webertime

The October Shimano release rumor I heard is the Metanuim is coming over at $430. I have fallen in love with the Daiwa Ballistic T-3 reels. They are around for $150-$180. The XS (8:1 Ratio) comes stock with a nice bearing supported handle (can add more/change the knobs). Add a bearing below the drive shaft (5x9x3, ~$8-9) and one to the worm gear ((5x8x2.5 ~$8-9) and you have one INSANELY smooth and sturdy feeling reel. If you get one of the 6.3 or 7.1 ratio reels you can do the drive shaft bearing and add a Lexa Handle (what comes on the XS model) for $14 from Daiwa. The Magforce 3D braking is really slick and almost TOO adjustable. The drag on this reel is a smooth beast (13-14lbs without an upgrade) So in the end you can get a light (7.5-7.75 oz) sturdy reel that really preforms very well for $150-$212 (upgrades added in). They are not as Rolex/Mercedes C-Class solid/smooth as a Zillion, but they are half the price. They are every bit as strong as the E series Citicas/Curados I have, with a better drag and better casting.

Bone with Orange Belly Spook (big one) Zoom Speed Craw (on jig head or C-Rig) Lucky Craft Pointer 100SP in Chartruese Shad Fat Ika or Keitech Salty Core Tube on a 4/0 EWG hook.

Sounds like they were doing what they should in rock.

6'8" MHxf BPS Carbonlite.

Connecticut River set-backs and oxbows.

I use a Phenix Recon 715 (a bit lighter than "HEAVY") with a Zillion and 16lb Sniper. I throw the 3.8 and 4.8 on Screw-lock weighted hooks (1/8-5/8 oz).

So the Sunline 2 for 1 deal started 10-1 and runs through 10-11. So far it's only TW participating and they are out of the smaller diameter stuff already (8lb Super). Does anyone know another shop (sponsor?) participating in this? Sunline's FB page indicated that ALL retailers that sold Sunline would participate so far of the 11 or so I checked only TW does (BPS, GM, Cabelas, Hi's, THUT, BTD, Monster, Tackle Experts, ALF [which is funny since I swear I saw in their email they were] and "Tierra Grande Pez" do not participate by the looks of it.) Anyone know of another I am missing? Thanks!

To a point it's a good idea... The point where it's a nightmare is when you jerk the bait as you reel in line (jerkabit/fluke/spook/popper/jigging spoon). You are mommentarily throwing slack into your line and it's actually coming off the line leveler as you retrieve. You are changing the tension in spots on the line/spool (IE you are asking for backlashes). Lots of reels have level winds (line leveler) that move with the casted line, heck there's the T-Wing from Daiwa that works amazingly and is another concept addressing line friction.

My partner got a 19.59 bag yesterday, all smallies. Bunch of 17+ bags too. Smallies are very active up north. Get a hold of me and I'll get you specifics.

I read somewhere Yamamoto recommends an eighth ounce sinker for that.

A used Zillion or T3

The blade-like edge on Trokar's point, SHREDS plastic baits when texposing. Gammy's all the way.

Daiwa Pixy or Sol?

Everyone knows it's 1.3 seconds... 1.4 seconds!?!? you are lucky to have not blown up a rod and reel!! (Just reminded me of that scene in Somthing About Mary, where the nut goes off about 6 Minute Abs NOT 7 Minute Abs)

The Heavy + Braid = Snap is nonsense. I use a Heavy rod with a little softer tip (Phenix Recon 766/Daiwa Ballistic T3 8:1/Sunline FX2 60lb braid) and find it perfect. The slightly soft tip keeps the hooks from tearing out while the Heavy power gives you enough "omph" to get it out of the slop. You can also fling that frog with a touch softer tip as opposed to a pool cue (from what I've found with my many frogging rods).

I got the stink eye once from some woman when her kid just nose dived in front of me. Most people get it though and chuckle.

Whenever someone trips/falls for no real reason I yell/say "sniper". 2 year old tripping over their feet, drunk guy on the street, someone on the athletic field, doesn't matter it always slips out.

They're pretty interchangeable.

A LC Pointer 110 in chartreuse shad is the best cold water smallie bait up here. Good bait for clear water (you can bomb these). The LC Flash Minnow is a bit more subtle and doesn't go as deep (3-5 feet) but seems to be a good follow up when the Pointer has lost its magic (you've caught nearly the entire School and want those last 4 fish). The LES Clunn works better in water that is warmer. But contrary to what has been claimed, you should still change out the split rings and hooks even on the newest production runs. Doing that makes it a very good bait otherwise you'll get back a bait missing hooks and that stinks for you and could kill the fish. Bomber suspending long a is a fish catcher for sure (any color with orange on the belly). One of the deep diving suspending rogues should be in your box too. Work it by raising you rod as opposed to sweeps or downward.

No they don't dry out. I've had caps knocked off and exposed for hours even washed one. No issues.

I made a "clown" colored super fluke with the markers. A month later it was back to white (no sign of dye).

You'd be hard pressed to get those in a compartment on any boat except maybe a Ranger 522, when you fish as a co-angler. If you put it by your feet get ready for reel and rod handles getting tangled in the straps and consider amputating your legs. I have found that keeping it clean and simple (no clutter outside of the compartment you get) makes the tournament much easier and enjoyable. I also plan around the smallest boat I'll fish out of and just keep it the same. If it works in a Z-6 it'll fit the 522 just fine.

Mike's got one heck of a lake in his backyard! Sacandaga Baby!

I use a weighted swimbait hook 90% of the time with my swimbaits. I find this to be the most versatile way to fish them. A swarming hornet or biffle head make up the other 10%.

Bps pro qualifier (~$16) fits 5 3600 boxes in the main part with a small FTO spinnebait box on top. The larger front pocket holds 2 3601 boxes (thin 3600's). Side pocket holds worm wrap, other side pocket for tools or line. Two small pockets on front for spools, leader rolls, scents, mend it.