VolFan

I love this thread. What kind of bass are these in your creek? Ozark? They don't appear to be largemouths

It's the 30-06 of line. Available everywhere,inexpensive and does everything competently but doesn't really excel at anything.

Do you put any other framing, etc. on them? I'm going to buy two NuCanoes and most likely one of those trailers... Do you just ratchet strap them down?

If you're set on a 400 round reel, you could even do a Shimano Cardiff in the 400 size for less than a Benjamin, and if it doesn't work you can sell it for a minimal loss or keep it and get something for your smaller bait range. Great reel, and it responds well to tuning when needed.

Be careful with going to max rating on most rods. Usually the "sweet spot" is right around the middle of the range. The rod might be rated for that range, but I would gear the reel to what you feel like you'll fish the most. You can certainly fish the lighter Baits on a 400 sized reel, but what line you choose may be a more determining factor. If you spool with 25 or even 30 lb test for the larger baits, you'll kill a lot of action on baits(especially glides) lower in the weight spectrum.

You'd be hard pressed to get better than a Curado 300 D or E regardless for General swimbait usage. What type and size baits are you going to throw? I use a 200 DHSV for a lot of sub 3 ounce baits, but there's a big difference in casting a 7 inch Slammer and a 7 inch Punker. I've never felt the need to go to a 400 size however. Unless you're fishing in the 6 plus ounce range, 20 lb test mono or copolymer has always been my all around line, and you just don't need a 400 size to hold a functional amount of it.

I primarily use car doors and ceiling fans to shorten mine from the other end.

At Rocky Mointain Arsenal in Denver I was fishing a sluggo for pike and/or bass. I had a pike take a swipe at it and me being me, Bill Danced the hook set. Game on! That pike fought like a bluegill, turning sideways and coming in like a 2x4. Only when I got it to the bank did I notice that the pike missed the hook entirely, and had been lassoed with my braid catching in the bend of the hook, slicing the sluggo in half. I remarked at how lucky I was...my rod broke on the next cast.

You ever do that spinning reel/line slap video?

Man that thing's disgusting! And so is the snot rocket!

Can you do pics or a video of it?

Assuming the reel is installed correctly, some sort of force would cause the line to hit the rod. Centrifugal force makes the most sense if he's reeling line with no lure attached, especially the higher lb test mono he says he's using. The other real option is gravity, if he has everything upside down.

Is the reel above or below the rod?

LL Bean has some good vests that are pretty comfortable, and you still need their large pockets for your wallet. If you're looking cheap, a auto-inflate probably isn't your best bet. Buy whatever you'll wear; it's a waste if you don't.

Nah, Raider's more of a weed/meth chaser/Molly kinda guy. He's excited about being laid back in a smoooooooth sort of way.

Hold it in a flame and see if it darkens the chrome. It may hurt the temper however, but you should get a blue/black with just a hint if flash...or get some gun bluing and dip in that.

Shimano Curado D DHSV. If you can find one on The auction site that shan't be named.

His butt has a crack in it.

I use 15 or 20 lb yozuri hybrid for baits up to 6oz. I mostly use 15 lb for 68s, Mini to 9" Slammers, 175s, and Bullshads. Never lost onethat wasn't my fault. The 15 is great unless you're getting up over 4 or so ounces.

What you're describing is that the glasses don't fit your face, hence the gap. Can you take them back and try on different pairs?

They changed the formula of Slim Jims to be more vegan-friendly about 3 years ago...more spice and soy, less meat and fat, so they're less effective as catfish bait. Night crawlers or chicken livers would be your best shot, in that order, to see if anything's around. Fish where a stream or culvert enters the pond. PS: I made that up about Slim Jims. Why would you waste a perfectly good processed meat-like product?

I have the Orvis Battenkill large arbor and it's done what you want for over a decade, with no problems. Very solid.

Planet of the Apes.

.22, slow stalk through hardwoods. Set up a ground blind if here's a good area.

White or bone colored spook. Or white buck tails with a white curly tailed grub. Or as big a Roostertail as you care to throw. Don't get me started on swimbaits...