SirSnookalot

My reel selection is based on not the best reel, but the best reel for my particular use. Inshore use stradic all the way, good drag, light, durable stands up to harsh conditions, oil port, just a really good reel. Freshwater, any reel $75-$100 will serve you well, I size my reel according to my target species. For the most part the conditions are tame, just wind to deal with, little sand and no salt spray, they all work great.

I have had no problem with PP or Suffix. I use 15 or 20# for saltwater and my target species run 15#+, 20mph winds typical here in Florida. Freshwater 10# PP, pulls them out of the heaviest cover. same line on a couple of reels going on 2 years. Open to try anything new but haven't had the reason to.

I have hit the ocean nearly everyday between 3am -5am over the last 5 years. I had thought the full moon meant something but on only 1 or 2 full moon outings was the bite hot, for me this myth is busted. The full moon does affect the strength and the amount of water coming in for high tide, I have noticed as much as about 30' difference in high tides. The tide is a different story altogether, there is no question about it, the bite is significantly better last hour of the incoming tide (brings bait in which brings game fish). Outgoing tide and west wind there is only a slim chance of having a good outing. Some fish actually plan the tide almost to the minute, case in point barracuda, which I fish for most days, come as the tide is going slack form in to out. You may not see them for hours, then they come around like a wolfpack, this happens constantly. Freshwater.......I pay attention to nothing, I just go and enjoy myself, catching fish is a mere byproduct of the experience.

Jigs may be the one of oldest artificial baits. I like to swim against the current and try different things. I have been using a saltwater "flats" jig and it has been a good freshwater producer. I can work it in a traditional manner, I can use it similar to a top or subsurface lure, I can make it resemble a fly with a flutter action. I've yet to try a trailer in freshwater but have used a trailer for saltwater use.

I'd strip the line off and try again making sure you have the rod in a "fighting" position, reel the line on slow and methodical. Some shimano models come with or a shim or can be obtained, but I would post this in the shimano help section and I'm sure bantam will have the correct answer.

In todays market most reels even in that price range are pretty decent. I would not recommend one over another, what I like you may not. What I would recommend is how to buy it. Be informed, see it in person first, see if your "eye" likes it, check to see if you like the drag, ease of maintenance and give it a good once over. Try to avoid buying one. in a blister pack. Recommendations are only personal preferences, they may or may not be the best value. I own many of the major brands and for the most part I like every one of them.

I use this line on a conventional reel used in saltwater. It is this and very strong and I'm happy with the knot strength. I mostly drift fish or troll but on occasion cast feathers and spoons. I use 20 lb and have caught kingfish, dolphin, bonita and sailfish, these are very hard fighting fish.

Regarding your muskie and this is only a thought never have done it. We were discussing this very thing on the pier yesterday as were cuda fishing and muskies are incredibly similar to cuda both in size and habit. We use cuda tubes, we make our own but they can be bought. It may or may not work but worth a try as I'm sure your muskies have not seen this presentation before.

I have a neighbor who uses a cane pole, live worm and a bobber and catches a lot of them in our canal. I use a crappie jig but it is not nearly as effective as the live worm, tilapia are no where near as aggressive as the mayans.

Nothing at all, in fact dropshotting is derived from an old method that dates back into the 50's called a "chicken rig", 2 or 3 hooks with sinker on bottom, people use it every day in saltwater. Ever seen a sabiki rig? 6 hooks tied on main line with sinker on bottom, used to catch bait.

A good idea but it doesn't mean you get your money, it only means you are owed the money(providing you win of course). If you win a judgement is rendered against the defendant. Now you hope they pay voluntarily but if they don't you have additional costs in filing for garnishment, locating their place of employment and bank accounts. For the judgement to be part of their permanent record you, not the court, must file with credit bureaus at your own expense. This is the procedure in most Michigan counties, may be different in your jurisdiction. It isn't worth the time and expense in most cases.

A bit of entertainment before I go out and fish, I do some research on equipment beforehand which is helpful. I stay away from being too analytical, I like to keep things simple, works for me.

Also called a sailfin catfish

10# PP freshwater 15# pp inshore salt 20# pp offshore salt 30# gorilla braid offshore trolling

Tigers..........that would be the 68' tigers Lolich 3 world series wins Mc Clain 31 game winner....an exciting season. As kid sat in the bleachers for $.50, I think or that's the number that comes to mind.

Paragon, seeing you're from Michigan , some trivia. My former doctor Jimmie Bragman in W. Bloomfield is the developer of the 5 hour energy drink.

My wife had hanging on her rod a walmart renegade worm for 2 years, took it and caught fish without changing it. Long shank hook and no smell, so much for technology..lol

Have you considered a single (circle hook ) thru the corner of your mouth? This has significance to fisherman and the times you don't like it just grow your beard over it.

At least Roland Martin gives the impression of enjoying what he is doing, no doubt than he no longer needs to earn a living. Tiger Woods on the other hand may not enjoy what he is doing but he is driven and obsessed to be the very best ever. He doesn't the money either.

Making $ from product promotion and endorsements is not selling out, it's creating a business. The hard work is building up their name to put themselves in that position, an accomplishment that many aspire to, I admire him.

I would think it would be up to the dealers discretion on what they take in for trade, the object is to sell the trade in as well, not scrap it out.

Ask 4 more people and you'll get 4 more opinions, that's why I never ask. That said, for my "frog outfit" I use a 6'6" pos 8/14 med spinning rod with a cardinal 101 reel, 10# fireline, 20# leader and I pull them out of heavy weeds in my Florida canals. It isn't the ratio, but inches per turn, which I pay zero attention to, I just reel faster or slower. If I had to to winch them them in with 50# braid and drag their tails on the water surface I'd turn in my man card on the spot.

Fresh water should not harm it one bit, many people (freshwater fisherman) rinse their reels off after each outing. The problem would be sand or grit getting into the reel, worst case scenario.

If you are strictly a recreational fisherman the standard is different. The object (for me) is hook it, fight and release it, if the fish gets off the hook anywhere near shore or the boat, it's a catch. Some fish are difficult and dangerous to handle, if they slip the hook, they have done me a favor.

What a putz! Too bad her reflex action didn't turn around a put a few slugs in him.