Dockhead

So I've had several Diawa spinning reels over the years. My current reel (a Lexa) has always had a drag that "sticks." It has been like this since I bought it. Basically, when I pull the line it does not want to leave the spool, even set at low drag. Same for hook sets. Anyone ideas on a fix?

Ok, thanks for the help.

Anyone know of a way to get Mend-It "ungummed?" I have half a bottle that has been sitting in the garage and it's so thick that it has become unusable.

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member." -Groucho Marx

I'd call Tarpon in the summer an open water lake. Lots of guys have brushpiles out there and they run around hitting those all day. Usually some open water grass holding fish, and more deep water/humps than a typical Florida Bowl.

I agree it seems like if they really "needed" braid in these conditions they would use it one way or another. So what about fluoro vs. mono/hybrid lines? Fluoro is more expensive and there could be more profit involved for the sponsor, would make sense for them to be trying to advertise that more, right? I don't use a lot of fluorocarbon, but doesn't it need to be changed out more often than mono/hybrids? Pros obviously can change it as much as need be, so that is not a factor for them. But is fluoro that much better than mono or the hybrid lines? I recently talked to a saltwater guide who did not think the "invisibility" of fluoro was a real thing, but of course people also like the low stretch and abrasion resistance.

I was just reading about last week's FLW tournament on Toho. I noticed most of the top ten used fluorocarbon with their soft plastic presentations. I was surprised by this, and not only because I use braid for those same techniques. Seems the vast majority of people that I fish with or talk to that fish Florida waters on a regular basis, generally use braid as well for their soft plastic offerings. So am I missing something? Or do these guys fish these lines (or say they do) because it's their sponsors biggest money-making product so they need to push it? I'm feeling a little insecure about using so much Power Pro all of a sudden. Thoughts?

Thanks Roger. It does have a unique look to it. Well, for a worm that is...looks like a grub that has been working out. Maybe it's time to start producing your own baits??

Sounds like a great day. When I go out with my son we have a fishing "contest" (rules vary) and a wildlife spotting contest. He is just as excited about the wildlife viewing as fishing. I remember you talking about that Deps bait before, I never did find any. Have you found anything similar to it? What exactly does it look like?

Don't forget to check the flea market forum.

If I really had a hankerin' for some freshwater fillets I'd be more likely to spend some time filling a bucket with bluegill. Better tasting to me and much better for my future angling prospects.

Where you are, in the Tampa Bay area, you certainly can catch plenty of fish on nothing outside of soft plastics. You can cover everything from top to middle to bottom; crawling to swimming to buzzing. My only suggestion would be to add some slow moving topwaters to the mix. A Devils Horse (prop bait), a Pop R (Popper) and a Spook (Walk the Dog) are the main fixtures. Not only are they extremely effective at certain times, they are addictively exciting.

Thanks for all of the input. Nice review Mr Franchot, very helpful. Definitely thinking about trying that one.

I've been thinking about selling my 4 Greenies for about 2 years now and finally put them up on the flea market yesterday. After reading all these positive comments I feel my heart strings twinging a bit. Might need to rethink it... Definitely won't be upset if they don't sell.

Thanks guys. I do like the idea behind Bub's punch rod and the Scott Martin Okuma. I would like to try something that is designed definitely with some thoughts about mat fishing and not just an X-heavy rod. The problem I have with both of those is the foregrip. They are both large and mentally I'm having trouble with that as most rods I have been spending a lot of time fishing have no foregrip - and I like that a lot. But now I'm thinking, why do they both have that? It's not common these days, so maybe that has some benefit to fishing mats?

Thanks. I have a veritas 7'6" MH that I like, so definitely something to consider. Do you have the older version or the "2.0" version? I am not sure what the differences are, just curious.

I'm looking for advice on a punching rod for Florida mats. Haven't done much with heavier (1 ounce plus) weights but need to start. Looking to spend $250 max but would love suggestions starting in the $100 range and up. I'm looking to get through and pull fish out of the gnarliest Florida mats (hopefully). Thanks for any and all help!

I would be interested to see some more info. on them as well in the form of unbiased reviews. I am hoping a few will show up on here to get an idea about them. I am intrigued, but also a bit confused as to why they list the blanks as simply high quality instead of giving more specific info.

Ok, this question is two-fold: I'm looking at purchasing a boat with no electronics whatsoever. For fishing mostly in Florida, what would be... a.) Your dream set-up, the perfect situation where money is no object, and b.) The best overall setup for the least amount of money. Not bare bones, but basically getting the most helpful equipment for the least amount of coin, if that makes sense. I am looking to put something at the bow at another unit in the console area. Thanks-

Hey- Thinking about getting a dual axle trailer, but want to keep it in the garage. With swing away tongue it will fit, but I would have to be able to roll it a bit sideways and then push it forward some. This is what I do easily now with my single axle 17 footer. Is it going to be possible to move this thing around like that? I have heard the dual axles don't move well, but I don't understand why. Thanks.

Hmmmm....always wanted to try a Mossyback. Definitely something to ponder. Thanks everyone.

Carbonlite's might be a good place to start. A couple guys that are really good at this technique use them, but I believe they said medium is the way to go.

Love the Powell's I have, but I think I need something a little slower than their XF. Even the fast action Powell would be more than I am thinking I want. Ain't gonna be throwing 8lb line, more like 50 lb braid.

I was looking at that rod, definite possibility. Need to hold one somewhere.