J Francho

With heavier weights, the standard bobber stop aren't good enough. Something like the Punch Stops from Paycheck Baits works better. I know you said you didn't like the t-stops, but they really work the best. A bit of a pain if you're in a hurry.

Daiwa Lexa 100 6.3:1 is your best option at that price point.

Yeah, that thought occurred to me too. I'm thinking many pros voiced their concern over the haul being "out of their control," and this was an olive branch. Up here, for one the opens on Oneida, they did the final weigh in at BPS in Auburn, which is quite a distance from the Oneida Shores launch. A ton of local anglers howled about it, though I don't recall any major mortality issues after that tournament.

That sounds snotty, sorry about that. I really don't think it's as big a deal as everyone is making it out to be. Certainly not as big a deal as the losses on Falcon a couple years ago. They were totally unprepared, and that was disgraceful.

Well, maybe they will consult a psychic. There's nothing you can do except wait for the results. The expectation is 100%. That's their stated target. I'm sure they have a "real" expectation. I think the average stated survival rate is around 90%, so that would be a good pass/fail benchmark. But outside of that, what information could you possibly be provided? The event hasn't happened yet. I guess I'm struggling to understand what special magic bullet of info you are looking for. They have aerated, sometimes oxygen injected live-wells. There are chemicals like Sure Life that help reduce stress on the fish. There is a recuperating tank. There are trucks with fish hauling tanks. I can't think of anything else you could want, or anything else they could do? Or maybe you're simply against this type of tournament altogether, and are using this as a sticking point?

I am on the fence with that. I get the idea of a dead fish penalty, and without it, smaller circuits and clubs will just have guys going back to buckets or stringers. Another part of me gets irritated when something completely out of my control results in a dead fish. Things like a tongue hooking, or a big smallie killing s smaller largemouth in a mixed bag. It's as if we're not just testing the best fishermen, but also the best livewellers. I know, it's part of being a steward of the water, and holding yourself to a higher standard. Just bugs me that I could have legally chucked them all in a bucket, but at least tried to keep them alive, and still get a penalty.

Before your career as a Shimano Rep (), Shimano would exempt itself from the reel trade in program during the BPS Classic sale. Their position is to never devalue their current product line by allowing "sales." Some places can't even advertise their retail price if it's less than MSRP. For years, there was negative press about this fact, and Shimano's position was that they donated brand new gear to kids' fishing events, rather than used junk. They obviously changed their stance the past couple years.

The expectation is 100% - it was in the article. What "statistic" are looking for? The event hasn't happened yet, so there's nothing to measure. If it the losses are great, I'm sure they will reevaluate their processes. That's how processes are improved.

People, try and form your opinions without resorting to profanity. Yes, we have a profanity filter. It doesn't excuse you from the rules.

I picked up three Chronarchs last year. Combined with the rebate, I think I paid about $120 a reel.

Unless you have it on your palm.

PB Blaster is the bomb. WAAAAAYYYYY better at unsticking things than WD-40. Just wipe your tools down after unstuck, and lube them with CorrosionX to keep them from ever sticking again.

Sounds like hyperbole to me. To each his own. They are both tools, and have purpose in my fishing needs. Some things I would not dream of using braid for, others I wouldn't be without it.

I like a rod with a fast to x-fast taper, and more like a MH power. Not the usual, whippy spinning rods. I found one I really like, though it may be out of your range: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-DHC5-performa-review.html It's around $160, which may seem high, but you get a TON of rod at that price. The other rod I might recommend is a Saint Croix Eyecon ECS68MXF. Ignore the fact it's marketed as a walleye rod. I use a couple of these for bass fishing just fine. They are around $100.

I have a little experience in this department. KVD Line & Lure won't keep your guides from freezing, but it does make it easier to pop the ice out. Problem is, it doesn't last that long. Pam, yes the cooking spray, works better, though it can get messy if you fish a lot. WD-40, as mentioned messes up mono, which is pretty much all you can use in sub freezing temps (fluoro and copoly are too stiff, and braid freezes to itself once water logged), so it makes little sense to use it. Real Magic works okay on the guides, but only lasts as long as the Line and lure. Plus, it interferes with KVD L&L treated line. Pam doesn't seem have any effect. Probably because it's just vegetable oil, without any of the solvent based accelerant. The best possible setup I've seen for cold weather fishing are Recoil guides. No need to use anything, just flick the guide with your finger.

Bass have been transported alive as far as Hawaii, Africa, Australia, and Japan after being caught. They were transported west of the Mississippi in metal milk jugs via railway in the 1800's. I think a couple hours in holding tank, and then a truck designed for carrying fish will be fine.

I agree. The original is such a versatile bait.

I think the zillion has riveted knobs. You might be stuck there, unless you use a different handle.

They could just as well catch and keep their legal limits. Certainly this effort is better than that.

You need to carry the hardware over from your old knobs. You may or may not need to add bearings. The knobs from my Shimano Hawgtech handle fit just about every other Shimano handle. Hawgtech can probably help you out with your particular model better than I.

I don't really see a difference between the two, as far as "harder to cast."

I don't like the slip on grips. They tend to move toward the base of the knob, causing it to bind. I also don't like the ribbed texture. I have replaced the smaller Shimano knobs with both Hawgtech cork knobs (they are $39 retail, not $80) and the bigger Shimano Power grips. If I could afford them, I'd have Hawgtech cork knobs on every reel I own.

Define "worm fishing." You talking a Texas rig with a 7" ribbon worm, or an unweighted Senko, or something else?

I've never needed anything other Dawn dish soap, that Perfect Solution, a toothbrush and some elbow grease. I'm pretty sure I've done a few more reels than you, and many that were downright gross. Leave that WD-40 in the garage. Use the right tools. You will make the mistake of putting that stuff somewhere it should go, and regret it. Trust, I've learned the hard way.

Daiwa, though I have other brands as well.