J Francho

I don't use a spinning reel for any moving baits, so the faster the better. My current reels take up around 35" per turn. I'd go to 40+ for a 2500 size reel if possible.

5-12 on a drop shot Cross Tail Shad. Lake Erie.

Here's the plastics I buy the most of: Ragetail Craw Ragetail Menace GYCB 5" Senko Jackall 4.8 Flick Shake Worms Jackall Cross Tail Shad

Worth repeating.

If the rod is bent, you already know you have a fish on. What does that have to do with sensitivity? Try again. Still don't get it. Tell me how taper affects sensitivity.

You guys have to stop thinking of these entities as businesses with an "owner." It doesn't work that way. Jarden acquired Pure Fishing, and also is invested in Rapala VMC. Then, Newell acquired Jarden. So, there's that. Clear as mud, right?

Someone explain to me what taper has to do with sensitivity. I don't see the correlation, or you all simply tip watching and calling that sensitivity? My moderate graphite rods are no less sensitive than similar grade x-fast.

It's on their site: https://www.bagleybait.com/history-of-bagley-bait/

The Soft Steel leader I mentioned is WAYYYY stretchier than YZH and doesn't deform like standard fluoro.

For one, the process how they're made is completely different from the originals. Also, I'm pretty sure they are made in the Dominican. Being a part of Rapala, they also benefit from economy of scale.

Okuma makes a product called Soft Steel that I've tested. It's a stretchable fluoro leader that actually works quite well for what it is. I don't particularly need it, but it work for what you need. https://softsteelusa.com/products/fluoro-stretch-stretchable-fluorocarbon-leader

Length and taper have no influence on sensitivity, even less so when comparing rods that are inches apart. Sensitivity is more influenced by materials and construction.

Not at all, no apology necessary. It was a statement about how I noticed this lack of control I once had and want it back. Does that make any sense? I mean, I'm 50 and skating so I should consider myself lucky I guess.

I'm looking at a 26 HB bay boat.

It's not like I'm weak in that department, I just don't feel as strong when skating halfpipe as I once did.

They're all White River Marine (Bass Pro Shops) brands, so pick the one that suits your budget and feature list. https://www.whiterivermg.com/ Personally, I'd be more interested in BassCat, Phoenix, or Caymas. In fact, I'm pretty sure my next boat will be a Caymas.

Warm, gentle tap is fine.

This thread reminds me of something....

Good to hear. I know what it all means to you, and to let it drop off is concerning. Glad you're okay. In other news, I started going to the gym. Yes, I kid you not. It's not like what you guys are doing. I lost quite a bit core strength at the beginning of this year when I was sick for almost three months. That loss has affected my drumming and skateboarding. So, off to the gym it is. I'm not willing to sacrifice the two things I love as much as fishing just because I'm too lazy to hit the weight room.

All you guys saying, "meh, I don't wear one" should imagine a first responder saying, "meh, too much work to save you."

Yep.