Papa_Tom

I find myself pretty well aligned with fivebasslimit on this one. I agree they can be a pain when they slide up the line and you need to re-insert the hook. Initial hooking I see no probs. I particularly like the finesse worms (usually 7") on a shaky head. I normally start with this lure. It does stand up. If that is important to you, then I think you have to appreciate that about this bait.

Been using a 300 for over two years as my C-rig reel. Sitting on a Falcon Lizard dragger--7'. I can launch this thing. Very happy with the performance. Know some guys that use them for striper fishing. That alone should speak for their strengths. ONLY thing that I didn't like was the brakes are under the handle side, but once I set them up I've never had to go back in there. I do like the capacity, the smoothness, the light weight and the way the reel sits close to the rod. Never been sorry I got it.

Guy I used to work with is running an E. He seems to be very happy with it. He's into his second year now. My own personal experience (lately) is with Yammie. I have an '01 200 OX66 on my Ranger, my friend has the HPDI '03 on his. He gets better MPG than I. Other than that, regular maintenance and turn the key. My last two outboards have been Yamaha, and I know that they, like all others, are not bulletproof. But I have not had anything happen to make me think I would want to change.

I've used these the past two years...T-rig and also on a ball-head jig. Not shaky, but swimming it. Actually caught all the bigger bass (20-23") on this worm with the ball-head jig. I didn't really care to flip them. Their tails are thin and very active. They will tear easily. I like them, and even trail them occassionally on my swim jigs. As I said, thin, soft and active tails.

Mostly 5 with a good measure of 3 thrown in.

Congrats, Catt. That is very special. Blessings on him.

There's another one going titled "Crankin Reels (?)" that addresses, at least in part, your question. I look at it like this, the higher ratio reels (6._:1) are directed more toward speed. Usually reels in this retreive ratio category bring in more inches of line per turn. Lower ratio reels are more oriented toward power. These can run the gamut of 5:1, thru a few 4's and a 3.8:1 that I have in a Curado. Bigger-billed deeper running cranks exert a lot of resistance to being cranked in. Therefore the need for more power. Hopefully you can get the opportunity to try a couple of different ratio reels to see for yourself. It's quite revealing when you experience it. Then you will have to decide what feels good to you, and best addresses your needs. Personally, I think my 3.8 is not the ticket and am considering having David make it a 5:1.

A Shimano Citica 200D, some Rangerwear (new jacket, caps, etc). More than that, I got to spend some wonderful time with my wife, my daughters and my grandkids. Sharing the day and the Spirit with them was nothing short of fantastic!!

My experience with this bait was not very positive. Didn't like anything about it, didn't find it to be productive. However, I had a Cordell Spot (Suspend Spot???) that preceeded the Rat-L-Trap and it was a great producer. Esp over cover and late fall, early spring. They would eat the whole thing. Makes me want to try and find another.

MyKeyBe....any pics of the frames, or a model that I could look up?? Do they have any wrap around? Thanks for your help. TAD

Yes....prescription polarized is what I was/am after. I don't want to buy over the net as most of the frames are too narrow for me. The other negative I was running into was the lens color options were few, at least at the optical locations I tried. Be interested in what you find out.

Yes, Brownings are still being produced. Altho based on my experiences with the only one I've ever used (or will), I can't see why. Have an Aggressor b/c that is so well made that 12 lb line routinely will get behind the spool. Been using and taking apart baitcasters for > 40 years, poorest made reel I've used. I'm thinking this was a $75-90 reel. Burn me once, shame on you...burn me twice, shame on me. My .02

kb...altho you don't specify this in your post, I'm guessing you are after polarized prescription sunglasses. I started looking into this last year, altho I decided to wait a bit. I wear CDM's at present (Deep Blue model). Will be interested to see where this goes. Look forward to seeing the feedback.

