Fishingelbow

Distance is a huge help if you're stuck on shore. I've caught some of my best fish around 150' out (using braid to be able to set the hook that far out).

Diggy, it will depend on the reel: some of them come with GREASE in the spool bearings! Cleaning those and re-lubing with just a drop of good OIL with have dramatic results. As a rule, reel manufacturers use a whole lot of lube in order to provide maximum protection as they assume the typical fisherman won't be taking proper care of the reel . If you're careful about maintenance, using very little lubrication will be enough to protect your bearings adequately while improving performance significantly.

RM, you should know who gave Baluga permission: probably the same person who gave YOU permission to lift a complete article (including a bunch of pictures) from my site a few years back!!! You're really something! I see some of the pics are still up on your site under the Basic Baitcast Reel Setup 101 Here's the link to the original article: http://pages.videotron.com/fishing/bait101.htm Anybody can see how you "fixed" some of the pictures. BTW, the brake system is called CENTRIFUGAL and not centrifical as you "edited" on the pictures you lifted. I let it slip at the time, since I figured if it could help some beginners, the wider the distribution the better. But your getting all hot under the collar over Baluga's innocent use of a single picture pushed me over the edge and I had to set the record straight.

Exactly the same thing!

It bears the name of the creator of Megabass lures. One side is "I" the other size is "to": Ito.

CaliBassanator, don't forget to leave a post in the "Worst tackle investment you have made..." thread! I just love the pseudo-scientific mumbo jumbo. Check out the esoteric formulas and the lab coats in the ICAST pictures! P.T. Barnum would be proud of these guys!

If they sell well enough, everybody will want to jump on the bandwagon next year. Did somebody say cappuccino, latte, espresso, mocha? :

With a TRUE circle hook (no offset), you don't even have to pay attention. I use them for wacky rigging senklones and turn my granddaughters loose with them. When they eventually notice that their line is moving off, they just crank away and get a fish. Never gut hooked, 90% bite/catch ratio too. Of course, it's really boring, but if it'll save you from the skunk... Bassnajr, I hope you got the L702 rather than the L787; the latter has an offset than CAN catch in the stomach.

Genuine circle hooks with no offset for me. Sizes 2 and 4 work fine if you're smooth and easy. No need to prove I'm stronger than a fish 1/10 my size.

You guys are DISGUSTING! Have a heart! Up here, bass season is only open from mid June to the end of November :'( :'( :'( Don't you talk to me about cabin fever!

VT, could this be the line stretch test you're looking for? http://pages.infinit.net/fishing/estretch.htm ><(((°>

Great tip, GK! I knew about the technique already, but the line stuffing is a great twist. Much easier and faster to get the hook out.