Papa_Tom

If it is 10# test and above I use one line only---Big Game green. Not saying that there aren't other options, I just try to keep it as simple as I can. However, for my swim jigs I use PowerPro 30/8 only. I tried the BG, but lost some fish in the grass. Went to the PP and brought in bass that I had been losing. I'm convinced it is a better tool in that situation.

First, I never have subscribed to the efficiency theory of the time lost while changing hands. Plenty of time for that while the lure is in the air...possible exception being some flip applications. BC I use both r/h and l/h retrieve reels. I flip righthanded (LH retrieve), but I cast and pitch with my left hand, crank righty. Spinning, cast right crank left. Hard to believe how ugly it gets when I try to change that one.

I agree with most of the recommendations on the flip/pitch/cast. Something between 1/4 and 1/2 oz depending on depth, etc. Color---something black, or something greenish/brownish or combos of the above. Double tail trailer. Don't change much. For swimming jigs, I use a different jig altogether. Usually one of the Wisconsin-types. Bullet heads, thin wire hooks, sparse weedguard, etc. Brovarney, Lethal Weapon. Almost always 1/4 oz. Color ---something shad or bream with a single tail GYCB or Zoom. Clear water, braided line for this.

8.5 oz. Straight from the spec sheet out of one of my boxes. Think the SF weighed the same, but would have to verify.

Saw an ad on probass.com for a Triton Tr 165 ('06) with an '05 Merc (new), alum prop, 1 battery, 1 Lowrance in dash. NO trolling motor Dealer closeout 13995. There is a dealer close to me if you want me to run one by him just for pricing, spec out what you think you are looking for and I will ask him to "ball-park" it. I have heard he runs on the high side. I've never bought from him so I don't know. I have had work done there and buy other products from him so it shouldn't be a problem.

Hope somebody has the goods on this one, I need to know as well. My guess is that mild soap and rinse is recommended.

None. I buy 'em now and then, last purchase was Megastrike about two years ago. Used it on a c-rig lizard on a February day when they seemed to not be taking it good. Have to admit it was dramatic how the hits changed. Tried it a couple more times with no discernable effect. It's on the shelf with the others gathering dust. For those that use an aerosal spray, be careful not to let the overspray settle onto your boat carpet. It will break down the adhesives.

I'm trying to cover a lot of water at this time, and that means horizontal applications. Fishing a lot of medium and up creeks/bays. Secondaries and flats mostly. Have done the best on Bandit 100 and Flat Maxx shallow, Brovarney swimjigs, jerkbaits (hard and soft) and sometimes slowing down with Brush Hogs and Baby Brush Hogs. They aren't always active in the same bays, or the same spots within. This can be one of the times of year that the quality runs higher per fish caught. I doing about 70% keepers (15") and the largest has been 24".

I concur, sir. Go to a power transmission store (Kaman Industrial, King Bearings, Motion Industries) and get the bearing you want. They usually have someone in there that can reference items for you if you'll take in your current bearings. Three dimensions and what grade of shielded bearing you want should do it. And I also agree, you may, or may not, decide it is cost prohibitive for your reels.

I like Falcon's rods for the quality, the warranty, the C/S. And they are affordable. Between the Cara's and the Lowriders, etc.. From their website: CC-6-276HT Cara Casting H M 9 15-30 lb. 3/8 to 1 oz. 7' 6" 11 This light weight flipping stick has enough tip to pitch with and the strength to handle a big fish in heavy cover. Try this one, you may be able to perform both techniques with it. I do. I'm 6'2" and usually standing up in my Ranger. Sometimes shorter guys may want a shorter rod. They make a 6'10" pitching rod that is very good for that and some flipping, don't care much for it as a casting alternative tho'. CC-6-1610H Cara Casting H MF 9 12-25 lb. 1/4 to 3/4 oz. 6' 10" 9 Lightweight and sensitive for detecting subtle bites and the power for strong, fast hook sets make this an exceptional pitching rod. Sure there are other good choices/brands. These I am familiar with. Wish I was close to that $50 off thing.

