A-Jay

Congrats All Around. A-Jay

A-Jay

Me Too - A-Jay

Blade baits ~ when the bottom conditions are right (and they just have to be mostly free of grass / weeds) the bait is really deadly in cold water. This is the best video I've seen on how to fish them. I have a ton of confidence - if this info is followed and the fish are there to be caught - you'll get some. A-Jay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLOoWcoPIK4

Your Indecision may come from an instinctive hunch that there's more you need to know - which means it's time to learn everything you can about the pros and cons of each option. It's hard to speed up your life and virtually impossible to slow it down. Making an educated decision seems to be the way to go. No one else can make it for you A-Jay

Fantastic Bass ~ A True Trophy. Congrats A-Jay

Using the correct line size on a 200 - a decent cast would come close to dumping the contents of the spool. Not best case scenario. A-Jay

You are correct - I didn't. I do now. Thanks for the clarification. A-Jay

Clearly we all have our preferences when it comes to line type & size. Fishing 2 - 5 ounce swim baits on 12-14 pound mono is not some thing I have any experience doing. If this is your standard tackle set up and you have registered routine success, I'd like to congratulate you on being the first finesse swim baiter I've heard of. A-Jay

Walked into that one - and I was wide-stepping it for the full load. A-Jay

The OP is throwing 2-5 oz swim baits with this reel. 12 or even the 14 lb line you recommended is generally considered , well it's not considered at all. It much too light of a line. A-Jay

LOL ~ I do and just so you know - My diapers would be way too big for that little guy . . . . A-Jay

I would highly recommend the TW Reel Demo program to you - it's a chance to get a hands on. Even though it's for only a week or so, it's a decent way to find out what's the deal. I will warn you, the only 2 reels I demoed - I Bought. As for if the difference in price is it worth it ? It is if you believe it is, or it's not if you don't believe it to be. A-Jay

A-Jay

You're right - there has been an enormous amount of info provided here recently on the subject of round reels for swim baits. Can you please be more specific as to what information you're looking for that has not already been mentioned in any of those previous threads ? The answers may perhaps help you with your decision. Otherwise - as mentioned, it all boils down to personal preference - I use & rather like the Calcutta 300D. A-Jay

Yes - but definitely use it with prudence. For your situation, a sufficient length of quality nylon line connected to a short section of heavy chain will make an excellent "anchor". These are less prone to hang ups and possess no puncture qualities. Some boaters "shrink wrap" the chain to make it quieter - both ways are effective. A-Jay

It's been a long time coming. After watching his performances (or lack there of) over the course of this season - it's time. And I'm not even a Bears fan. His play reminds me of someone impersonating a QB for Halloween - just not good at all. But he'll be laughing all the way to the bank. His favorite song is called "Who cares, I'm getting $15 Million - guaranteed ! " OUCH. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Having the exact measurements may not be that crucial. A replica can simply be a way for you to remember this special day & great bass. As long as it resembles the original concerning its shape and appearance in a manner that you're happy & satisfied with, you will have all you need to meet that end. As Scott F noted above, working closely with the individual you employ to do it, will go a long way. Good Luck A-Jay

A Hula Popper & a Sputterbug I'm going totally Fred Arbogast on this one ~ A-Jay

Nice Bass ~ Congrats Sorry, can't help you with the panfish identification other than it looks like a nice one. A-Jay

Fantastic colors ~ ! Those shots look like paintings. Very nice A-Jay

+1 & X2 I've been singing this tune for a while now. The little extra terminal tackle required as well as the additional time it takes to rig (though slight) may be enough of a deterrent to keep some from going this way. I still use standard jigs in open water & spare cover but when not the going gets tough. A-Jay

Good Info ~ I stand corrected. A-Jay

That's what I'm saying ~ Was it in Cutlers spot ? A-Jay