J Francho

Jr., Maddux, Jeter, Puhols....

Something I posted on another forum: The Justice Dept. has its hands tied until District Court rules on the appeal by the Players' Union. After that it will be heard in the Supreme Court. In the meantime, they'd like to pursue the source(s) of the illegal drugs, but cannot since the list is still considered "sealed." Therefore, by anonymously, and illegally I presume, leaking names serves to aid in their investigation. I do think someone somewhere has it in for MLB and the union, though. Not sure why....there isn't an obvious "follow the money" trail. Maybe Johnny Jerkbait [edit: a lawyer on that forum] cares to offer his take? At any rate, it goes to show the ubiquity of PEDs in MLB, and while it diminishes the acheivements of players that didn't use, its clear to me that it didn't make much of a difference anyway, other than the usual Giambitis Slump that always follows them going of the juice, LOL. Oh, and when Ortiz finally decides to comment, and he will have to, look for him to use the the "I don't know what they gave us back in the Dominican" defense. He's already laid the groundwork for that excuse.

A better choice is Birchwood Casey Reel Scrubber. Its made for the job, and works well. Use in well ventilated area and wear chemical gloves. The first time I used it, I got a good huff, and it wasn't too pleasant.

Attach a scale to a fixed object, I use a bench vise, and tie your line to the hook on the scale. Set your drag somewhat loose, and take a measurement pull. You want to have it set somewhere between 1/4 and 1/3 the line rating or rod rating, whichever is lower. 3-4 lbs. of resistance is pretty much standard on most casting rigs, and 2-2.5 on spinning. After a while you do get a feel for it, but it never hurts to bench test once in a while.

The reason I ask is that I have had more than a couple of people not realize that a lefty baitcaster has reverse threads. They were actually running their drags loose, when they thought they had them tightened, LOL. Sounds to me there is an issue here. This is one of two reels on this board with slipping spools, and I cannot believe they are both from mono or fluoro type lines slipping.

Don't get me wrong, they still have plenty of power in them, enough for any normal fishing application. I think max drag is a highly overrated stat. Smoothness and the way a reel transitions into slippage is much more important, but much more subjective and difficult to quantify. Anyway, if we could get a macro shot of that pinion, I think the answer might be clear. That's a tall order, though.

Braid is not the end all answer for spinning, but it sure is great. it doesn't suffer as bad from line twist, but you can eventually get wind knots and tip wrap, especially if it is well worn in. I use 15# Power Pro for most of my finesse applications. i almost always use a fluoro leader material. Braid's biggest weakness is abrasion, so if you are fishing rocks, docks, and especially if fishing zebe infested lakes, then the leader is a must. I also find that using a long leader, like 8'+ helps avoid tip wrap. Speaking of leader, son't use reel fill as leader, get real leader material, like P-Line CFX, Gamma Fluoro Leaders, or Triple Fish Leader. I use 6-10# depending on cover. An Allbright knot seems to work the best, though I've also use a triple surgeon's, Uni to Uni, and even a blood knot with success. The uni to Uni is probably the easiest to tie, but I recommend a spider hitch on the braided mainline to double the diameter when using a larger diameter leader, like 8 or 10#.

He said what he was using in the post. : *************************************************** I actually have a dumb question....is this a left hand retrieve reel?

Vanish...what happens when you hook a fish using it, LOL.

That is an unorthodox suggestion, probably plenty strong enough. But I'm looking at longer, not shorter. Might get an 8 footer.

Drag is not set high enough.

Baitcasting gear...I like a right hand retrieve for baits I move with the reel. For baits that I use the rod to move the bait, a left hand retrieve is comfortable. Spinning, cast with right, handle on the left. This was actually the hardest to learn, after growing up using old knuckle busters and spincasters.

This gets my vote too. Did we establish what type of line is on the reel? if its braid, I'd say the line is slipping on the spool. The remedy is a mono backer.

7' is the max. I have five 7' rods, and they all fit in them.

Its got a coating that resists puncture, but it isn't fool proof. Just put a lure wrap on it, and the sleeve slides right over.

Eric Crapton....the most overrated.... Mudman, you aren't old, if you don't feel it, you don't feel it. I find a lot of music that I don't initially like takes time to set in. Its as if my ears need retraining - too used to what I have already been listening to.

I'm surprised you haven't heard TBK....they are the shiznit.

Or its simply a more realistic estimate of what drag you can expect throughout the life of a reel. I've seen Revos that have fell FAR short of 24 lb. max drag after just one season. The carbon fiber washers are not nearly as robust as the aftermarket ones.

You run the risk of damaging the gearing, but whats worse is the shock to the worm gear and pawl in the level wind.

A box, a marker, some packing tape, and a few bucks to send to the Reel Mechanic.

Gemini. Same company that does tournament jerseys.

The Dobyns would be the ideal rod for now, issue is price. Fishing budget is blown already, LOL. Its not really that I "flip," its that I fish heavy cover. So called "flipping sticks" are the heaviest rods most manus offer. There was a small nick in the blank, just below the tip, but the rod snapped in half. Its no sweat, thiat rod didn't owe me a penny. Many 5 and 6+ fish hauled out of the slop and timber, and I'm not changing my style. It isn't so much the hookset as it is the wind and lift directly after, to raise the fish from the cover that puts all the stress on the blank. Breaking rods just comes with the territory. That's why I'm looking for a truly tough and somewhat economical rod. Actually, this is useful information. I'm not sure the soft tip would suit my style at all. I prefer moderate to mod-fast rod with a steady bend across the blank. Yes, the flexible tip throws frogs better, but I feel it inhibits landing the fish.So, even though what you say isn't good news to me, its very useful - thanks. Rod preference is very subjective, and what we all use isn't always going to line up exactly. Thanks again, Dan., I appreciate the details.

4 seconds? It ain't the suit, bro.

Awesome, man - thanks!

Either the drag is set too tight, or you are engaging the spool before it stops spinning.