lightsout

I usually trim the skirt into a "v" like shape with the part in center a bit shorter to display the trailer better. I'll often trim the weedguard fibers closer to the front of the jig completely off, and then cut the tips parallel with the hook.

Has anyone picked one of these up yet? I have a certain flat in mind that I think these will get bit on next month. How would you fish this bait? On you tube there's a vid where the prostaffer says its made to be straight retrieved, yet it suspends. I've had great sucess throwing the Xrap 14 ( the big saltwater one) on this flat in years past, but it runs just a tad deep. I'm sure the fish will tell me how they want it, just looking for any insight.

Absolutely! You can have some awesome days on farm ponds where the fish havent seen them. I like the 3/8 model with a secret weapon brand bluegill skirt and a Gary yammamoto twin tail in chartruese. I've also had good luck crawling the black one on the bottum with a zoom chunk trailer in blue.

Look around, the info's out there. I've tried to move on, but you just won't let this go? If anyone has anything remotely negative to say about shimano it's a lock you will post within minutes arguing with them. And I think you'd give anyone a run in the stubborn dept. Your reputation is well deserved...My part in this discussion is over.

Several of us told you to have the reel replaced. "Frustrated" or just stubborn? : After searching the web, I see people are repeatedly doing this time after time to the curado E. While I understand any reel will benifit from having a qualified person service it, apparently these have a reputation for needing it in many cases out of the box. (I'm aware many don't). I was told by Bass Pro a return would be tough without the receipt and the 60 mile drive hopeing "to speak to a manager" is not a sure thing. At any rate I think I'm okay and look forward to putting her to use this year

UPDATE* Last night I took the reel apart and have to say, you were right about the over lubing of these reels. The spool bearing by the cast control knob was absolutely covered in grease (yes grease not oil). I was shocked at how much came out of the bearings in the acetone baths, especially that paticular one. I dont know if it's even possible for grease to find it's way into the race of a bearing, but none the less this one was FULL of something. With the exception of the (for lack of the proper term) horizontal track under the line guide, nothing else looked overlubed to my untrained eye. I was kind of getting into it so I kept going using ardent's reel cleaning kit along with some canned air to clean the rest of the reel. Long story short, I think I'm in good shape now. I havent got to cast the reel yet, but pitching in the living room seems to take less effort. I dont know exactly what smoothed out the retrieve, but it's better. I highly reccomend the ardent kit to anyone interested. I must point out that I am frustrated that a nearly $200 reel has to be dissasembled and "fixed" when it's brand new. But at least I now am comfortable taking a reel apart and getting it back together and the lesson will save me money in the future.

I started with two brakes on and just tried one to see if that helped with distance. As far as actual feet I don't know, but in my pond there is an island in the middle that I use as a benchmark for casting distance, I have to step into it to get close to it, where as virtually every other reel I own can accurately cast to it. The line is my old stanby #12 Yo-hybrid. I suppose I'll try to return it, do any of you know if bps will do a return if a receipt cant be found?

4 words buddy, "you got that right". Lol I love my ambassaduers, revos, and cardinals! Anyone know any specifics on what exactly should be cleaned?

After being given my choice for a reel for christmas by my fiance, I decided to chose the curado based on internet chatter, reviews, and how it felt in my hand. After using it 3 or 4 times now I have to say I'm very disapointed. The reel is lacking in casting distance (only one brake on and cast control fairly loose), and it feels like it's "laboring" on the retreive. I don't think its a major mechanical issue, but if I were to reel up a 1/2oz bait from the ground to the tip it just isnt the least bit smooth and almost feels strained. In fact If I closed my eyes while reeling I would think it's a very cheap reel. I have bookmarked burley's post about cleaning the spool bearings, and will do that soon. I suspect that will help in the casting dept., but what can be done to smooth out the retrieve? I suppose take it apart and clean the main gear, handle bearings, etc. Obviously it was a gift, and I will keep it. I'm curious if anyone else has dealt with this? If so did the cleaning make THAT much of a diffrence? Sorry for getting off on a rant but with all the hype I expected it to perform better. Respectfully Josh

I bet there's first baseman's mitts all over that guys yard

April 07' fishing a 10acre lake in amelia, va. Theres a section where the dam ends and the water transcends from cattails to about 13' within 30' from shore. I took my grandfather with me on this paticular day. I caught 9 over 5lbs on a black secret weapon buzzbait (two 9lb+) in about an hour and a half. When the buzzbaits slowed we used minnows and proceded to catch another 8 on stream caught minnows. One of the my favorite memories. After catching each of the first 3 fish, I sprinted down to him with the bass so he he could see it, and take a pic. After the 3rd fish he says "maybe I'll fish closer to you" and he came down and fished side by side with me. He had recently been diagnosed with parkinson's as well as alsheimer's, and that day will always bring a smile to my face.

Pro Qualifier without a doubt.

Wow hadnt heard we getting a foot?!! Oh well, bring on the snow! The ice they can keep. I got a new curado/falcon combo that isnt going to ever get used lol.

The scumfrogs don't get the respect they deserve. It actually has caught a great deal more fish for me than the spros. Hook ups are a sure thing. The price is great, and their easy to source. The only drawback is their a little light in the pants, Since I only use braid on spinning gear (I wont use mono for frogs) its not an issue.

Cards Ravens Chargers And favre will go down in a flurry of INT's 8-).

After purchasing a st croix 7' M for small jigs I wasnt to pleased using it for "tip up" presentations. However I've found that it handles the bandit 200's (my absolute favorite crank to throw) perfectly, I can launch them far and accurately. I know its a fast action, but accuracey is important to me in this kinda fishing, and a slower action rod just doesnt work for me.

My Prayers are for the health and well being of her and the baby. Peace over your family, and the right doctors/nurses to care for them. keep us posted when you can.

Yep - great deal and I bet that Steezy takes great care of his equipment so you will be getting a good reel. you should jump all over that!

If you could have a lure from one manufacturer painted in another company's pattern, what would it be? I'd love to have a rapala jointed minnow with the lucky craft Ms american shad treatment. These are already great lures, just wish they didnt have that big white strip down the middle.

I agree if it's their check whats the big deal? It's not like they risk bouncing it. Stupid fees like is one of the reasons I closed my Stank of America account. I had a checking account with them that I didnt really use that only had about $55 in it a few years back. After about 3 or 4 months I needed some extra quick cash and swung into a local branch to make a withdrawel, they tell me that my account was now NSF due to monthly "inactivety fees". They had the nerve to tell me I owed THEM money. >

Agreed, from the reel seat down it just doesnt look right.

They seem to work in alot of the same situations. I have noticed in open water spinner baits have treated me better. Depending on the weight/blades/etc. you can burn a spinnerbait a little faster, which is important on the clear flats I often fish. Either way their both great baits that you can do alot with.

Dicks sporting goods stocks them if you have one nearby.

tossup between a black 3/8oz secret weapon buzzbait with a colorado blade behind the buzzer. Or luckycraft sammy 115 in American shad.

Why bother posting in this section if your not going to share ideas? I shared several ideas between the 2 posts. I was shown one thing by a friend that I didnt wanna plaster on the internet. The point was that you can do alot of diffrent things with these baits. Obviously the rigging style you mentioned above sucks Obviously stating something "sucks" without trying it doesnt lend any credibilty to your opinion.