Master Bait'r

Thank you for the PM! The BB1 Pro is already happily at play on my 7'2" MHF *** Green where I'd like it to stay to be honest. It is awesome for frogs but having always leaned on spinning gear for lighter baits, I am still learning about the ins and outs of finesse baitcasting. It has always thrown even smaller baits well but I was sure I'd be better served elsewhere so that's why I asked. I know the Core's reputation but can't swing it right now- and figured a better alternative was obvious to someone better versed in it than I am. This is why I love BR! You guys are the best.

This was pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I know the smaller the spool the better the cast but also wasn't sure about the other components. Sounds like a 50/51E is the ticket, and will be easily upgraded in time. That green will match nicely too!! Thanks guys!

I LOVE sling packs. There's a Mossy Oak sling pack that's on sale at DSW right now that's REALLY nice. Lots of room, plenty of pockets and you don't have to take it off to be able to get at anything in it which is really nice.

The smallest thing I will throw is probably a t-rigged 4.5" bento minnow or roboworm straight tail or something similar. I do also have a lighter spinning setup if it doesn't throw those very well though. Any difference between the curado 50 and the 200/300 besides spool size?

And more specifically Curados. What is the difference between the 50 and the 200/300s? I simply cannot afford the Core I would like to put on this NRX852C green I've got coming yet, but all my research seems to lean towards shimano for a finesse baitcasting reel. I do also already have a BB1 Pro on another rod- does anybody think I'd be better off using that for finesse applications w/ the dual braking controls allowing for better light bait usage than anything I can likely afford right now? Basically: Do I put my BB1 Pro on the NRX and get another BC reel for my other rod or do I try to find something better for finesse and light baits off the bat- if option B what affordable options do you recommend? Thanks in advance for your insight and opinions. Trying to make the right call that I can actually afford and your expertise is greatly appreciated.

I'd be willing to bet it's something in the air ducts at work! Always is!!!!

The fish probably think they're being haunted by the ghost of worms past haha

My mind is completely blown.

After big rains, I bring extra beer and friends- either to talk to or remind me of things I'm not doing. Sometimes you just have to enjoy being out there, as the fish simply aren't having it. That's why they call it fishing and not catching after all Still better than watching TV at home!

Lol

Wow that is a PIG! Nice work man!!!

My other big passion is skiing. The excitement of one season beginning is the only thing that gets me over the depression of the other one ending

I always thought a bait company called "Irish" would be cool, as in "the luck of the Irish" and "Irish jigs" would also fit really well too. If you use that I want some jigs!

They're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack... And really big already! I do love catching picks... It's a shame they beat up gear so much.

Meh, it's different for everyone. For some, it's enough just to be fishing and it could be on an Ugly Stick/ Zebco and they wouldn't notice. Some others will obsess about the tiniest of details and smallest of considerations and can't even help it no matter what the sport, be it bowling, fishing or curling. It will be different for everyone though. The important thing for me is that there are more than one option so everybody gets to be happy in their own "zone" so to speak. Each person will find their comfort zone on their own, no sense in worrying about what other guys do. For me, I'd rather have a small stable of ridiculously high end rods. Some guys on her have 30+ setups but I really just want probably 5 or 6 PRIMO combos that I can concentrate on mastering rather than having dozens of rods I might use a few times each. I like to get really comfortable and familiar with my tools- to get in tune so to speak with everything about them. To truly understand how they function and feel with different baits... I love that. So yeah, I would really rather have a handful of Champion Extreme and NRX rods than a huge assortment of less expensive stuff but for me, less is actually more since I can really gain a high level of understanding within each application. I myself am a skilled craftsman and therefore I do tent to take a huge amount of pride in owning a handmade product that was assembled by artisans and not just machines as well.

Wow, you pulled that thing in on 10lb Tatsu?? Mind = blown!

That is going to be a seriously crazy setup when it's all kitted out...

That was the last few weeks for me. It's been so cold and rainy here- and when it was clear it was so windy the crank would almost land back in the boat on a cast. The rivers I like to go to were also running so high and fast that you couldn't even get close. The spots I like to stand on were under feet of raging river. The lakes and ponds are still very high here but the water is at least warm enough for them to be hunting in the shallows again. Thankfully it all comes around. Just spend your downtime wisely and you'll be better off for it!

The bite is officially back on! Was pulling 'em in left and right last night. IT FELT SO GOOD!

I like to play something relaxing like Bob Marley, but suuuuuuuuuuuuper quietly- Like a whisper. I do find it helps me relax though to have just a little rhythm and lyrics to jam to though. Sometimes I don't want it crazy quiet, sometimes I do.

I've heard the saying that the bottoms catch the fish and the tops catch the fishermen- that said, the sides are totally visible while working it, and the side patterns on, say, a regular bronzeye absolutely play a part in pattern recognition whilst walking it IMO. The basics are the same though- you've got light and dark, poppers and walkers. Some wake-style walker frogs like the furbits and evergreens give the option to have a willow blade for flash which is awesome too. I just try to have a decent selection of different sizes, shapes, colors and actions of fogs so I can give different looks if one isn't getting a reaction. So yes, there will always be a certain amount of gimmick in any new lure- after all, people have been catching fish on antiques for decades- but there is also a certain amount of innovation, advancement and quality added in each new step as well. Better hooks, better plastics, more and better patterns, more durable finishes etc... They all make good lures better and that's important too.

Oh come on.

This does not bode well. She is now jealous of fishing and that will not change- once she's decided it's a bad thing it's 100% a bad thing and don't even bother trying to talk it out- logic has no place in a scorned woman's mind and you scorned her when you put catching fish above her enjoyment in telling her to hide behind a tree (lol... rookie move!) I wonder what it is about certain women that makes her want to simply own a man though? It's as if you don't love them if you don't cast aside every other ambition in order to just sit around and be ready to make them happy at a moment's notice. It's as if enjoying something else besides their company means you don't love them. One thing is certain though- if the wife isn't happy, you won't be. She will continue to make you feel guilty for doing what you love until you either a- put her in her place or b- make concession to her and come to an agreement that leads to finding a happy medium... and only you can know which- and to what degree- will apply to your situation. Good luck!

"Prettiest piece of plastic nobody's fished with yet"

They are fantastic and have been catching their limit nonstop since they were released- too bad I'm talking about fishermen taking the bait and not fish.