Janderson45

I fish braid to fluorocarbon leader quite often, as a few others have mentioned here the alberto knot is a great braid to FC leader knot. Easy to tie once you get the hang of it, and superior to the Albright knot because you wrap both up and down the loop. If you can afford a little extra time in tying this knot, it seems to pay off.. unless I'm trying to tie it quickly on the water or in low light conditions I generally try to make the knot as "pretty" as I can, by wrapping the loops consistently overlapping each other up and down the line.... Once the knot is tied and tied correctly I've actually never had it break on me, I always break the FC leader either at the knot connecting it to the terminal tackle (I use either a palomar or san diego jam knot for this) or at some micro-abrasion or some kink along the way in the leader. Another issue you described is that it's time consuming and frustrating to have to keep retying leaders.. I feel this way as well, and to combat this what I personally do is this: When I'm tying the leader on to my braided mainline, I don't cut the FC leader off of the spool, instead I tie the alberto knot, trim tag ends, and reel up a full rod lengths worth of leader if not a little bit more. So now you've got at minimum at 6' leader. Most of the conditions I fish don't call for anything near a 6' FC leader, the extra length is simply there for if I break off or have to retie lures/terminal tackle I've now got a whole bunch of extra line to play with than if I had cut off a leader of predetermined length such as 2' of 3'. Because the alberto knot is so neat and small, I have no problem casting this knot through my rod guides. Other good tips are too of course make sure that you're FC is good and wet before cinching any knots down... and of course cinch any knot into fluoro with a lot of extra care. Another good tip I picked up along the way for tying the alberto knot is to take your finger nails and scratch/rub off the finish on the braided line for about 10" or so. You can usually take off a bit of the "slick" finish that coats common braided lines like power pro by simply running your finger nails over it. This makes it a bit less slippery and allows knots to hold a bit better. Some people even use a little bit of super glue or rubber cement on the alberto knot to make it a tad stronger as well as make it "harder" so it passes even better through small guides. I haven't found this necessary yet however, and don't personally do it.

What's everyone seeing for water temperatures out there right now? These bass all must be staging/suspended at this point still?

Hey everyone- I do a good amount of frog fishing and have always tied a palomar knot in either the 40lb or 50lb braid that I'm using. Seems to have worked well in the sense that it's held up to many vicious strikes and lots of strain while hauling in bass covered in weeds. I always fish frogs in very dense cover, so the walking motion people often impart on the lure doesn't seem very important for me to produce strikes, what does seem important is producing a good deal of surface disturbance by making quick rips of the hollow bodied frog along the surface. That being said however, I'd like to try and improve my success rate in more sparsely vegetated areas, and I feel as if a good way to do this is by walking the frog along the surface. Problem is I've never had good success in getting my frogs to walk well at all (I use the Livetarget frogs). Would tying a knot similar to the rapala loop knot that I occasionally use on a topwater plug help the frog to walk better? I only have experience using loop knots in monofilament, and am worried that the knot may tie poorly in braid, especially compared to the palomar which has been rock solid. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Does anyone use loop knots when fishing hollow bodied frogs?

Did a drive by some small local ponds and lakes today. Seems total ice-out is near, most of the bodies of water still had some areas of ice, but lots of open water especially near river outlets. Unfortunately temps in the forecast for the next 2 weeks or so are still very cold at night, I'll probably look to wet some lines in the next 10 days or so, but don't expect the fishing to really "heat-up" if you will for a while still. Also- the next few weeks are likely a good time to start targeting some prespawn northerns if there are any in your area...

I've seen Eagles, osprey, foxes, coyotes, deer, otters... none of which are really rare anymore. Certain areas I've fished it's rare not to see a bald eagle... although I'm sure I'll never really get used to it. They are such beautifully majestic birds. Strangest animal I've seen while fishing would probably be a fisher cat... I'm familiar with their awful screeching but had never actually laid eyes on one until last year while night fishing from a bank. I would've been more likely to stick around and continue fishing if I had seen a ghost.. show me a fisher cat and I'm OUT.

Hey Everyone- Not exactly new here as I've been lurking a bit for the past year (or maybe more) but just thought I'd make an introduction post and tell everyone a little about myself (just in case anyone actually reads these). As the title states I live in Massachusetts, but often fish bodies of water throughout new england. The LMB don't grow as well up here obviously, but that doesn't make them any less fun... but maybe that's because I've never caught a Florida strain who knows, ignorance is bliss I suppose. I've recently become quite enthralled by smallmouth bass, as they're plentiful and lb for lb put up a better fight than the largemouth's do. I also do a fair amount of saltwater angling, mostly for striped bass like the one in my profile picture. Got a trip planned next september out of Virginia Beach searching for some Cobia and possibly some billfish. Very excited for that. This upcoming fishing season I have trips planned to Florida and Virginia, and I am very much looking forward to fishing some lakes with real lunker potential. I will of course also be doing plenty of fishing in the New England area, where I hope to potentially meet some other people from bass resource. Also hoping to land a decent northern and muskie this year as I've never hooked into either species. Other interests include: sports that aren't fishing, drinking and women. Boys will be boys I guess. Looking forward to learning more on the site/forums, I've already book marked a number of articles and posts, and am always finding some good information and input from members here. Thanks for reading, nice to meet everyone!

