J Francho

I don't like the tape method, though it works. Whether you want use a lot of backing or not is personal preference. For shallow spools, I prefer no backing, and simply tie on 10' or so of old mono to the filler spool of braid, and spool up. For deeper spools, I use more mono backing. I've even used old braid - whatever takes up space that I won't be using.

He's a smallmouth animal. I'd fish with him.

A couple things. There shouldn't be ANY oil on the spool shaft. If there is, clean it off with some alcohol. The cause for that would be over oiling the spool bearings. Check both the spool cap spool shaft shim, and the palm side shim under the spool bearing for "dimpling." This would be wear from too much tension on the spool shaft. These are cheap, and replaceable parts.

I see the jig as a drop bait. Same for a pegged "Florida" or "Punch" rig. I true Texas rig worm or other plastic is an excellent, if not a little slow search bait. WRB basically hit the nail on the head with what it's good for.

I use it with two Rebel Magnum Pop-R's. No doubles.

Define what aspects make this community hole so productive, then find other spots that share these attributes, and pre fish them to find out if they are worth your time.

Well, it kind is a topic of it's own, and really you didn't do anything wrong. I bet there are more than a few that aren't clear on it.

You. They aren't G.Loomis rods. It also clearly demonstrates the branding issue Gary is facing. These rods are supposed to be better than anyone else offers, NRX, Champ Extreme, Legend Extreme, etc. Most don't even know what NFC is.

Have you a fished a 110? Most guys that use this argument have never tried the higher end bait in question. I see it often on this forum. Then when they do, it's usually a, "man, you guys weren't kidding, these are good baits."

They're decent baits, come with good hooks. I find some inconsistency with them, and that's a little disappointing considering they aren't cheap. But, I've got about a half dozen "swimmers" in my jerkbait box, so that tells you something - they work, and they have their place. I like them when the water is a bit warmer.

Megastrike Shake2 head, Rage Rigged on a weighted swimbait hook, unweighted as a subtle toad style buzzer…

What do you mean "forums"? You want the straight poop, or should put on my jersey and pimp what I want you to buy? That pro likes it that way. Whatever. They all work at different times. The fish, not the water, decides what it wants to bite.

I have a spiral wrapped custom, and it has less guides than a traditional rod.

OK, misnomer. Japanese style jerkbaits work in many water colors.

Start here: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing-tournament-tips/ Then find a small, local fishing club series, and get involved.

Misnomer. All jerkbaits work well in a variety of water.

That is really cool! I didn't realize the 2020 had that. Only ever seen a 200. It's a really elegant solution from an engineering standpoint. Thanks for informing me!

I hear you there! Look at these two pics. Which do you think was the better day:

If you count all the flavors, and left and right models, it's almost 30 models! I actually might get one to try, but It's mind boggling.

I don't care about a limit, my goal is convert five good bites into pounds in the well.

Because I start my day not just looking for bites. I'm looking for 5 bigger bites. That is usually a different pattern, and it can sometimes be a grind. The question really is, when do make the adjustment, and abandon your plan A, and move to plan-b, c, whatever? At what point in the plan is it panic situation? Some days you just scrape. I've had tournaments I've done well in where I've caught 50 fish or more. Other tournaments I've finished at the top with only 6 or 7 bites. I've seen tournaments won with less than a limit. The fish that person caught were just a different class altogether.

There are certified lines. Diawa Samurai says 20# on the package, and breaks very close to 20#.

Alright, this is not the place to start bashing pros!

For Pure Fishing, all I needed was a Bus. License and Tax ID. They have and initial buy in, and minimum orders, but you can buy smaller quantities at a discount. Some companies have a HUGE initial order, like $20K wholesale. Most will also do a credit check.

Fish near the boat, on a short leash is always a dicey operation. Experience increases your odds. The good thing is you're catching. That's the only way to get practice at landing.