A-Jay

One of the inherent problems with a standard round split ring, especially when using line with a thin diameter, like FC, mono or light braid, is that the line itself can & does slip around the ring and end up positioned/locked in the 'space' where the ring separates. The ends of the round split ring may not be smooth, might even be a little pointed or sharp. This can fray & even cut the line either from simple where and or a heavy load. The oval and pear shaped split rings at the line tie seem to reduce the lines propensity of slipping into the rings slot. Won't say it doesn't happen, just that it certainly happens less. I use them almost exclusively. I don't like to manage risk, I am a big fan of coming as close as I can to eliminating it. btw - I never use a loop not. A-Jay

@Miken216 I'll explain it, but I'll also warn you in advance, this might be a little long of an answer for what seems like such a simple question. So first off, I'm not totally sure what your level of experience bass fishing is, however previous posts and the question itself, leads me to believe you may have only been bass fishing for a short period of time; relatively speaking. The reason I mentioned that is because there was a time (back a few years and perhaps before you started fishing) when most all bass rods where fiberglass. So those of us who used them, sort of have an idea how they fish. And we may each describe what that is like a little differently. If the majority of ones bass fishing is more recent and revolves around graphite blanks and braided line or even fluorocarbon line, that's what they know and are acclimated to. But that is very different from the glass rod experience in my mind. Unfortunately, IMO, regardless of how I go on to 'describe' what fishing a glass rod is like, a graphite rod angler may never really get it, until they experience it for themselves. Glass & Graphite fish differently, I can not say one is better than the other, just different. I also need to note here that I do honestly believe that a quality Composite blank can be the best of both worlds. I have & fish several - All Season. There's all kinds of info & articles discussing the two blank materials. There also quite a bit of mis-information that mentions how glass blanks lack 'power'. When using the right rod, that is Not accurate in my book. Finally here are what I would consider 'the differences' between Graphite & Glass. Glass & Graphite blanks of equal length and action, the Glass is usually a little thicker walled and a bit heavier. Glass rods are almost always far more parabolic, but not necessarily less powerful. The above characteristic makes Glass very cast friendly. Whether these differences enhance or worsen a particular presentation, is and will always be in my mind, a personal preference. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. YMMV A-Jay

While most of my vibrating jigs are presented on a composite stick, these glass rods get more than occasional duty. IMO, they are an acquired taste. Still effective, but need to be 'fished' differently to be effective. Seems everything happens 'slower', which isn't always a bad thing. A-Jay

Perhaps the new chant will be "Go Wash ! " A-Jay

Also as a side note - Did anyone actually figure out how one was actually suppose to weigh a fish on this thing ? I never caught anything worth using it on but that foolish little 'hook' was only like 1/2 inch long ! Did you go for eye socket ? A-Jay

Man that's a blast from the past. Pretty sure mine died a rusty corroded death in the bottom of one of my first tackle boxes. Which was also metal. Circa 1972- ish. A-Jay

I was one cast from the bank there ~ Mr Jetson just had to go between me & the shore. A-Jay

Hello and welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Or A PA angler is legally allowed to keep SIX bass a day in 2020. In a summer's time, even if one fished 3 days a week say for the 10 weeks of summer, and managed to only catch half a limit each day, that's 90 bass in the frying pan. So the unfortunate and untended loss of 3 right here, pales in comparison. A-Jay

I made a new friend tonight. (objects are closer than they appear) A-Jay

Here's a few of my favorites ~ A-Jay

They look Very Tasty ~ I had a crab so big once it stole my wallet. A-Jay

Good to know. Here's another review for you . . . I have not have any problems with it. I use it in my canoe. I use it in the Pro-V Bass. And I think we're up to 8 or 9 trips to Mexico with it as well. Pretty sure I haven't submerged the thing but it's been pretty wet a time or two. Still making it happen. A-Jay

Yes. Perfectly A-Jay

Hello John and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Been using this one for several years ~ Quite successfully I might add. Since taking this pic, I changed the grip to the 6 inch Rapala grip (White) It offers more space between the 'jaws', which comes in handy time to time. A-Jay

Yes. A-Jay

Night time Bass fishing is a different animal. The cover of darkness adds so much to it. One needs to experience it to 'get it'. Here's some info you might find helpful in advance of your first few nocturnal bass adventures; A-Jay

Good luck with that. Especially the smooth sailing part. A-Jay

Welcome back Kent. Glad you're feeling better. A-Jay

A-Jay

Life is too short. 15 Things Money Can’t Buy Time. Happiness. Inner Peace. Integrity. Love. Character. Manners. Health. Respect. Morals. Trust. Patience. Class. Common sense. Dignity. A-Jay

I have that mode as well and use often. However, I will admit that when going from a more solid to a softer bottom, several times a day, I'm not always as proactive as perhaps I could be, when it come to actively selecting the exact proper bottom setting on the two talons. So we sink them in the softer stuff now & then. It's all good though A-Jay

The Zara Spook is no doubt an effective topwater bait. One that's been getting big bites for years and will no doubt continue to do so. However, IMO there are better options out there. Baits that cast well, track true, are just as easy (or easier) to walk, have an effective hardware hanging system and fall right around the same price point. Strike King makes a couple of good ones. A-Jay

Hi Chris, I'm going on 4 seasons with twin 12 ft Talons - Really like them. Being able to hold up in most situation in 10 ft or less, stop on a dime & stay there quietly, has helped me put more plus size fish in the net. And while spot lock is a very effective feature (one I do not have, but may have sooner rather than later) it may not be the best method of holding position in shallower water, silty bottoms, in weedy or shallow water cover or any situation where running that trolling motor may burn a spot & spook your fish. One Talon may be better than none but you'll spin around on it in some windy or current conditions. Bottom Line, Talons are a tool that suits the way I fish and they do come in handy launching & recovering my rig solo. btw - I highly recommend installing the Tilt brackets as well. The Talon spikes occasionally will get stuck in soft bottoms and the tilt brackets make rectifying that less of a hassle. A-Jay