Hammer 4

55# is about the same diameter as 10-12 lb mono..Why use the 40..?

Don't bother them, they won't bother you..

If I do tie a leader on, it's usually 3 to 5' long.

Just be advised that the Invisx, and AbrasX do not hold up well when it comes to abrasion resistance around rocks, or any structure that's rough.

Fat Ika, and 3" Big Hammer swimbaits..

I don't know where some of these answers stem from re: Samuri braid..??? I can say this, it's by far the best braid I've used so far, and yes there are a couple brands I haven't tried, I see no reason to after using the Samuri. IMHO, YES, it's worth the $$ although as David said, you can find it cheaper. I got a 150yd spool from a member here for 15.00...

Had various birds try to get my swimbaits, and topwater baits. I just reel fast, and maybe yell, that seems to deter them somewhat, except for the Kingfishers..those guys are Persistent.. ;D

Yup, spinnerbaits. You can do the same with chatterbaits to. Btw, I hardly ever use a trailer on any baits, except maybe a small grub on a spinnerbait.

I have fished 2 pc rods a bunch, both for Bass and light saltwater. I can tell you I have caught just as many fish on the 2 pc rods as I have the 1 pc rods, and that include dropshoting. IMHO as long as you but a decent quality rod, you should be good to go on the 2 pc. Mine are Shimano Clarus rods, about 80.00 ea.

I find that a med-slow retrieve works best in the water I fish. Bouncing them off the bottom is pretty productive too..

After looking at all the reel options in the 2500 size. I'm getting the Stradic FI. I'm a semi Shimano fan anyways.. ;D

Sounds good, you should get many years of service from it..

i've used it and it digs sometimes.had it on a reel for last year.fireline braid never dug in.the samuria is softer and smoother but the fireline braid is rounder and has more body.if they didn't make the fireline braid i would use the diawa braid as my 2nd choice. Does the Fireline have a waxy coating on it, and how does the diameter compare to the Samuri..? I'm to lazy to look it up.. ;D

Unless I'm fishing deep water, and or in semi windy conditions, I seldom go over 1/4 oz. Although I have used a 1/2oz to try and get through some thicker weeds.. ;D Also consider current, the stronger it is, the heavier weight you need in some cases. As for hooks, I use Owner dropshot hooks in sizes 1,2, 1/0 and 2/0 depending on the bait. No need to set the hook, just apply steady pressure and the hook will set itself..Also, don't wait until you feel a fish pulling, i.e. taking drag to start haulin that pup in..as they can swallow the bait to quick, the idea is to hook them in the lip, the ds hooks usually get em in the corner of the mouth, which makes it easy to remove them. Once you feel the slightest tap, apply pressure. I like to pop the barbs off my hooks, for an even easier removal.

I don't recall the Exact number, but 2 or 3 comes to mind, and that's in 6 months. So stating that samuri digs "sometimes" really doesn't seem to be a fair statement unless of course you've experienced it.

I use the 55lb samuri..which is about the same diameter as 10-12lb mono..only had a couple digging issues in the last 6 months..With the samuri, I see no reason to go much lower than 30lb test..

I flip with both my Castaic, and Chronarch..Both work fine imho..

No surfing..? 8-)

If you can't afford to feed your kid, don't breed. There, I said it.

Ditto.

Are there Bass in Alaska..?

Thanks WRB...I'll do that.

I miss Muddy too I love my 301E.. 8-)

Another vote for Yozuri..I use the ultrasoft on all but 1 rig that has braid..6,8,10,12,15 and 20 lb test, all ultrasoft, which imho, is more manageable than the regular hybrid

I'd really appreciate if you guys would start another thread instead of HIGHJACKING this one.. I still need published studies on the subject.