Hammer 4

Almost 60 years, both fresh and saltwater.

Agree on the make the frog look natural..Even frogs take a brief rest when swimming, so be sure to kill it every now and then during your retrieve.

Never gone over 8 lb test on a spinning rig, mine were all 2500 sized reels.

I'm with WRB on this topic. At 50 I was in my prime, I was roadracing motorcycles, playing golf, and guitar, all the while running my construction biz, and Not from a desk, I worked regularly 45 to 55 hrs a week up until I was 60 or so..I'll be 71 in Aug..while there are some things I can't do as well as when I was younger, I can still catch fish. 50 is not old...

Back a few years ago when I was really into tossin swimbaits, 3:16 had some very nice ones, very life like looking. The price was the kicker, some of the ones I bought were $ 150.00 each, no typo, $150.00 USD. I was always nervous about throwing them as they were all treble hooked and any thought of them getting snagged just un neved me..I eventually sold them all. As of today my most spendy is my Lucky Craft 110. $ 17.00..

Nice..I have and continue to carry a good sized backpack, being that I want as many baits as possible, plus terminal tackle as well. The only things I don't haul around any longer is a heavy swimbait rig and 3 libs of swimbaits..Just can't leave home with any thing less..lol

I got lucky I guess, mine spooled up fine. Hope you get it sorted out.

May I ask if you would mind providing some details, i.e. line test, lure weight, ect..? I've thrown 8" Hudd's on 40 lb Samurai in the past, never has any issues. I'm thinking of trying the smackdown braid, that's why I ask.

Long time ago, my Son and I were fishing a rock ledge at our local lake. I had a few new craw baits I wanted to try, made a cast, bait hit the bottom in about 15' of water. My Son started asking me questions about fishing, we talked for at least 10 maybe 12 mins..not paying attention to my line. I gave a gentle tug, it felt heavy, thought maybe I snaged on a rock or something, then the bass 4 1/2 lb started the fight. I could not believe the fish just softly inhaled the bait, and Sat there. After that I made a habit of keeping a finger on my line as soon as it hits the water. Anyway, I'll let a bait sit sometimes depending for a few mins..

Welcome aboard. Being that your land locked so to speak, if you have any parks that have small lakes or ponds that have bass, ect in them, that would be a possible way to start up again. Other option is making a trip to the nearest lake, and either shore fish, or rent a boat if they have them. Also to refresh your fishing skills, bassresource has some good video's on how and what to do, also there's a ton of videos on youtube as well.

A few years ago at a Very high pressured park pond, I caught 2 3 lb bass literally beneath my feet, which surprised the heck out of me. Normally I do stand back 4 to 6 feet from the edge if possible.

I fish mostly park ponds here in so cali, none of my rods are under 7'. Flippin stick is 7'6" I find longer rods are easier to fish vs shorter rods, which I've used years ago. Whatever you feel comfy with, use it.

I'll tough it out as long as I can to catch Quality bass, however, I've been known to give in after several hours and go to light line and small lures. I hate days like that..

War Bait's spinnerbaits has worked very well for me..

Thanks Glenn, nice to be back..

Hey Kermit, welcome aboard..

Welcome aboard. I use to fish the salt, mainly in the bays for spotties, sandies, and smaller white sea bass. Now it only freshwater bass.

From another 70 year young guy, welcome aboard.

I bought the Diawa Fuego 2500-XH. I have owned mostly Shimano in the past, some costing over 200.00. The Fuego is every bit as smooth, cast's as good, and looks good too. I also bought a Diawa baitcaster..Worth a serious look.

Maybe a silly question, but are you wetting the knot before cinching it up..? If not, that may be part of your problem.

Nice one..Congratz

Tatsu or abrazix..I've had breakage issues with invisx in the past, maybe Seaguar has addressed that..?

Spinning..6 to 8 lb either mono, copoly or FC.. Baitcasting 10 to 12 lb, usually copoly or fc..Flippin 40 lb to 50 lb braid, big swimbaits 20 lb coploy or mono. Kinda makes me laugh when I see guys fishing tr worms, ect on 20 or 25 lb line in a park lake.

A few years ago my Son and I were fishing at Diamond Valley Lake, and on an adjacent piece of flat land we saw a redtailed hawk fly off with a full grown fox. Birds of prey have always fascinated me. I've had Owls, hawks that I rescued even when I was 10 years old. Shame that these birds have dwindled through out the years around here.

Welcome aboard Kurt, and good luck in your endeavors..