Darren.

No pro either, not a tournament guy. I spent considerable time comparing reels at BPS a few years back when I settled on the Shimano Stradic 1000FI (2 of them). I tried a number of different ones out of the box because sometimes the display models have been touched and dropped and messed up. Anyhow, I liked Shimano the best at the time (obviously). The Stradic sold me on the general feel. Very subjective, but it just felt better. Most of the reels I tried in that price range felt better than their less expensive counterparts - Shimano or otherwise. You're talking a step up in quality of parts used, sometimes even where the reel is assembled, which can make a difference. Do I have $60 reels that could do the work my $160 reels do? Yes...but there was something about the Stradics that sold me. If I were looking today, I'd be looking at the new Daiwa Lexa spinning reel, closer to the $100 mark. I've got the Lexa casting reel and have been blown away by the quality for the dollar spent.

Some pigs there, Snook. We'll overlook the fact you weren't using Shimano...

Primarily soft plastics. Zoom Finesse worms on a TX a good start, wacky too.

Nevermind... had to dig in and look specifically at the Hampton store to see the info.

I'm only seeing the President's Day sale still...

Welcome, catdaddy!

Now that's pretty cool amazing.

"Honey, my health depends on going out today. And I need to make sure I have the best equipment, too. This could be life or death, doc said so." Wife: You:

Whooo, tough choice. If my Bills are playing, I might watch, although I've listened to them via the NFL app on my iPhone while out fishing. If the weather is beautiful, I'd probably pick the water...

Very nice combo. Caught some decent bass on UL setups. Even better, sort of, was a nearly 4 lb pickerel! Very fun fight.

Don't wanna sound like a broken record, but I love my Lexa. It is a sweet reel.

Bait Gorilla told St. Croix a bunch of maroons with a lot of money were over here at bassresource.com... LOL. Wish I could take advantage of the deal. I'm rapidly becoming a fan of Croix rods.

I know of some fisherfolk who swear by the larger, fatter worms. Just haven't seen the evidence to warrant such purchases. My 7.5 PB was on a 5" Senko. I'd like to see if the 7" Mag Finesse worm will do well for me during the spawn. They'll eat most anything then.

Welcome to the site, run!

GAH!!! Stop! I am NOT listening anymore!

No, 5" is the biggest Senko, but I do have some 7" Zoom worms I have yet to catch a fish on... Think they're the Mag Finesse.

As I am in the braid + leader camp, I agree. I use Stradic 1000FI reels on my bass on spinning gear. We're I to go straight mono, fluoro I'd opt for a larger spool, very likely. Tried that route on the 1000's but once I discovered the manageability of braid, that era ended.

Just do it. I would.

Lucky dog! I love the feel of my Premier paired up with my Lexa 100. Great feel. Might even eventually pry my Compres out of my hands. Avid would be my choice there.....

Bummer. off topic, but curious: How's your Dad doin, Teal?

Only pink I have used was on a crappie bait. I did find a pink Senko knock off last fall.... May try this year during the spawn.

I'm a new Croix boy, thanks to scoring a $50 Premier on clearance at DSG's. Bait Monkey satisfied! Don't tempt me further, please! LOL.

Between GYCB Senkos and Zoom Finesse worms. Huge producers for me. Bass Pro Stik-o worms have done well, too.

Welcome to the forums!

First, welcome to the site! I don't fish open water much unless I know there's some structure below. I've caught nice bass in open water, but tend to stick to areas I know produce. Nothing wrong with that. Laydowns, tules, grassy flats, etc., shorelines, points... All good. Have you tried adding wacky to your arsenal of soft plastics? A different look than weightless TX rigged plastics.