ChrisD46

Some say electrical tape for your trick - I now think teflon tape might be better !

Good point ! ... I will also add that through research I've learned to be careful of 2500 / 3000 size reel comparisons as often the 3000 size just has more line capacity than the 2500 size - other than that the diameter of the spools can be identical .

Thanks for the replies ... I am going to narrow my focus to the 20 (2500) and 30 (3000) size spinning reels specifically to use with FC line paying attention to spool diameter . Also hoping line treatment and not over spooling gives me additional margin for error ! The 10 (1000) and 20 (2500) smaller size reels are going to get braid to minimize "slinky" effect ...

Here is an interesting comment from KVD on spinning reel size with FC line for bass : I use the 40 size, bigger spool, less memory problems, higher retreive rate, longer casting distance ... Perhaps a more focused question : Is line management / line twisting an issue with 6lb. - 8lb. InvizX or Sniper FC ? My specific concern with a 40 size reel (as KVD promotes ) is that unless you get a high $$ carbon version - the weight of the 40 size reel might be a concern with a lighter ML / M rod used for drop shot & shaky head .

I'm trying to determine the best size spinning reel (20 , 30 or 40 size) for pairing with 6lb to 8lb InvizX or Sunline Sniper FC lines (shakyhead & dropshot applications). As I figure , a spinning reel to be used with FC line benefits from a slightly larger reel spool size (less coiling) while a spinning reel to be used with braid line benefits from a slightly smaller spool size (less line knotting) . Thanks in advance for your replies & experiences - looking to buy a President , Sahara , etc. - again in the best size (20 , 30 or 40) with the FC line brand / sizes mentioned above .

I'm not sure it would be good for either actually . For backing you want to try and match the line diameter of what ever you are going to use as a main line (i.e. braid or FC) . Therefore , I never see the need to go over #15lb. mono for backing as the braid and FC I use are thinner diameter . Not sure about the solar collector color without a clear leader of some sort used on a swim bait - especially in clear water conditions usually encountered in California.

I subscribe to your farthest cast + approx. 20 yrds. additional mainline approach .

The above color choices have always confused me as to when you select one over the other ? What conditions or elements determines your selection criteria as to using one over the other ?

Love the cool wide square gap hook on the bottom brush jigs !

#10lb. Big Game Mono because I also use this same set up for top water ... If I used just for hard jerk baits I would use #8lb. to #10lb. InvizX .

In the craw "sleeper" category : Christie (Jason) Craw by Yum ...Won't break the bank with good action and good basic color selection .

^^THIS^^ !!! ... I urge everyone to wear some sort of UV protection (such as a buff & fishing gloves) while fishing - and that goes double for fair skinned people !! **The current statistics are over 50% of people over 50 will experience some sort of skin pre-cancer / cancer during their lifetime . Don't think it won't happen to you either !! ... I grew up fishing in Texas and Florida and now I have to see a dermatologist 4 times a year for a check and every visit I now average 9 to 12 places on my hands , arms , face and head the Doctor finds which need to be burned off or cut out . These are the places I did not protect as a kid and now it's too late for me as the damage is done ... For an informative read check out Bernie Schultz's Bassmaster article : "Don't Look Like Me" !! ... Lastly , for large head fishermen who experienced a tight fit with previous Buffs - now they are offered in XL sizes . Enjoy fishing - but please be smart out there so you can stay safe and enjoy fishing for years to come .

Add Robo worms too ...

^^This^^

^^This^^ ... Tom covers the topic well !

^^This^^ ... I only buy the type of swing jig head that includes a spilt ring for the hook so you can change hook size / type for more versatility AND determining what hook brand / style YOU want instead of just whatever EWG off brand hook that is supplied ! A swing jig without a split ring for the hook is too expensive a proposition for me unless I want the hassle of cutting off the worn / bent hook myself and adding a split ring and new hook myself . * Do yourself a favor and search TW or other sites for swing jigs that include a split ring for the hook - you will be happier you did ...

I believe Wayne P. makes a good point about going too small (10lb. and under ) not only due to shock strength issues but an increase in wind knots as well . I say for most Bass spinning braid set ups there are dimenishing returns once you go below #15lb braid / #6lb. mono l / .007 in.line diameter .

Walmart and Cabela's at this time (limited colors) for the Christie Craw (don't confuse with other YUM Craws !!) ... I actually contacted Jason direct (I am a fan of his Craw as well...) and he advised : " Availability of the Christie Craw will increase to additional stores in the Spring with a total of six colors to be in the line up". Best advice is you just need to be patient and hit Google once a week to see where the Christie Craw is being added .

PP #15lb. for Spinning (best compromise between too light #10lb. and too heavy #20lb.) PP #30lb. for Bait Casting (light cover ; open water ; top water) PP #40lb. for Bait Casting (moderate cover ; where abrasion might be a factor) Using all above in Hi - Viz Yellow + FC or Mono leader .

Timmy Horton used a : Duckett Ghost Cranking model 7'6" MH for Deep Cranking .

^^This^^ !

I appreciate the replies ...I will add Timmy was fishing extreme deep diving crank baits (20+ ft.) with a 6:4:1 Lews BB1 ... What caught my attention was I thought for sure I would see a 5:x:1 slower gear ratio for that application ! I suppose it's up to individual feel - but it has me wondering that even with modern rod lengths , better reels , etc. today if a 6:4:1 gear ratio is good for deep diving cranks - wouldn't a 5:x:1 slower gear ratio be that much better ?

What are your swim jig colors for the various seasons ? ... I'm guessing shad colors in late summer , fall and winter and bluegillcolors in spring thru mid - summer ?

^^This^^ is textbook for deciding when / how to choose between a popper and a walking type bait .

^^This^^ !! ... I would certainly give serious consideration to the two Lews reels mentioned here as you may find you don't have to spend $250 to get all the reel you will ever need !