Hammer 4

I have the Fuego XH which is a 6 speed. The BG and other Fuego's are 5 speed. Line capacity is about the same, give or take, and they have the same amount of bearings. Could be the body and spool are different material.

Your opinion...I have witnessed guys almost getting into fights over keeping bass, even though it was legal. Better to keep em another day than to risk a confrontation. And as I said, it's up to the op. I stand by that.

And, we won't mention the Absurd price we pay for a fishing license..

Some folks are die hard CR, others will keep any bass, including big females with eggs. Keeping smaller bass isn't a problem as it keeps the body of water balanced. I'm in the CR camp, I've kept 1 bass and that was in the 80's.. If the guys around you are giving you the stink eye when you catch a bass, it's probably a good idea to let em go to avoid any confrontations. It's up to you.

I have the Jr. swimbait rod. But in your case, I'd go with something heavier..possibly the Bailey's.

At the 150.00 price point, really tough to beat the Irod Genisse II. Just go to TW and read the reviews. I have 2 and another on the way..Rods are light, well built, look good, and the customer service in second to none

I usually keep mine in a zip lock baggie, as I normally don't take the whole bag, depending on the bait and if I'm shore fishing. Never store them in a box.

Great..1 mod to do to increase your hook up ratio is to..bend the hooks up about 1 to 2 mm, and bend them outward slightly. It will still be weedless, but improves the hook up ratio..Have fun.

I have several TWS reels. 2 have braid..I use 50 lb Smackdown, I can not see or hear any wear on either of them. I think If, there was a problem with using braid on them, there would be a disclaimer possibly.

They make scissors especially for braid. Any tackle shop will have them.

Also, check out the Diawa Tatula XT rods, $99.00 to 109.00. Very light, good action. I have a few and they fish above their price point.

I have mostly the middle size, but I do have a couple of the large size, just in case..

Maybe try some Reel Grips. I put em on all my reels. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Reel_Grips_Pro_Series/descpage-RGPS.html

Mainly here in So. Cali in most ponds/lakes bluegills are the main forage, but not always. Bass will eat most anything they can swallow, and in some cases, things they can't swallow. I would concentrate on size, presentation, and speed..There are a number of baits that will work during this time of year, you just have to find what it is.. FWIW, you can catch bass on lures that have no resemblance to what's actually in the water, a spinnerbait is a good example, and one which works.

WTG...Congratz...

At $ 149.99 the Irod flipping rod would be a good choice, very light, well built, looks good, and customer service is next to none..I have 3 of them, and have another on back order at TW.

Use whatever length works best for you and the conditions. My rods range from 6'9" to 7'9", each has a place and time.

Pretty sure there was a thread about Cortland braid not long ago, maybe do a search for Cortland braid..?

I would add Rage Tail plastic's to the list..

First, I would suggest that you go on youtube, and type in how to cast a baitcaster, as I assume that's what you have. The reason for saying that is, you can actually cast wrong and snap your rod, proper technique will make casting much easier on you and your rod. With that rod I probably wouldn't use 30 lb mono, or fluro on it, although I'm sure there will be some that disagree. 30 braid will be o.k. because it a smaller diameter than mono is. The important thing is to match your rod, reel, and line for the conditions, and bait you intend to throw on it. There are folks that use braid for everything, and those of us that don't.

One thing you want to do, is make sure the twist loc, is the large size, some of the smaller hooks come with a medium size loc. You can order a pack of large ones from TW, or any place that carries them. The med. size locs tend to tear out of the bait, making it useless after 1 fish. The large locs hold the bait way better, for multiple catches..

The older E 7's, ect. were made in Japan. I only changed the drags on mine, but as long as it was clean and properly oiled, they were easy to use, and could flat cast a country mile. Brake were a 6 pin set up, nothing else to adjust. And they were pretty much bomb proof. I have 2 shimano reels but mostly Diawa's..None of them perform like my old Shimano's. But then everyone has his or her personal preference..

Be prepared to Pay for any E series reels. I've been looking for a curado 201, and 301 E..Guys are asking well over $ 300.00 for the 301..which is crazy. Good luck in your search.

Since looooong ago, I've thrown my buzzbaits on either 12 or 14/15 lb mono, still do to this day. w, if I were tossing into heavy cover, I'd go with 50 lb braid, no leader...

I use the camo, cuz it blends well with our stained water..