BigGame0892

This. This knot has never failed me and I use Sufix Siege all the time. I didn't see this post before. I have been using Siege for about 10 years and have never seen it other than the G20 precision wound version. So, I guess I'm saying that the line you are using could indeed be rather old.

Back when it was still newly established and the access was limited it could be good. I had several good fish days out there from the bank. Mainly numbers, but some size now and then too.

That's brutal. It happens to the best of us! Don't give up on it. Me and a buddy of mine have had several days out there with multiple fish over 5 lbs. They are still there - your timing just has to be right. Now that I've left KC, I don't know as much about what is going on there. There used to be multiple good fish in Lake Remembrance right off of I-70 out in Blue Springs/Independence. But, that was right after it opened. Have no idea what its like now, but it might be worth a shot too.

In my experience at James A. Reed, Catclaw was always the lake that held the best fish. Don't even bother fishing near the parking lot though, you have to hike around and fish all the laydowns and other cover in the lake. On sunny days, you have to work hard fishing slow with plastics and jigs. You can also pick up a couple on squarebills and then the buzzbait can be nuts when its raining or storm moving in. Normally only caught 5 fish or so also, but a couple would usually be over 3 lbs and up to 6.5.

Thanks for your perspective. And, don't worry about choice of words - prefer short and to the point anyway. Its been one of those days for me so far as well. Looking for a little escape in the forums!!! Tight lines!

I guess this just makes me curious. Because Lews in its current incarnation hasn't even been around as long as the Shimano Curado. So, trying to understand how you can say Lews reels outlasts the others. I know tons of guys, myself included, that have Shimano Curados that are over a decade old and still running hard. Now, I've never owned a Lews - just Shimanos and Daiwas - can you tell me why you feel its so much better or explain your post a little more? Thanks.

Wait....there are other brands besides Shimano or Daiwa? Who knew!!!

OkobojiEagle - Lake Okoboji in Iowa? Miss that lake - folks had a place there when I was growing up. They still grow the smallmouth big there? On the topic - I use monofilament for almost every topwater application. Still experimenting with the fluorocarbon leader to braid combination for finesse. Its kind of a love hate relationship, but it can definitely work.

I sold all my Shimano 200Es and got the Tatula CTs. Haven't tried the new Shimano braking system, but I believe that Magforce Z is better than the VBS systems from Shimano before. All good stuff mind you, but I was diehard Shimano and I really do think the Daiwas are better casters.

Not much not to like about Stockton. Big largemouth, big smallies and some nice walleye to boot. just watch those winds when you're navigating the north end up near the dam. It can feel an awful lot like Kansas in that area! Its just like any Ozark lake - pray you're fishing in a cold front or snow and you'll cave their heads in!!!

I feel presumptious saying that you would need any help, but I have a lot of spots on Stockton if you are interested Ondrejka!!

This time of year I would be partial to Stockton for water clarity. Pomme would probably be my second choice. Jerkbaits on windy points and bluff ends would be the order of the day.

I'm fishing Sunline SX1 braid in 12 lb test yellow. It casts an absolute mile and is smooth through the guides. Its been the best braid I've tried on my spinning setups thus far having used Suffix Performance and 832 previously.

Saharas are on sale online at Basspro last I checked I think? Maybe as part of the reel trade in? Hard to go wrong with that reel. Daiwa and Dobyns both make good rods. Hard to go wrong with a Pflueger President too.

This is all I do as well. Done it on every baitcaster I've ever owned on advice I got in this forum. I just switched all my Curado Es for Tatula CTs. I have to say I'm very impressed at this point. They seem flawless and its nice to be able to fine tune the brakes with the Mag Z system. I think the old Shimano VBS system was nice for those who like to set it and forget it. But, Daiwa's Magforce Z allows you to get the cast exactly the way you want depending on conditions. Can't comment on Shimano's new SVS infinity system - though, I will say that since its a Shimano I'm sure its great.