birdy

We have had such a mild winter, I think everything is a couple weeks or more ahead of the spring schedule.

Thanks Jigfishin 10, never really went away. Spent time on some of the other forums on this site lately asking about casting reels etc. Man I hate winter! Glad to be back out there even if it is just for a hour or so, best relaxation technique going!

Sorry changed the font size.

Visited the retention pond where I fish in South West OH, weather on 2.28.12 was mid-60's light breeze from the south about 4:45pm pressure was up (not sure exact value but near 29.9). Have been out as much as possible on warmer days (yesterday was the warmest this year). Water was quite clear, had two rods, both spinning, one with 6lb test, 1/8 oz jig and a curly tailed grub black white and yellow. I was repeatedly hit but nothing solid. I knew they were up and feeding. Tried for about 20 minutes and finally figured nothing was going to hit so I changed over to ultra-light equipment. I was using 4lb test on a micro-reel from Abu Garcia, 1/32 ox jig with a red colored beavertail grub. First cast and nothing but bottom sludge. Changed directions and cast across the face of some rocks along the pond, hammered, fight was on, had to be a good sized fish cause the line was screaming out, about one minute into the fight she jumped and out came the little jig. Thought of moving up in size but said what the heck. Gave it a few more casts and I'm sure I got hammered by the same fish. She put up one whale of a fight. but I think she was tuckered out from the previous battle. Got her to shore, 22 inches + and weighed 3.94 lbs. Man it feels good to land one. Fish on everybody! Sorry, no photo, honestly had no idea they would be up this early in the year.

I use the palomar knot 95% of the time with little or no trouble. Here is a nice link to a variety of fishing knots. Best to memorize a few. http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html

That is the plan. Of course the PQ is now 79.99, almost too good to pass up. I'm torn between my cheap nature and buying what I think is the more durable product in Shimano.

Good advice, I've been practicing with a friends, will be using the left handed retrieve. Had a few hours of practice and worked out the kinks in the casting. I think that is why I'm going the rout of the Shimano, I want a realable reel that I can count on for years.

Thanks for all of the advice. I really think I'm leaning Shimano, mostly for the durability. Will let you know how it works out this spring.

I like this idea, wish I could get both now.

I'm getting my first baitcaster at the Spring Sale at BP. I've narrowed it down to the Bass Pro Qualifier and the Shimano Citica. I really like my two Shimano spinning reels, can not beat the quality and durability. Wanted to get any last minute advice on either of these two reels, why would you pick one over the other etc. Thanks.

I visited the Cincinnati BPS this week and one of the workers said that Shimano was participating in the trade in this year. This however has not been confirmed by a flier as mine has not shown up in the mail.

If you normally purchase locally you could always ask the store to place a special order, might give you a decent rebate when buying a significant amount all at once.

Good to know, I usually just take a couple of rods (all have been spinning up to this point) and keep then close at hand, usually strapped down to a small tackle box. Using a small sit on top yak until I get the kids out of the house and can afford to upgrade.

Nickname my best friend gave me back in the early 70's. He also like to call me birdturd, but I convinved him birdy was more accetable. Real last name is one of our fine feathered friends.

Give the 6lb yozuri hybrid a try.

I use the 6lb hybrid for multiple spinning applications. I have had few if any complaints.

All great advice and tips on who has sales. Thanks.

Sorry about the font size, I composed the message in Word first and was not paying attention. Good advice on the rods. There are so many choices and I've always used spinning reels so I am trying to do a little background check prior to buying. I usually bank fish with almost no cover or interferences. When I hit the river it is in a kayak and there is quite a bit of branches etc. So I'm leaning towards nothing over 7 feet.

I am certainly not ruling out a used one on this site. I'm keeping my eyes open. Thanks for all the advice.

Forgot to add gear ratio. Thanks for the tips. Like the advice. Will keep my eyes out for a nice combo on the flea market.

Want to buy a bait caster. If I were going to purchase one that was under 100 dollars new, which would you buy and why? Or should I save my money and purchase a more expensive one when I can save up the cash? [secondly what rod would go with the bait caster? I’m on a limited budget until my kids are out of the house, say 4 years or so. I normally fish from shore 75-85% of the time. Kayak/canoe the other 15-25%.

Great read, thanks for the post. Good luck hunting her down.

Got to love the fighting spirit of the smallmouth bass. Very nice lures indeed.

RM thanks for checking. Appreciate the effort.

RM sorry for the delay, suffered a brain fart yesterday after dealing with the kids. All I could get off the reel was the following: Quantum Long Stroke SS 1 1994 Brunswick. there was no model # etc. it is a front drag. All I got.