Hmmm well I've got a few. Not original but I hooked a goose once by accident, it was in flight and seemed to dive bomb after my crankbait. The goose took off in a fit of rage and before it could spool me I cut the line. Still feel awful as I'm sure treble hooks and ~30 yards of fishing line made the rest of that birds life miserable. Used to catch red slider turtles on night crawlers all the time when I was younger, unfortunately I gut hooked my fair share as I was a young kid bobber fishing and didn't know any better. Also caught a snapper or two in my time. Again not really unique, but just about every time I catch a catfish I'm pretty shocked. I've never targeted them and only caught a handful in my life (I don't think they're that plentiful around here). Needless to say I hesitate to touch them every time I hook one just because of an irrational fear that some spikes are going to come flying out and impale my unsuspecting hand. Weirdest one I've got was a river rat or muskrat. Hooked it in the side I presume as I was ripping a lipless crank through some weeds.... didn't land the "rat" but had him hooked for about 30 seconds and I have never seen such a commotion on the water. That thing had to have scared off every fish within a 500 yard radius with the way it was thrashing and flopping around on the surface of the water. Got my crank back though!

Checked out both the 6'8 MXF rage and avid series today at my local bass pro. Have to say I'm actually quite disappointed in the Rage. I'm sure it fishes reasonably well as it's built on a St. Croix blank, but after comparing the two I can't really figure out why anyone wouldn't just spring for the Avid... The avid uses "traditional components" while the rage uses "weight reducing components" and yet in this particular model the avid is .4 oz lighter. A noticeable difference when holding them next to each other. With a small plastic reel seat, micro guides, and a newer grip design you'd think it would be lighter.. It does have 1 more guide, but what's the point of using all these weight saving materials if it still comes out heavier than the avid? For 30 dollars more on the avid you get a better reel seat, a lifetime warranty, and a lighter rod that's built in the USA, and a rod that seemingly has less manufacturing defects that lead to breakage issues. I actually prefer the grip on the Rage, that's the one good point I'll give it, I wish st. croix just offered the avid with the rage grip, as that's the only thing I can really see that would make someone want to purchase the rage over the avid.

I've almost exclusively fished the Koppers Live Target frog, which is one of the better painted/more expensive ones. All of this conversation definitely has me thinking I might try some cheaper brands this year. I've had GREAT results with the Koppers model, but I'm thinking I'm probably just paying extra for the higher quality paint jobs that the fish don't see or don't care about anyways. PS- A top water frog over some lily pads has got to be one of the most exciting and exhilarating ways to fish. Seeing that big ole bass bust out from under the weeds, completely engulf the lure, take it under, wait a second or two and BAM! Set those hooks like you're trying to put them through the fish's brain!

on the bay or potomac? Sure, I've had a fish strip be down to backing.. freshwater LMB or SMB fishing? Never had a fish take much line period, exception being on real light spinning set-ups. Although I suppose it could be because the LMB don't get as big around here .

I use a 7'2 MHM St. Croix legend xtreme that fits all of your requirements minus price. I got the older (2012) model on closeout for nearly half price, but even at that It was still an expensive rod. I like the extra 2" that the rod gives me over various 7' models, but as previously mentioned it's much tougher to find a rod in those lengths as opposed to simply going with a 7' model. I love the rod, but only because I got it at a bargain price (and I'm a st. croix junky). If I was to do it all over again I can't say for sure that I wouldn't go for a cheaper, less sensitive 7' rod. After all sensitivity is always a nice thing to have in a rod, but not as necessary in a treble hook rod as it is a bottom contact rod.

Yeah, I'd say after some consideration I'm leaning heavily towards the 6'8 M/XF avid... I wouldn't be opposed to spring for a LTB, I particularly like the 6'10 M/XF model (shaky head ) however the rods maximum lure weight rating doesn't quite cut it for me, 5/16ths of an oz is awfully light for some of the rigs I'd like to be able to throw with this rod.

Thanks for the input, I'm looking to fish about what you stated, senkos, light jigs, weightless plastics, floating rigs, shakey head, grubs, tubes.. On lines between 6-10lbs. I wonder if I were to purchase a fast action instead of XF if I could possibly get away with some light topwaters and inline spinner baits? That may be asking too much all out of one rod though. Like you I'm not very comfortable or familiar with drop shot fishing, I'll get there eventually and when I do I'll likely purchase a different spinning outfit.

Thanks for the reply. As far as breakage goes, it's not so much the warranty that bothers me as I'm sure St. Croix would take care of me, it's more just that if a rod breaks on a trip I'm without my only good spinning outfit, and there's obviously down time involved in warranty repairs/replacements and shipping and what not. However I'm definitely going to head over to my local basspro in order to look at/hold a few of the rage models.