If I use a flip/pitch or casting jig with a rattle, it's just because it came that way, not because I think they are necessary. Actually, I've never convinced myself that they even rattle that much. Hold it in your hand and see how much movement is required to get noise from it. Are you moving it that much underwater? I always thought the jig made more noise by landing on bottom (esp rocks,etc) and bumping into things. I just don't give it much thought. I know others feel very strongly in the other direction. That's cool because different thoughts give rise to different baits, techniques, etc. As far as swim jigs, I usually use Brovarney's. They don't have rattles.

Mann's Model 79 crank. Caught more big bass on that plug than any other I ever threw.

Posed this question to the Lowrance site. Figure to get the best information back from them. Took a little time, but their answer came back today. Quoting "We have found that plain Windex actually works quite nicely. Make sure there is no AMMONIA because it will damage the screen. " Hope this helps. It's what I'm going to use.

I live in Chaffee---SouthEast Mo. I fish small locals and a private regularly (3-6 times weekly). My other days I like going to Kinkaid in Ill, or Kentucky Lake. Try to get in at least one trip per week to them.

PowerPro on one rig for swimming jigs. Big Game on the other baitcasters, some other mono on lighter tackle reels.

Baitcasters, 10 lb test and above....Big Game. Almost always the green. Spinning....eight lb test and less, I'm all over the map. Wish Big Game came in lower pound tests. I know it can display some memory, especially when cold, but overall it has been very efficient for me. I can't remember a break off with it. My $.02

This is something I've been working on the last three winters. I have had some success with it, catching quality fish in the 19-23 inch range. Seems to attract the better bite, or none at all. At least that has been my experience. Use it on a small local lake, as well as Ky Lake when I can get there. 1/2-1 oz footballs just trying to barely crawl, or glide along the bottom. GYCB Hula Grubs, rootbeer/green flake. As was stated, hug the bottom contours and be very aware of your line.

Certainly one of my weaker areas. Have a friend that does it a lot, uses a traditional jigging spoon and has some success. I get hung up. However, there is some information about this technique and the associated sonar pics available on another site. Not wanting to break any protocol, or violate etiquette. If you're interested bfhp.com. Fishing Tactics, then research all posts by LTBama. Some great info that may help many. Talks mostly about the sonar, baitfish, etc., but also about the tackle he uses. Be prepared for popups, ads, can be annoying.

I would say that I find myself in close agreement with ReelMech's advice. I use braid for one application only and that is swim jigs. If it weren't for grass beds I may, or may not, use it even then. I keep the drag so loose on my Curados that it may slip on the strike, (I didn't say hookset) then I thumb the spool if need be. I also use Fenwick HMG MH Mod rods.

I always reference fish I catch by length....a 20" er. I have weighed several fish over the years. I have used a number of different hand held scales as well. Spring and digital. I used to take them (scales) to work and weigh one pound blocks at the start of each season (installing new batts). Progressively weigh blocks in a bag up to seven or eight and check the deviation. Sometimes it was pretty close, but it wasn't always in the real world. I've compared mine to guys who have "checked" theirs and the differences under inspection can be pretty great. I would buy a good scale, if I were confident that it really was accurate. Maybe the X tool.

My understanding is that by law you are not obligated to pay for, or return, items sent to you that you did not request. BASS does this also. The first year (two years ago) I mailed it back. Also filled out info to not send me anything else not requested. Just got a planner from them. It's gonna sit here until I decide to pitch it. I won't use it--something in me says that is not right--but I will not return this one.

I have seven Caras. Guess that alone is a statement. I am very happy with the quality of the rod, and with the warranty. Also, I like the fact that you can go to their web and get very detailed info about the rods and the techniques best suited for each. Close to what GLoomis offers in that regard. I actually went to my dealer expecting to buy another G and my dealer suggested the Cara. Same warranty, lot less bucks. Same rod, no. Not saying that. They are however, a very satisfying product for me. Strong, lightweight, very high quality. I will continue to buy more. In fact, I'm expecting the 7'2" Swim Jig Special for Christmas.