Jrob78

A split ring probably isn't going to fit through the eye on most jig heads.

Yeah, you are probably right.

I just found this video on youtube of Shimano's 2014 releases. At the end when it goes through all the new products, there is a casting reel that gets skipped over. It's between the spinning reels and the rods. You can't see anything really but I bet that's the Curado. Look at about the 3:07 mark. Some of the rods look cool too, btw. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYazOCfILwU

Yeah, I don't see any "gaping void" in the hook market. There is a hook in every imaginable size, style and brand. I see no need at all for half sizes.

Round 3 is even more impressive! What an awesome place to fish!

Another thing to consider is the prototypes may or may not have the cosmetics that the final product will have. The fact that they are already replacing the G series suggests that they realize they disappointed a lot of people. I expect the new Curado to be a very good reel, they can't afford to blow this one.

Get a pair of Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers, the ones with the orange handle. They make changing out anything on a split ring a breeze. You can find cheaper pliers but they won't be as easy to use.

Nevermind

It's so hard to tell. We'll all know what they look like next month.

I'm pretty sure that's a Calcutta. I have no doubt that he was using the prototype some on that trip, you just never get a good look at it during the show.

It looks to me like he's using a Calcutta 200D. I have it recorded so I'll watch it again from the beginning and see if I can see it.

I read somewhere that there are more colors coming out. Some time in February they're releasing a baby bass pattern and a shad pattern. It looks like Monster Tackle has some in stock still, I ordered some from them a couple of days ago.

I actually like using braid for my main line on c-rigs. I feel it helps with hook sets on long casts. I run 50lb braid, a 1/2-1oz tungsten flipping weight, a glass bead or tungsten force bead, a brass clacker/knot protector and a swivel. I like to use 24"-48" of 15-17 mono for my leader. The mono adds a bit of shock protection and helps keep the bait up off the bottom. It's a really good idea to use a lighter weight leader line so that if you get hung up all you lose is the hook and not the whole rig.

Buy the Fuego. They are getting harder to come by and you can buy a Tatula any time you want. The Fuego is a great reel.

This....I will add, besides smelling like something a fish eats, it also helps cover up your scent. I use Pro-Cure also.

I would probably use it for small hardbaits. It would be great for 0.5 size crankbaits and small jerkbaits, as well as small balsa baits. You can use a rod like that for small jigs and light plastics but you need to make sure you're using very sharp, fine wire hooks. It will be hard to get a good a very firm hook set, so large hooks probably won't penetrate well. Also, the baits you will be throwing are best suited to lighter line. I would probably be using 6-8 lb test mono or fluoro and a reel that can handle light weights.

I use the Rapala digital scale also. I have no complaints, other than not needing to use it as much as I would like.

Casting distance with a casting reel is directly related to the reel itself and how the brakes are set, quality of the bearings and spool tension. This is not the case with spinning reels. I can cast way further and more accurately with casting gear but that's what I use 99% of the time. Don't worry about distance and just concentrate on your thumb and work toward loosening the brakes little by little, distance will come.

If you are using a flutter spoon or even a jigging spoon I would stick with the treble hook. I may use a size 4-1/0 depending on the size of the spoon. You can use single hooks more effectively on spoons that are trolled or straight retrieved. As far as tweaks, the 2 most common I know of are attaching a split ring and a swivel to the line tie end and using 2 split rings on the hook. The 2 rings on the hook are to help keep a fish from throwing the bait and the swivel is to keep line twist to a minimum.

The leader line is much stiffer and more abrasion resistant than filler spools of fluoro. You don't get very much because you are only using it to tie short leaders. It is too stiff and has too much memory to spool a reel with it. Filler spools are what we normally buy, they are designed to be soft and allow you to fill a reel completely. I know there are a few guys here who primarily fish braid with leaders, I'm sure they will have more details for you.

LOL if you really think pulling a pocket knife to cut a braid knot is easier than using snips that are tethered to you, have at it. LOL LOL I'm a knife guy too but use the right tool for the job. LOL

I've been using a 50/50 mix of Rocket Fuel Tournament Formula and Yellow Grade on spool bearings and Yellow Grade on other bearings. I've been very happy with the Rocket Fuel oils.

I consider anything below about 55 degrees as cold. I'm in TX though. I start using "cold water techniques" when the water is in the lower 50's and below. Right now, surface temps are in the mid 40's here.

Nice, the 100 d's have become some of my very favorite reels in the last year or so. I'm on the look out for a couple more.

Baits are definitely a different story. They are going to use whatever they think they need to use to win. I'd say most use sponsors products the majority of the time but not 100% of the time. For example, Edwin Evers won on the Alabama River this year with Bomber crankbaits even though he was sponsored by Megabass and not Pradco anymore. In his interviews he said he caught a lot of his fish on a "medium diving crankbait," he didn't lie about what he was using but he didn't tell the whole story either.