Hammer 4

Used the Rage Tails since they came out, ain't gonna stop using them..

Ditto..I have other Tatula XT rods as well..

No leaders for me..

Making long cast's I find helps if, your fishing in gin clear water. In stained water not so much. Also it's a good idea to be stealthy, i.e. don't make a big splash with the bait. Having the proper gear is key for making effortless long cast's.

Trying to cast with a bunch of power is like trying to hit a golf shot as hard as you,neither has a good outcome.. Just for reference, when I had my dobyns 806 with a Shimano 301E reel spooled with 30lb samurai braid, I could easily toss a 6" hud trout bait about 60 yards.

Check out these videos on bassresource.. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/fall-fishing-videos

Why do cows wear bells...Cuz, their horns don't work..

I usually leave about 1/8" on all baits..

Thanks for all the input. Decided to go with a Dobyn's SB 795 Fury. Looks to fit the bill pretty good.

Thanks. That helps a lot.

So, I'm looking for a rod I can toss lighter swimbaits, i.e. 6" Hud's that weigh 20z's or so..I found the Falcon BuCoo extra heavy 7'5" rated for 1/2 to 3 oz. Any of you gents used this rod ? if so what did you like or dislike about it. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Falcon_BuCoo_SR_Casting_Rods/descpage-FNBC.html

I've been using Seaguar Smackdown in 50lb stealth gray for frogin and punching. I'm a past user of Diawa Samurai braid. Glenn recommended the smackdown, so I gave it a shot..very glad I did.

I would also recommend the Diawa Fuego. It's compact, silky smooth, cast's really well, and is a breeze to set up. You can find them on ebay at discounted prices. Keep in mind I was a die hard shimano owner for many many years of their higher end reels.

50 lb Seagar smack down in stealth gray.

I have the ct 100 and the fuego..both are silent and smooth as silk. Be interested to find out what the cause of your reel noise is.

Not to veer off topic, but have any of you guys tried the Live Target frog..? It's been Years since I bought frogs, I have a nice frog rig, and bought a live target frog from TW. They got fairly good ratings, haven't seen much about them here though.

Looking back over the years, I'm guilty of most of these, so thanks for reminding me and others to Stop and Think. Great stuff Glenn.

This could be another option for you. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Huddleston_Weedless_Grass_Minnow_375_Swimbaits/descpage-HGM.html

Im with Russ, had noting but problems with the line. Good quality is worth the $$..

Sam offers good advice, don't confront them..Some people are just jerks in all walks of life. Good luck with your fishing.

Spinner bait is what I usually throw..

Fishing is Fun, no matter what size they are. Sure everyone would like to catch a big bass, but it's all part of the game.

Likely a dumb ?, but have you or any of your coworkers tried to contact them to see if in fact it is true..?

You can also use a fluke on a scrounger head, such as the picasso, they come all different weights.

Same with Shimano..ahh, the good old days..