Tucson

Rapala DT10 - Seem to lose them faster than I can replace them. I have an original wiggle wart that I've gone to great lengths to keep, got replacements but that is "the one".

Camera perspective can really conceal the truth. With a slightly wide-angle lens the closest objects appear larger (relatively) than those in the background. On the other hand, heckuva nice bass.

You just solved my problems, thanks! It's so obvious once it's been pointed out.

Pretty much switching to braid w/ FC leader. When I want a lighter, more clear main line I use Yo-Zuri. Like many others I had line management problems with FC main line but whatever works for you, took a while to determine what works best for me.

We're fortunate that you seldom see that kind of response on this site. Thumbs up to the moderators. I found fluoro to be too stiff, at least on a spinning reel. I suspect it would behave better on a bait caster.

Good tip on the drag setting.

I've read in the past that smaller diameter braid lines tend to dig into the reel. Any truth to that?

When I was about 10 years old (57 years ago) I bought a Ted Williams bait caster from Sears and loaded it with silk line. Never used it, it's still sitting on a shelf brand new. Anyway, silk was the way to go back then. Not exactly stealthy.

I just assumed we were talking about trolling. That's the way I would work a carolina-rigged crank. On a cast, whole different story unless you can cast 1/4 mile or so!

I suppose you could achieve almost any depth with a heavy enough bullet weight fished carolina style. But if you got down 40 feet with yours I'd say you did exceptionally well.

I'm considering a leader because I like braid but fish pretty clear waters and would like a couple of feet of clear line between the braid and the lure. Also, the leader acts like a fusible link that I can break off if I get hopelessly hung up. Harder to do with braid. Appreciate everyone's input on this. Nice to be able to draw on the experiences of others.

Just picked up an Okuma TCS rod and the guides are pretty small. I planned on using braid w/fluorocarbon leader (bait caster) but have concerns about the alberto knot passing through the guides. What are your thoughts on this? I've tried straight fluoro on a spinning reel and was disappointed with the line memory. If I have to use it on the casting reel I'm hoping it will behave better.

This is your best option IMO.

Weighted TR - Zoom Ribbon Tail Unweighted TR - Senko

Many times I've failed to catch a fish on the first cast and still been skunked all day. Just a question of odds. Also, there have been several time using a new lure (to me) when I've caught a bass on the first cast and seldom caught another on that same lure. It's entirely possible that luck has something to do with fishing!

Don't need it. I've in contact with a Nigerian prince who needs my help in obtaining a fortune that he will share with me. I guess I really hit the jackpot this time!

Wow, what are the odds on that happening. Especially with a somewhat unusual name.

Here's my input: Lets go fishing!

Thanks everyone, some great information here.

I picked up a Bass Mafia Bait Coffin (the deep one) yesterday, here's what I determined: It sounded like a great storage concept but I found it about 1/2" too shallow for many of my minnow-style baits. So I tried using it for my regular cranks and found that while they store a lot in a small space it's hard to determine which lure you're looking for, your only view of them is from the nose end. So reluctantly I'm going to return the unit today and pick up a few 3700's instead. Great concept, did not work for my particular application. Your comments?

There may be an advantage to using a snap (only) on cranks. If you tie directly to the lure the knot should be more of a loop than a tight knot. You might also take a look at the Rapala Knot which connects with a small loop, letting the lure swivel freely.

Thumbs up to you for taking the time. It's possible you lit a fire for one or more of those kids that will stay with him all his life. Sometimes fishing is more than just catching fish.

I'm wondering how effective a wind sock is in light-moderate winds? I never see them used here in AZ but wondering if I'm missing out. My boat is an 18" aluminum so it gets pushed around pretty well in even light winds. How much control do you have with a sock deployed? I assume you'd normally hook it to the bow to slow your drift rate although you could probably use it off the side if the wave action isn't too aggressive.

Here's a little fuel transfer pump I made from a small 12V fuel pump. A pipe nipple at the end of the pick-up keeps the hose in place at the bottom of the tank. Pumps about 1/2 GPM, hands stay dry, no drips or leaks. Also used it to transfer fuel INTO my truck. Fits neatly into a produce container for storage.

Looks like I'm the only guy from Tucson.