OkobojiEagle

less about WHAT to throw, more about WHERE to throw. Warmest water, tight to cover and slowly. oe

Longer rods can generate more tip speed and aid in the hook set. Also, a longer rod may cushion the line from hard runs of the bass. A longer rod will also transmit less of the bait vibration than similar rod of shorter length because of more distance of material. Definitely both pros and cons. I prefer to choose rods by what "feels" most comfortable while fishing a particular bait/technique. I have more rods in my "cast off" corner than in my boat... oe

The angler is on the wrong side of the fulcrum to achieve more leverage with additional length to the lever.

What is the difference you're referring to. oe

I've got two Gen 2 Abu Premiere and one Lew's BB1, all share the same bearing set and all about the same age. I appreciated the change to Orange Seal ceramic bearings in other reels I've owned and am considering changing one or all three of these. I like the increased ease of casting moderately light weight baits although I don't strive to cast weights lighter than 3/8oz with any of these reels. Lightning ceramics are quite a bit less money, but I've not read anything about them. If they will give me a freer spool I would consider them a good value upgrade. Thanks to both of you for your insight. oe

Can any members share experience with Boca's ceramic Lightning bearings vs. the Orange seal ceramic bearings? Thanks oe

6 1/2' - 7' I learned from walleye fishing years ago: I get better feedback from shorter rods and lighter line. I learned from bass fishing: I get less spooky fish from longer casts with longer rods.

It isn't in many situations and I don't. The monofilament side of joining knots run through the guides better when clipped very short, but leaving +1/2" of PE tag has never affected my cast or retrieve and I don't have to glue the knot either. Terminal knots with mono have never been a problem when leaving 1/2" tag. Full disclosure: I don't fish mono lines thicker than 10lb test or PE lines greater than 20lb test. oe

Underfill the spool 1/4" - 3/8" until you're better able to control the cast. oe

compared to a PE line, yes. It softens the erraticness when the bait is worked with hard, sharp snaps. oe

Berkley Sensation BTW... there is no such animal as "original Stren". The Stren label was sold to Berkley/Pure Fishing years ago and has been manufactured in the Berkley plant since. The line formula was never sold so "Stren" line has been whatever Pure Fishing line engineers have said it should be. oe

drop shot

Check Ebay

Yes, I have. It wasn't nearly as effective as with a skirt. I often thin the skirt by about 1/3. I find a spinnerbait to come through vegetation and rocks far, far better than either an underspin or bladed jig. oe

My very first consideration when trying to fish a rip-rap bank is... can I get down into or on the water in front of the bank. Waders might be my first and easiest idea, followed by using my belly boat. Either of these two options open better casting angles and more bait choices. oe

Vegetation is bass attracting cover, so it makes sense that a swim jig will catch more bass around vegetation. Every lure is more successful when fished where the bass are... location, location, location. oe

One of my favorites I read every winter! Glad you enjoyed it as well. oe

I'd love to be able to use a spinning rod/reel when fishing small jerkbaits, but line management becomes a problem with the snapping retrieve I use with most jerkbaits. oe

This year MaxScent will be STRONGLY represented in my small soft plastic bait selection. oe

I find a fluke style plastic easier to fish weightless than a worm... oe

Fish which ever small shallow jerkbait you have with your rod tip up and you'll accomplish that.. You need to fish Okoboji more often! oe

Pointer 78 is about as tried and true as can be... oe

... my parish priest isn't catholic (chuckle) oe

... which is knot strength Contrary to what many anglers subscribe to, leaving 3/4" of braid tag allows for a slight amount of slippage and is noticeable if happening. Over the many years of tying my main to leader knots I've never experienced any negative affects from this practice. oe

I know what the Alberto knot is and have been using it for many years. What I wanted to know was if there are anglers on this board who currently use the Albright knot. I'm considering using the Albright as I'm wondering if there is a difference in knot strength. oe