Smokinal

I've been using the braid/fluoro leader combo for around 10 years now with great success and I don't see myself changing anything about it in the future. I get tons of bites, no break-offs, no knot issues. So let's start with the line...they call it Vanish for a reason; because that's what your fish do when you use it. No need for buying the sales-pitched "leader material"; just buy a spool of any fluoro but Vanish and you will be fine. The FG knot stands for FuGettaboudit...I use a blood knot for regular guide sizes and an Alberto for micro-guides. And I use an improved clinch at the bait. Be sure to wet all your knots before cinching. These will get you back in business brother.

Nice job Evan!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving today! Today is a day to reflect on all the things you have going for you. And remember, even when you think you have it rough, someone else always has it rougher. Be thankful for what you have.

That's very sad. My thoughts and prayers go to his family today.

Wow folks! Thank you all for so much information and opinion; all much appreciated! You have given me lots to think about and many ideas. I'll be doing a lot of homework on some of the areas mentioned. We will see what our thoughts are over the next year whether we are serious about making a change like this. Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

So, let's say, hypothetically, my wife and I wanted to move from Maine to ??? after our second son moves out. Where would you choose where the temps don't get too hot, nor too cold and the bass fishing (smallies or Larries) is great. We are both a little tired of the winters here but wouldn't want Florida either. Most importantly though, the fishing in the area must be good with lot's of water options. I know I'm asking a lot and I also know I'm very spoiled here as the fishing is phenomenal and there are lakes/ponds in every single town; just thinking. And we would prefer the small-town feel as well. We live in a town with around 22,000 and most surrounding towns are smaller than that. Am I dreaming here?

I'm confused....

This says it all. I fish all rocky lakes and you wouldn't throw straight braid for more than 1 fish up here.

Be careful using metal polish on the brass tho. I've had it take the color off. The acid in ketchup works pretty good. You just have to make sure they don't want mustard that day....

Welcome bud!

@A-Jay @Gundog Like that? edit: I'm dangerous now... I guess you can teach an old dog

@wdp @A-Jay Ok...alright...I see the use for it. I'm just old school I guess. edit: I see a red colored square around the username in everyone else's post but my own. Is that the same for you folks?

Love my Tatula CT-R https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_nkw=daiwa tatula ct&_dcat=108153&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=1000&_trksid=p2045573.m1684 https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=daiwa+tatula+ctr&_sop=15&LH_ItemCondition=1000&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1311.R1.TR2.TRC1.A0.H1.Xdaiwa+tatula+ct-r.TRS0&_nkw=daiwa+tatula+ct+type+r&_sacat=0

May I ask a silly question? why not just type their name in the post....

LMBO!! Haven't heard that one in a while! Ya, all the time, especially when I was younger. And not to give you more ammo but I hear Dennis Quaid a lot too.

Absolutely! The fall bite in Maine can be very good!

Abs...solutely brother! Way to get after it! It's a nice feeling when you've accomplished something like that at a later age. And it will only help the outdoor activities.

I've heard of some stripers being caught in that area but I don't think they would be in there this time of year. I'd check with some tackle shops in that area. Not DSG or large box stores like that but look for the smaller, more personable, knowledgeable shops.

Welcome Maine brother! That's a giant for sure man!

Personally I think it's a marketing gimic. I use bulk fluoro for my leader material and never had any problems with it.

Looks like he saw it coming. Here's looking at you kid.

When my Grandparents were alive they owned a house in Cotuit Mass, on the Cape. We fished some ponds there and would seine our bait up before we went and that looks like what we called a chub; just a baitfish. Great bait with a hook up though the nose