For pliers I use mechanic's needlenose from Craftsman, Ace, etc. Usually try get a pair that have the cutting surface. To me pliers are pliers. Mine aren't expensive. If I need to cut braid, I have a Buck in my pocket for that.

Have not seen this yet. I only use braid for one application, and I don't care for stretch then. Still, this could be interesting and useful to some...perhaps even me in the right environment.

I agree with most of the thinking here on hard and soft hook set timing. My first thoughts were of soft baits, tho'. 40+ years ago we were taught to "push the button'" (Zebco 33) and let 'em run. No wonder worm fishing had such a high mortality rate back then. Thankfully, we've progressed light years since. Having said that, I try to hit them as quick as I possibly can except for two cases, one of which has been mentioned a couple of times.....1) large worms and 2) HARD strikes. I usually deadstick and wait for him to come back and pick it up after the stun. Try this http://www.mwbt.com/the_old_fisherman.htm for a good read on worm size and jigs, also.

Thanks for the heads-up. This is the only mono I use in 10# and above. I normally re-stock around the first of the year. Looks like I need to move that up a little.

All mono applications 10# and over...Big Game. Less than 10# I bounce around all over the place.

A 200 (or two, I hope) is on my Christmas list. Ran into a Shimano rep at the Tackle shop. I have several Curado's and Curado SF's and am impressed with this reel. ONLY negative I see is the weight is a bit more than the original Curado.

I had not seen Parts I or II. Excellent read. Thank you.

I presently have four Saharas. One is a 2500, the other ones are 4000's. I tend to favor the larger spool diameter most of the time. By this time tomorrow I will have one more, and it will most likely be another 4000 (have an old Mitchell I am replacing). I find them to be all that I want in a spinning reel. Balance is good, drag is smooth, bang for the buck is there. I look for mid-range reels that are as high quality as I can get for the dollar..i.e. I have a bunch of Curados. I'm just as happy with the Sahara in a spinning reel.

Roger....agree on all points. Just the nature of the beast(s). Also, I usually stay with mono in rocky environments. My braid experiences with rocks (not pea gravel or fist sized) has not been good.

I use two different ones. First, a heavy bell sinker with a duolock snap that will attach to your line. Snap it on, get over the snagged plug, jig, etc., and bounce it. Very high success rate. Second, I use a telescoping pole with a wire corkscrew on the end (from BPS). Use this one more for the times when getting over the snag is not an option (like UP in a tree, on a shallow bank). The first thing I do tho' is to snap my line --bow/arrow style--several times. This usually works w/o having to employ anything else.

I use both RH and LH baitcasters. Can't say that it matters to me very much for plugs, s'baits, etc. I do always flip with my right hand (LH retrieve reel) and always pitch with my left hand (RH retrieve reel). I am somewhat ambidextrous (sp) as I write right-handed, but I paint left-handed. Spinning reels--lefthand retrieve only or it gets embarassing. As was suggested, do what feels good to you.

Denny Brauer, Joe Thomas, Larry Nixon, Mark Menendez and Mike Iaconnelli...those are the first to come to mind. For the total package of what they brought. Energy, enthusiasm, charisma. Each one was approachable, made you feel like you were on a par with them. Others I enjoyed also, this is just the first group that stands out in my memory. Hate to see it end. I got something from every speaker at every seminar.

Read this several days ago and wondered why the things that seem to be the best received, most educational aspects of BASS disappear. Some of the better TV shows have been axed. Now this. The Bassmaster University seminars were absolutely great. Tons of info sharing, meeting the pros. I cannot think of one single negative point concerning the BU seminars. Great for any bass fisherman----beginner to veteran.

For swimming jig I usually use a Zoom Fat Albert single tail, or a GYCB single. Flip/pitch etc., a Zoom Fat Albert twin or a SK Denny Brauer 3X

Name: It's what my granddaughter calls me, and she rules around here. Pic: The artist, while I don't claim to be an aartist, I do paint. It is my other big hobby. Oils, mostly landscapes and florals.