Felix77

d**n you ... something else to try ...

In my experiences you just cannot ignore the fact that a fluoro leader will get more bites ... two very specific examples come to mind over the past few years ... 1 - Smallmouth at Rouses Point two years ago. I was fishing straight braid with a fluke. My boater was using fluoro. As we progressed through the day we talked about the differences in our setups. Even after matching everything except the line he was getting bit and I wasn't. Switched up by adding a leader and guess who began getting bit. We were in an open flat so they could have been anywhere. Water was very clear FWIW. 2 - Largemouth in Toledo Bend a few months ago. Bert and I were fishing in what I would consider stained water. Braid wouldn't make a difference would it? The exact same thing happened. Switched everything bit by bit with line being the last thing I changed. Action started almost immediately. Does it make a difference all the time ... NO. I flip and pitch straight braid with zero issues. But I would never overlook using a leader. With finesse I use a FC leader 100% of the time.

Whatever I can get on sale. IMO it doesn't really matter much as long as I can feel the bottom with the weight.

Gitzit Dry Creek Cabin Creek

Strike King Caffeine Shad

Timely video here ... http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/ned-rig.html

Used 20# Invizx with no issues. Switched to braid though. Love it.

I had been using the uni-2-uni for the past 3 years. This winter I focused on learning the Alberto because it was supposed to be better ... stronger .... I am a believer. Worth learning. It is amazingly strong.

Boy do I remember these days ... My first setup was an Abu Garcia SilverMax combo I got in DSG. No matter how much research I did on line, lures, weight, balance etc. I totally sucked at using the baitcaster. It was downright infuriating how much line I went through (backlashes) until I was able to train myself how to use it properly. It took time and a lot of practice and now I have zero regrets with the time I spent. Hang in there and good luck. By the way ... I still have that SilverMax. It is still a part of my arsenal and I love it!!! It has some higher quality brothers and sisters BUT it's still my #1.

I have it on my phone as well. I love how I can route my trips, record waypoints etc. I also bought the "fishing mode" and now I am able to highlight certain depths to help target my fishing. The only limitation is my battery on my phone.

VMC Finesse Half Moon slowly, very slowly ...

Yoda voice: "senko ... you must bring the senko."

This is what I really need to do! I love my plastics but just need to dedicate the time to other stuff. Looks like I have another 2015 goal ... Cranks.

It was a bit over 3 years ago and everytime I tell people it tends to get bigger. It's at about 14 lbs right now. All kidding aside it was a marginal keeper at best but was exciting enough to get me coming back for more. For the record my first fish ever was a crappie which was bigger than my 1st bass.

I heard that backing with braid is better. I don't understand how or why. IMO it's just a filler.

Curious ... why would the backing make a difference if it's braid or Mono?

x2 ,,, All my spinning gear has been converted to braid with a leader. I tried with a baitcaster and I am not fond of it. Switched back to Fluoro.

I am going into my 4th year fishing and I found myself using more and more plastics for just about everything. There are only a few "hardbaits" which I use. A Sexy Dawg and a Spinnerbait. The rest just sit in my tacklebox. Note a jig, since it uses a plastic is in my arsenal as well. I don;t know if it's a "grass is always" greener mindset but it made me curious. How many of you consider yourself mostly plastics like I? Who rarely use things like crankbaits, jerkbaits etc.

Red always cracked me up .... On one end - It's invisible to the fish. On the other - It represents blood (in baits) thus very visible if a fish can see it as a "bleeding" bait flys by. Which is it? I go with Greenish 100% of the time. Have not tried yellow or pink yet.

Here you go ...

x2 on Crocks

I use 15lb braid with an 8 lb leader. 1 - Always use light wire hooks. 2 - make sure they are a quality hook (I use VMC and Gamakatsu) 3 - Make sure you manage your slack. Not too much. Not too little while working your lure. 4 - When you get the bite reel in quickly and set the hook (reel set like) Good luck

"Need to" is a tad too strong. I would say that it doesn't hurt.

G-Men are on prime time a lot this year. Guess the schedule doesn't take into consideration the 6-10 record. I don't mind. Go Giants!

I was in Vegas all week. My Facebook blew up with posts about the temp and snow Back home in Albany, ny. I am not looking forward to going back to the cold. This winter won't end.