smr913

I have a handful of Saharas and can't say a bad thing about them. Same goes for my Prez's too though.

10# mono has never done me wrong. Cranks are one technique where line is not a big concern, IMHO. Match it to your cover. Lots of weeds and timber, up it to 15 or 17. Deep open water I like 10.

I don't have the budget for either's high end stuff, but I love both the Curado and Tatula. The thing that I like more with Shimano is that I can understand all their models. I feel like a need a Rosetta Stone to tell the difference between on the models and spool types.

My company had its annual sales meeting this week and I had to work it this afternoon. Around lunch I decided to walk around and scope out some of the merchandise to see what's new. As I'm about done I notice a bass boat at the Pennzoil boothl. Not something I expected as I work in the farm and ranch industry. So of course I have to check it out and from the distance I see the signature blonde mop hair and and am star struck. Jimmy Houston is there just hanging out working the booth. I got the chance to speak with him for about 10 minutes before I had to head back to my booth. He couldn't have been a nicer guy.

It's been a month or two since I called and spoke to them. I couldn't find it online and they told me it takes some time for parts to come available on new models. They may have come out between now and then. I'll give them another call.

Really? This is the Shimano Parts Shop and the Stradic Ci4 1000HGFB isn't an option. The spool assembly for my model is part RD17775. https://fishshop.shimano.com/vip/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441848376

I stretch them and let them snap back. You can hear all the salt fly out. I find stretching them gets really loosens them up and you get a lot more action from the tail.

They don't always have parts available for the new reels right away. I've been looking for a new spool for my 2016 Stradic. I celled Shimano and they couldn't tell me when they would have parts available. I've always heard Tackle Trap is a good place to call for parts. I ended up finding spare spools on the Bay.

Trout Magnet makes some. They have two sizes a 2.75" and a 1.25" (I think that is correct). They are meant to be fished on Ultralight tackle.

Ned, himself, writes a lot of articles over at In-Fisherman. Very good stuff.

I was planning on picking a few things up at Academy this week and wading the Harpeth in Nashville this weekend. We are about to get pounded by rain so it may have to wait another week. I'm starting to get antsy with this bit of warmer weather. I've spent the last three nights hunkered down in the garage rigging and prepping.

That 2.5" Crawbug looks like it could be really good on a small standup jighead. @roadwarrior Thanks for the suggestions. I've had good luck with the Rage Craws in the past. Think I have some Babies that will need the dust knocked off. @buzzed bait I have a small box dedicated to in-lines for when I hit trout water. Will bring some with me next time I'm out.

This year I'm going to focus a lot more on light tackle river fishing. Using a 7' light rod, a 1000 size spinning reel, and 10/2# braid. I'm looking for some suggestions on stocking the bag. I have the basics: Rapalas, Tiny Torpedoes, Neds, Rebel Craws, Slider worms. I really need a solid soft plastic craw to either rig on a light trig or small jighead. So other small water guys, what do you like?

Fly rods are the only outfitters that I see this happening. Most of the times they ask if you want to go out and cast as part of the sales pitch.

iRod Genesis II 744

Appreciate your thoughts Goose. Lots of videos of them on YouTube that I found showing stability and rigging. The outboard they recommend has an internal gas tank which avoids having the gas tank at your feet. The weight restricts you, but in my specific situation may not be an issue (have my own dock at the lake to store the boat.) While it is rated for one person I think I would be well below the 400 pound capacity taking one of my kids with me for some joy rides. This may never catch on like kayaks, but I could see this being a lot of fun for lake trips even with no fishing. I'll probably give it a couple years and see what the market dictates.

Anyone use them? Looks like they could be a fun way to zip around the lake. They look sweet. Too bad no dealers near me.

You got other problems going on here.

I feel I get the same stretch on hook sets with mono or fc. I do find that fc jumps off the spool and has manageability issues with the smaller diameters, so I have been using 10/2 or 15/4 power pro.

Or just read it here:

I'm also on the Zoom Ultravibe Speed Craw wagon, but I use mine on a spot remover shakeyhead. Seems to keep it standing up better in current as its getting carried down stream. Or at least that's how I see it in my mind.

I'm not familiar with them, but their website looks like they are an established operation. I used Fishunter Guide Service last year with great results and booked them again for November this year.

Finding a guide shouldn't be a problem. Finding a good guide may take a bit of investigation and most of them are booked the previous year. Last year I fished out of Port Sulfur and stayed at the Woodland Plantation. Make sure you let the guide know your skill level and the kind of fishing you want to do. We let our guide know we were experienced fishermen, but the first day he had us chucking floats and live bait. After a little chat he understood we were looking for something a bit more involved. The next day we were out sight fishing and using artificials which to us was a lot more enjoyable. Also ask about their equipment. Our guide provided solid setups, but only spinning. So we ended up bringing a handful of casting setups. Just my $0.02 from our recent trip down there.

If I'm doing a float less than 3 hours I usually just pack some fluids. On longer trips its a PB&J and chips for a shore lunch. Snacks are generally a granola bar, nuts, or jerky. I take a gallon jug of ice water to stay hydrated.

For weightless plastics I would opt for a medium power and a fast action over extra fast. I want a little softer tip to help the cast load easier.