Preytorien

This could probably clean up half the tackle forum if we closed threads based on "Answered" Ha, thanks Sam!

Immediately. Even if I don't catch anything, I start working on casting practice if nothing's biting. Ice out is the beginning of a great year.

I've tried several other brands, and they're good no doubt, but there's something about Shimano. They're just right. They're like that across all their products. There are 3 major bicycle component manufacturers for drivetrains, and almost everyone in the industry agrees that while each has their merit, Shimano just flat out works. Maybe not the prettiest, maybe not all the bling, maybe not the lightest, but it flat out works every...single...time. Same with reels, they just simply perform every time.

I know the gearly feel you're talking about. My Curado G felt that way, but it did go away once I spooled it. I wonder if the nature of an unweighted/lightly weighted spool had something to do with it? Might try spooling it. I just got a new Curado 201 and it feels MUCH smoother than my Curado out of the box. It's your call.

Do you fill out the log after the outing, or as you're fishing? It seems it'd be tough for me to track WHILE I was fishing, especially since a lot of what I do is wading in the river.

Same here. I never understood the point. Fishing conditions and situations change by the minute in many cases, so I'm not sure what the advantage of seeing how I caught them 3 months ago would do for me? Maybe the log-masters can help me here? I fish whatever's currently the conditions.

i wouldn't use a leader with microguides. i've never had anything but trouble that way. Sometimes when I'm using small line i'll roll it very lightly in some super glue, just adds a bit more confidence to me, i dunno if it makes a difference or not

Great job Dwight. You're a fortunate man, that looks like a great rod!

Yea, darn technology. We share an eBay account, so she wondered why it popped up yesterday and said my Curado I was shipped.....I had a lot of explaining to do. Ha!

I'd jump on that. It's an excellent rod. Wish I had one of my own. I've only ever used someone else's

That makes sense. I figured it had something to do with expending as little energy while in winter. What techniques work for these guys? I've tried jigs, tubes, flukes, etc. and all fished painfully slow. Nothin.....

I've had zero luck. Mine all suspend in deep pools, facing upstream. According to the old timers around here, if those fish are facing upstream, you're better off throwing your lure into a swimming pool to catch fish.

I've thrown frogs pretty much anytime, and had some success, but in my lakes I seem to start having the best luck when I can see the weeds just underneath the surface. I don't care for using them in heavy wind, but I'll use them when it's breezy or light wind. Since fishing is typically more tricky when it's bright and sunny, I have my best frogging days when it's overcast, at dawn or dusk, or at night. I use mainly a 6.4:1 ratio reel with a heavy action rod since I'm usually throwing it into heavy, sometimes very heavy cover. But cover is pretty much cover, they'll hang around it whether it's a laydown, weeds, reeds, or something man-made, there's usually fish there, and a frog will do the trick. I like Spro Bronzeye Shad, Bronzeye Poppers, Booyah Pad Crashers, Snagproof frogs, pretty much any one will do. The question of a frog color, or any bait color/pattern will cause something of a small civil war on these forums, especially with many of our members still being cooped up indoors, so read the discussions about it and form your own opinions, I typically throw natural colors, it gives me confidence, and confidence is invaluable. I use the RageTail Toad a lot when I'm pulling it through reeds or timber, I would venture to say it's a similar attracting bait as a buzzbait. I've never tried the other two you mentioned. As far as popping frogs, they're AWESOME. I use them almost exclusively unless I'm frogging on mats (it's hard to pop it on top of moss). Since they pop they can be used in open water, as well as in cover. I've had days where throwing the frog parallel to the bank as the sun is setting will absolutely light it up. Welcome to the forums, these guys here are the real pros of the field when it comes to expert advice. Be sure to introduce yourself to us in the Introductions forum. Great to have you on board!

I use YZ Hybrid and McCoy Mean Green and both are incredibly limp. After I treat it with KVD Line and Lure it hangs off my spinning reel like braid.....no twist. I love the stuff.

Definitely the SK Swin'n Caffeine Shad..... I picked up a couple bags of Missle Baits Shockwave's though this winter, I'm looking forward to trying them out

That's along the same lines of........when on the boat all day for fishing, don't eat granola bars and drink apple cider

I fished once on a small neighborhood pond near a friend's house. While I was fishing, an older gentleman approached me. I thought he was there to run me out of there, but he started asking me what kind of rod and reel I had, what I was fishing for, and what I was using. We started talking and he said he'd watched me before fishing and said it brought back memories of him fishing when he was much younger, but that he had just gotten away from it over the years. He asked what I suggested in terms of a good starting spinning rod and reel, and I gave him my two cents worth. The next time I went there, he came excitedly running out to me, and showed me his new rig. We fished a while together, giving each other tips and lure choice suggestions. We both caught a few fish but nothing great, but you could see the guy's eyes light up when he had one on....it's like years of excitement came flooding back. That was the last time I fished with him since it got really cold the next couple days and the pond iced over. But I'm sure I'll see him this spring! I'm excited to say hey and fish with him.

I use flouro for finesse soft plastics application....sometimes....otherwise it's straight braid for me all the time.

The Saturn looks pretty cool. I'd second the suggestion to check out Sea Eagle. I have the SE-8 Fisherman's dream package. It's a great boat to get on the water, especially if you want to throw it in anywhere and avoid ramp fees If I had the money I'd jump on that Sea Eagle Stalker. That thing looks awesome. I can have mine fully inflated and in the water in 15mins.

I've used braid + leaders before, but never saw a difference in how many fish bit. I can't imagine the whirling and twirling of a spinnerbait, buzzbait or underspin, or the rattling of a crank puts off a bass because they see a line. I wouldn't recommend a braid + leader combo on rods with micro-guides.....it just don't work Billy Boy

1. Check and double check that your anchor knot is tied and actually tight 2. Double check your line knots after each fish 3. ALWAYS wear a PFD 4. Don't forget your sunglasses

I think the same sort of question could be asked of any hobby/sport/activity. You can take it to the level you wish, and manufacturers of all kinds cater to all budgets. I have a good mix of price points, except Depps and Roman Made and such. But you can bet that if I lived in S. Cali I'd probably have some of those too. I think some of it is the "you get what you pay for" addage, but then again I have no name cheap lures that catch fish just fine. I think it's more for me. I'm confident if I'm throwing a bait that I am assured that a lot of research and quality control went into it (after all that's my profession). This also comes from the guy who's racing bicycle cost more than his first 3 cars put together.

Nice boat! I'm envious!

I keep seeing different release times. Some say March, others say "spring" others say May. I hope sooner than later.

I'm excited about this Maxcuatro braid that Power Pro is releasing here soon. I wondered, does anyone have the lb test / mono equivalent ratings? If it's thinner than its competitors at the same breaking strength, this will be nice since my normal 50lb will be smaller and hopefully cast better.