rubba bubba

I am curious what the Curado users recommend in gear ratio since it only comes in 5:1 or 7:1. For a plastics setup, that is. For the Mojo, I'd recommend the Med Fast, or the MH Fast if you are power guy or will be regularly throwing 1/2 oz and up baits.

You should also consider the St. Croix Avid in that price range.

If the above doesn't clean it out, you'll need to lighly sand the cork to get it out. In either case, once you do get it out, clean it off good and then apply a cork sealer. And then clean/reapply every so often as it will wear off. I have Sufix on one setup and it has never bled. The others I use Fireline Crystal so green isn't an issue with those.

Start with the slow drag method like you would a plastic worm. When you get confidence in that. Over time, work it in the myriad of ways you would work a jig.

It's a style preference by the fishermen. Fishing is all about confidence and many are confident with the tackle you describe so they use it. I also fish almost exclusively in the 8-14 lbs range - regardless of line type (braids, mono, and fluoro). However there are situations where that is definitely underpowered. Like lefty vs. righty reel handles, go with what you like.

Start with this article on how to fish a plastic worm. If you can master that, you can fish any plastic: http://www.bassresource.com/fish/plasticworms.html I would also do a Google search on "how to fish a plastic worm", or similar variations. Rigging it is the easy part, what you need to focus on is detecting the fish on the other end. Almost invariably every article describes it as a "tap tap". Focus on that in those articles.

I would highly recommend you hit that pond hard with Senkos and Toads rigged weightless. You won't regret it.

I would get this rod - don't be put off by the $29 sale price. Then I would do what RoadWarrior suggested - monitor the flea market until something like a Loomis or St. Croix show up for you to pounce on. You'll probably like the XML enough that you'll want a couple until you score the Loomis.

Don't over think it - all your doing is prepping the surface to be re-glued. So you just scrape out the old, get it rough and course, clean it then apply epoxy. Note, you want to do the first 3 steps to both the inside of the rod as well as the plug.

You have a few options (and I wouldn't recommend retiring as that's wasteful to me; just my opinion): - you can get just the twist lock itself and use them with any hook you have - although the link provided wasn't an Owner weighted hook, no doubt they make those weighted. I know Gammy does. So just rety until you run out then get those. - depending on the size of the weight on your hook and the size of the plastic (i.e. Senkos/worms will be tough due to narrowness), you can lube the weight and slide it right through the plastic like you would do a hook without the weight: - lube with water (mediocre) - lube with Megastrike (works very well)

What? You only have 1 Revo S?

Doesn't look that bad to me, I'd just prefer more splines on the drag star. I'm also digging the new blue patriarch. I guess I'm just sick of green since BPRO's Extremes have been that color for going on 3 years now, as well as the green '09 Curado.

I'm not brand loyal on tubes but have used a lot of the XPS line as I like their size and there's a particular color of theirs that has always worked well for me. I have some Strike King's Coffee Tubes but other than the scent they don't seem any different than anyone elses tubes (and I prefer to lather up with Megastrike vs. coffee). I have also had good success with Strike King's Bleeding Tubes - they're even bigger than BPS' flippin tubes.

Don't worry, you'll have plenty of messes on your hands until you get the hang of it.

For all around, 8-10 lbs will work fine; I've used it that way for years and still do. However you're going to have to pic your brush/laydown work much more carefully. I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum here, though, I prefer lighter tackle for heavier fish as when I fish there are no $$ at stake.

No, you only get backlashes when the spool is disengaged for casting.

Another excellent thread on how to get started: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1170958187

Aha, so the "I haven't been fishing" posts were a deceptive ploy to divert our attention. Most ingenious. Congrats on the new line of gear; we are all drooling with anticipation!

Since they don't have a 6.x ratio, what do you guys prefer for non-cranking?

Yamamoto. Here's a thread on how to rig them: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1242954564

Out of curiosity, what's the #1 in water deeper than 12'? Also - what is your rigging preference for single tailed grubs and corresponding presentations (for smallies)?

Any luck using the Ika on smallies?

Definitely Megastrike. I haven't used JJ's yet so I can't speak to it. I have tried a spray on garlic scent and that was a fail; it just didn't last.

What about the St. Croix Mojo? That's in that price range as well and at BPS.