deep

Oh no, my point was you're actually fishing with 20# line. Almost all lines are under-rated for strength. If you're happy with it, that's all that counts.

Give it a few squirts of KVD L&L before going fishing, and you should be good. BTW, looks like your 15# line has the same diameter as 20# Tatsu.

Yeah, don't submerge the reel in water (sediments).

tackle center has 35% off, BTD and another site 20% off, most every other vendor 15% off.

That's reassuring, and it probably will get better as I get used to the reel. Thanks guys.

Happy birthday!

Prayers sent.

Good deal.

Sweet!

Lol no, that little guy, and 11 others like him over the course of the next 90 minutes, came free with the rod and the reel.

Fished my new-to-me 'rado 201I for a while today, and have a question. I will admit that my thumbing skills are average. Also, I was fishing a 3/16 oz jig with a baby rage craw on the NRX 893 with 12# Tatsu. The bait is on the lighter end of the weight range I'd like to fish on an MH rod. I have had the reel for less than 5 hours. Anyway, even with all the handicaps, I know the reel was outcasting my (older) Curados and Citicas by a few yards. But, I had to use 2 inner brakes, and the outer brakes were set on 3 or 4. Spool tension was set pretty high, and even then I had to thumb quite a bit- which I don't need to do with my other reels (all Shimanos with VBS brakes). Is this normal with the I-series? Part of the learning curve? Or does my thumb flat out suck? Thanks, P.S. I didn't have time to clean and lube the reel, but will do that over the weekend. P.P.S. All problems solved. See post #13.

A little ashamed to post this, but hey, it's the first fish on my new (to me) NRX 893JWR and the new (to me, again, lol) Curado 201I.

Wtg Mr and Mrs Blue! Those peacocks are pretty.

No and yes, respectively.

Sammy and Gunfish. If I have to choose one, I'll take the Gunfish.

I don't know **** about sharks, but what (first-hand, hopefully) experiences makes you think you can put anything in front of a bass, and it'll eat it?

I see exactly what you talk about, adult bass and 'gills hanging out together in close proximity (20+ ft visibility). Well, guess what, those bass aren't looking to feed on those 'gills right then and there. (This is my signal to go into finesse mode, which btw doesn't always imply tiny baits and light line). When the bass goes into feeding mode, they won't be cruising near the shoreline, but rather on spots on spots looking to whack a meal. As for swimbaits, some of them are more proven than others, not because they look good to us, but because they have "triggers"- for lack of a better word that makes the bass bite. Be prepared to get skunked, not once, not twice, but for weeks on end. If you are observant and prepared to learn, soon you'll be fishing for the biggest fish in your reservoir instead of hoping for them.

Maybe you need a #Whinkle shad then since you're looking for the most-craved bait. In all seriousness; learn about giant bass and their forage, and then match the size and color. Real Prey makes a soft shiner bait. Joe is a great guy. Give him a call.

Giant baits indeed. lol. Expand your horizons. Don't they use live shiners for bass down in FL?

Let us know how that rod is coming along.

Sorry guys. I found a Curado I for $100 shipped, and bought that. Now I guess I need to learn how to use a non-VBS Shimano reel.

SD jam for mono and fluoro, alberto for leader to braid. A loop (rapala) knot for rigging hooks on some soft swimbaits.

115, chartreuse shad.

Here's what I know. The environment (and the bass) change fast, and we fishermen are often the last to adapt. If they're under the scum as you say; well, go after them instead of fishing the little open water there is.

Wondering where you been. Thanks for the inspiration!