I'm looking to improve my finesse fishing, and hopefully have more success in clear water fishing in this up coming season. So naturally I'm looking to upgrade my currently horrific spinning outfit(s). I've never owned a real quality spinning rod, although I do own numerous quality casting rods and can't stand to fish with my current spinning outfits which are cheap bass-pro shops 2 piece rods. So basically what I think I'm looking for is something like a one piece medium fast, or a medium XF in something between 6'8 and 7'1. I'm generally drawn towards St. croix rods, so naturally I've checked out the ones that fall within my price range (100-200 $) which are the Premier, Mojo, Rage and Avid. I'm intrigued by the idea of micro guides, as I've never used them but have read good things.. so I was looking at the rage series. What I'm not sure I like about the rage series however is that I have seen numerous reports of breakage issues (manufacturing defects) and they are made in Mexico like most of St. Croix cheaper rods and only come with the 5 year not lifetime warranty that the avid and above series carry. Also, not sure that I love the grip, although that's not a deal breaker for me. I guess I'm looking for feedback on the Rage series, and opinions on whether you think it makes more sense to spend less money on the proven premier series, or more money on the avid? Also open to suggestions of other rod makers/models, as long as the quality is on par or above that of the rods I'm discussing. Also- Saltwater corrosion resistant guides/materials are a definite bonus, as rod could double as an inshore striper jigging rod. Thanks!

exactly what I was looking for, thanks for the input! I think I may order one tonight.. now to find the reel to pair it with!

it is the rod you speak of, amazing deals to be had on them right now. But good to know that you prefer to throw the deeper divers with something else, maybe if I got it along with a longer fiberglass rod it would suit the purposes I'm looking for.

Yeah, I'm not sure how it would handle single hook presentations, it might have to be something I'd have to try and figure for myself. For what its worth I'm looking at the legend extreme series, and i've heard that the higher end blanks and rods are more suitable for multiple purposes than some of the lower end ones, but i've yet to fish with one so I can't comment on the actual amount of versatility they have, was hoping someone here would have a bit of insight

I'm looking to get a nice cranking rod to add to my arsenal. Question I have is how a st croix 7'2" MHM rod would handle deeper crank baits? Also curious as to whether or not this rod would be suitable for the technique of "slow rolling" spinnerbaits at deeper depths. I assume It'll handle shallow/medium cranks, and rip baits easily, as well as possibly so larger top waters if I felt so inclined.. what do you guys think?

This is a debate that I've come across before when it comes to topwaters and jerkbaits, some anglers feel that the moderate action is important because it helps keep the treble hooks in the fish while fighting, while other anglers argued that they'd prefer a fast or extra fast action in order to better impart the action that makes a fish strike on the bait to begin with. For instance it's easier to make a jerkbait or topwater stop quickly in the water with a faster tip than a slower tip... Heavier plastics and jigs as well as spinners and buzz baits can all be worked well on my other rod, but i think the medium action should work well for unweighted senko's along with some light jigs..

So i'm looking for a new rod to fish topwaters, jerk baits, soft plastics, and possibly some light spinners and lipless cranks... I'm looking at a 6'8" MXF st croix legend elite. It seems to me as though it should be able to work all of these techniques, but what do you guys think? The other thing I was debating is whether or not to make this a casting or spinning rod... any advice there?

Thanks for the advice on this. I too often fish weedy areas, so I'm wondering if that might make sense... However I do occasionally, and will more frequently in the future have the ability to fish bottoms that are more rocky and less weedy, which is why I'm at a bit of a loss as to what's ideal for me... Maybe two rods is more realistic, a faster action rod for fishing cranks in weedier areas that could also possibly be used for other types of fishing as well, along with a more crank specific rod with a softer tip so that I could fish cranks in more open water...

I was looking at both the Avid and the Legend Tournament models from St croix, as I already own a few of there rods and really love them... the legend elite not worth the extra 60 bucks? I've looked long and hard at the Lews... currently I only have a BPS baitcaster, but its the Johnny Morris signature model, and I like it quite a lot so far. I'd be interested how a different brand would compare.. If I spent 180 on an avid and 220 on a reel that would put me right at the 400 mark, and would open up a few different reel opportunities for me as opposed to the Lews... I've looked at equipping it with the Lews TP, Abu STX, the Shimano Curados, and the Daiwa T3... any thoughts on those compared to the lews?

I'm looking for a new cranking rod, and was wondering what you guys might recommend. I haven't done very much crank bait fishing, but I'm aware that you want a medium to medium heavy rod with a moderate to moderate fast tip action. I'm planning on working mostly smaller to medium sized cranks, but am also hoping to be able to work topwater baits with this rod as well.... so keep the size to 7' and under probably? I'm looking at casting, not spinning rods, and have a 400 dollar budget to spend on the rod and reel... of course if there's something nice for under that 400 dollar mark I wouldn't mind it so much either.. I was looking at the Loomis cranking rods with a quantum smoke, but I've read a few negative reviews about the loomis rods. Any advice?

yeah, didn't realize we had it here on bass resource, but i had already used a calculator.. the fish was 24.5" long and roughly 12.5" in girth... that puts this guy at around 7lbz 4oz and my new PB