them back anyway, so what's the big deal!" So I end up here, where I know my BR family will comiserate with me. No need to call me an idiot, or unprepared, or stupid.....I already know that. I just hope that beauty doesn't travel too far from that laydown and maybe, just maybe, I get another chance. Well, off to throw up. :-[ ajr

This summer, I had the same problem. I went to Dick's, bought a package of 4.5" Shadolicious swim baits (Strike King) and some weighted swim bait hooks. Rig them as instructed and they are 99% weedless. Experiment with the retrieve. I killed them in weedy ponds with this set up. Good luck, bassnajr

PM sent.

Welcome Ryan!!!

Good responses...please keep them coming!! PS Tin....when do I get my Jig lesson??? ajr

I also use spinning gear for senko fishing. The Symetre 2500 as a matter of fact with a "middle of the road" Quantum Shaw Grigsby spinning rod I got at Dick's. I also have a Daiwa Light and Tough and daiwa Exceler 1500 reel for this and other finesse techniques. I find that keeping the line just tight enough is the key. I use PowerPro braid as well as Stren Super Braid. I tried using braid with a flouro leader and without. Overall, I saw no difference so I went to pure braid. I prefer the green moss, which eventyally lightens in color, making it less visable. I wouldn't advise coloring your line black. Remember, research has shown that BLACK is the color BEST seen by bass. So if you are trying to make your line less visable, really not a good idea. The rod is important, but the cost of a rod is not. With the L+T rod, which has a split handle, after I cast and I am letting the Senko sink, I keep a finger on the split area of the rod. BOY let me tell you, it's like a telegraph cable. I can feel the slightest "tick" and set the hook. Hope I helped... ajr

Hey all.... I was wondering...... If bass are moved from one area of a pond to another, a fair distance away from where they were caught, will they migrate back to where they were caught, or settle into the new area, finding cover etc. I have heard at the bigger tournaments, that the fish are released via a barge in the center of the fishery, don't know if that's true. Thanks for any input!! ajr

Congratulations RA!!! Great fish!! I'd stick my tounge out too!! ajr

Tin, You name the date and time....I'll drive. You have my number. I would be honored!!

Thanks for the advice Big O !!!