Hammer 4

You use 12# for swimbaits..? They must be under 6" ... As for the t rig set up..use what your most comfy with.

I've used the 15lb Yozuri for jigs, but I have to say, that I prefer braid, for the sensitivity, and strength factor. When I did use the yozuri, I kept my finger on the line to detect bites.

I would have to say it's possible the way the bass are taking the bait. Very few times have I not felt a bite on any of the Yozuri line. Maybe it's a case that your so use to braid..? Could it be your line has to much slack..?

I have had great luck with Shimano since the early 80's. I have owned other brands, but Shimano has great service, and is local to me, so I'll stick with them. 8-)

Tried a bunch of different brands, and copoly's and fluro's..I still go back to the Yozuri Ultrasoft, 6 to 20 lb test for different applications.

I'm still using Daiwa Samurai braid, 55lb test, which has about the same diameter as 12 mono.

20 lb Yozuri ultrasoft for SS baits, and 55lb Samurai braid for top water/floating baits. Some guys use 30lb mono for bigger baits, but I feel the breaking strength of the yozuri holds up pretty good.

My first choice would be a Shimano Calcutta, get the best model you can afford. I throw most of my baits with the Shimano Curado 301, I did have a Cardiff, wound up trading it for the Curado. Any of the 300 to 400 type round reels will get the job done.

I'm bettin it wasn't fishermen that took your blades. I've seen guys just walking around all of the lakes. I NEVER leave any of my stuff to where I can't keep an eye on it. Also, thieves can look like they are fishing, but just waiting for an opportunity to snag your stuff. >

I have both reels..I prefer the stradic, it seems work a tad bit better when catching fish that fight harder than lmb's..I do like both of them, but I would spring for the extra $$ for the stradic.

Reg. Monster drinks...and yup, I love the taste of it. 8-)

An accident just waiting to happen.. :

I've had Fios, Dish Network, and 3 different cable co's..I now have Direct TV. I would say Fios have a better picture than all of them. Out of the rest of the providers, I'd go with Direct TV. Picture is pretty good, service is better than Dish and the cable guys, and the price is competitive.

Abrasion resistance seems to be on the low side for the Seaguar fluro's, at least when I was using it.

To bad your on the east coast..I built this pergola a few yrs ago for a client.

4.5" worm on a DS with 4 to 6lb fluro. I'd use any worm as long as it's a flat tail. Some of the roboworms have worked there, such as babybass, bluegill, Aarons magic, and Margarita Mutilator.

I'm using 20# Yozuri Ultrasoft on my SS swimbaits. I've tossed baits up to 4oz. w/o any problems so far. For topwater I use 55lb braid. I'd just use the 20 to be on the safe side. I do throw the 6" Hudds, ect on 15 now and then.

I'm sorry, I have to post 1 more vid..the late great Jerry Reed.

This is Country, and a real singer..

1 word for ya...Samuri..

Ditto.. 8-)

Need more info. i.e. whats the heaviest swimbaits that you intend on throwing.? if your going to go over 2 1/2 to 3 ozs..you'd be better off getting a dedicated swimbait rod. The Okuma 7'11" H will work, depending on the weight, I've thrown 4oz baits with mine, and it's priced right. 120.00 shipped from TW. I also have a Dobyn's 806 mag for slightly heavier baits. So figure what you want to throw, and get a rod that's suited for the weight. And don't forget about a good reel if your gonna toss baits over 3 or 4 ozs. Almost forgot to add. You can find Crucial for about 100.00 used.

I have a gen 1 806 mag that's still in 1 piece.. Great rods. 8-)

Unless I bought a ton of bad gamies hooks, I'd have to say the Owners a tad bit better. Points seem to penetrate better than the gamies do.

I like the "softness"..it will get a tad softer as it gets some use. I learned to adjust for it, as I'm sure you will to. The only downside, is fishing it in a stiff wind, if you need to make long cast's. Until some way better comes out, I'm staying with my Samuri..