J Francho

There's plenty of backbone in the MM spec SC rods. They do feel "wimpy" but that's due to the moderate taper. Once you get into the power of the rod when loaded, there's plenty of backbone. I've caught steelhead, browns, and salmon approaching 20 lbs. with mine. Plenty power there for bass. The MHM rods do feel closer to what most guys used to a worm rod would like, though. You can actually throw some pretty big baits with it, and it does handle the small stuff too. It's probably the better all around choice. Good to hear you found what suits you.

Braid spinning on the spool because there's no backing?

Nice fish. So far, I'm a big suckfest when it comes to fishing.

Sounds like you've done your research. My buddy has an X19 with a Yammy 225, and it's a sweet boat.

Hair dryer and some Goo-Gone should work fine.

From the Forum Rules and FAQs:

I bought mine from a tournament angler. Had 20 wins, and I added a dozen more. I run my boats the same, whether in a tournament or not. As long as it's maintained, it should be fine. Get any used boat checked out by a mechanic before buying, and get a test drive on the water.

There are pros and cons for both four stroke and two strokes. What I've seen, the cost analysis is a wash.

I have a 2001 Xpress H56 18' w/ Merc 115 elpto for sale. $7K. It's a tank, Fish Lake Ontario, Erie, and larger Finger Lakes with it.

Yep, got a topic running right next to this one.

Was following your pics on FB. What an awesome trip!

I use a Leverage Landing net. I'd rather net my fish myself than let someone else screw it up.

No, any Daiwa with Mag-Z/V brakes can be set out of phase, fixed inductor or not.

Thanks!

Nice work. New girlfriend? Some guys never learn, lol. Congrats.

Nice Work!

If you reel a bait with a lot of "pull" to the same side every time, ANY reel will stack the line up like this. Cast it out, and reel in the opposite side.

I'm not brand loyal, though there are a few brands that I am more willing to try out newly released baits.

Wow, nice northern. Looks over 36". Got to be at least 14 lbs.

I use modern Daiwa reels. They are all centrifugally activated magnetic brakes. And yes, since Daiwa uses two ring shaped magnets, they can be set out of phase, and therefore zero is really zero brakes. I also use some Shimano reels, and their centrifugal brakes are pretty easy to set and forget. I use 2-4 brakes on, depending on application. I never got the hang of hybrid systems, or the funky old style of magnetic brake where it's just magnetic buttons by the spool. Too fussy.

I know how to snell a hook. I want to see a snelled jig, where it's just the eye poking out of the lead. I can't visualize what that looks like or how you'd accomplish it.

I know they dry out faster. They also don't allow water to pool up inside. Seems counter intuitive, but the concept works.

Snell a jig? Can I see a picture of that? Not sure I understand. Thanks in advance!

Take a look at this. Bob Lusk is pretty much the authority on rearing bass in ponds: http://www.bassresource.com/fish_biology/smallmouth.html

I leave them in the original packages, and store them in a Plano Hydroflow Box. This is the ONLY box where I've not encountered rusty hooks after a trip in the rain and cold.