MNGeorge

Thanks

What is an FG knot?

We use uni to uni with 12# flouro leader to 30# braid and have no such issues...just make sure your leader is not so long as to get onto your reel before the cast...that will cause the issues you describe. We use this line/leader combination on both casting and spinning tackle...all rods have conventional guides, not micro guides.

Crush the barb down...

Still happening...seemed to be better yesterday, but happening frequently again today...just an FYI.

Where are these available? I checked TW, another site, Cabela's and BPS...no one listed them.

We fish the Finesse TRD on a 1/2 oz. swinging football head with 4/0 hooks in the Fall of the year when the Smallies have migrated into their wintering areas in order to get the bait to the bottom as quickly as possible and keep it there in the current. It's an ugly looking set up but the Smallies have shown no reluctance to eat it.

Thanks for the info on this...never heard about it before. With these, I can once again look at Pfleuger spinning reels.

Had given drop shot some half-hearted efforts in the past with no results but decided to give it a real honest effort this year...finally caught my first drop shot Bass last week and have been gaining confidence in it ever since.

ES Craw from Eversoft...between Rage Craw and Baby Rage Craw in size, same action, pretty durable and some colors you won't find anywhere else...our first choice for craws.

Been a number of times when without the Bubble Gum Senko, it would have been a tough day...wouldn't be on the water without them.

We've used a single o-ring for years, have had no hook-up issues and stick worms definitely last longer than without the o-ring. We install the o-rings as soon as we get a new bag of worms so they are always ready to go. We used to use a 4/0 4X wire salt water hook for the extra weight, but lately have switched to a 1/16 oz. weedless wacky jig with a 1/0 hook and have been pleasantly surprised at how well that small hook holds fish.

US Army...Fall of 1965 to Spring of 1971.

Thanks, I'll look at one.

What spinning reel is that in the picture? It appears to have a larger diameter spool than most spinning reels I've seen.

Definitely wind...makes fishing weightless stuff very difficult if not impossible.

My thoughts exactly...love the Menace, but would prefer it be about an inch or so longer...hint, hint, hint Big-O.

Swim jig with craw or swimbait trailer if the water is clear enough, chatterbait if not, 5" stick worm rigged wacky, beaver style bait or tube on a Fin-tech Titleshot jig or on a Jika rig, squarebill cranks, buzzbaits once the water warms up. NED rig if the fishing is tough.

Totally agree on Bitters Bait Co...their baits are well made, priced right and if you like a lot of colors to choose from, you will love Bitters Baits. Their version of the beaver is an exact replica of the original Gambler Why Not, one of my all time favorite beaver style baits. Their website is easy to use and they ship quickly.

Interesting, but here in Minnesota, illegal...only one hook allowed. Crankbaits and/or spoons with a treble hook are considered one hook, just in case you were wondering.

Found out just yesterday I have survived the latest cutback...won't have to sell tackle after all. Hope all works out for the best for you jbmaine.

If this topic has been discussed ad nauseum, please forgive me for bringing it up again. It's been a long time since I've been in the market for a spinning reel and up until today, was unaware many mid to upper range reels no longer offer switchable anti reverse. Am I in the minority here? I have never used the drag on spinning reels opting instead to back reel when fish make a run for it. This is pretty much a deal breaker for me when considering a new reel, at least for now, but if this the way things will be from now on, I guess I'll have to adjust. I'd love to hear from former back reelers on how the adjustment went and any tips on making the adjustment go as smooth as possible. Thanks

Bunnie, You have a PM

We use a different swing head but essentially that's it...like I said, it's ugly but the Smallies don't seem to care.

We've had the exact opposite experience with the TRD...caught as many as 13 fish on one bait, turned it around and caught another 8 fish on it before it would no longer stay on the hook and we're not talking small fish either...we're talking river Smallies from 16 to 20 inches long. We wouldn't think of using anything but the TRD on a NED rig because they are so durable. To be totally candid, we don't fish the TRD on a shroom head however, we fish it Texas rigged on a swinging football head in order to get to and stay on the bottom in the river current. It's an ugly looking setup, but the Smallies don't seem to care.