masterbass

Senko, x-raps and grubs

My first casters were right handed and I used them for a few months then I bought my first lefty and stuck with them. It shouldn't take more than a few outings. I'm really glad I switched because it is so much more efficient IMO.

Went yesterday and stayed in the bay. The cold front slowed the bite, but we did have some success with senkos rigged wacky and t-rigged. I was hoping for a jerk bait bite, but didn't have any success.

The tatula 8.1 should work great. Some don't like the frame for palming, but if you do then go for it.

Also, ned rig, jig/grub and wacky rig.

Doesn't TW match prices?

this

Mine's coming tomorrow, 7'6" mhm. My first deep cranker.

Are you saying you like it more than the NRX? Just wondering.

I had a generation 2 sx and it was a great reel, but it was a righty and I prefer lefties so I sold it.

In that price range, I'd get a curado I and not look back.

Try giving good cleaning. If it's a new reel it may have excess grease inside and the rain may have gummed it up.

I'm heading up this Saturday and I've never been there before on a boat. I'm going with a buddy and the wives so I have a few issues. First I don't want to take too many rods so which baits do you think will be the most high percentage for some smallmouth action? Second, where? Since the wives are coming we don't want to waste too much time searching or they'll get bored and want to leave, lol. Do you have any other tips? I'm hoping this cold front doesn't kill the bite. I've heard of guys having 80 fish days. I've never experienced anything like that, but dream about it. Thanks guys.

That's impressive.

I just picked up a 7'6" mhm.

I've added carbontex, upgraded spool bearings, and upgraded to shallow spools on some. Carbontex is an inexpensive worthwhile upgrade. Upgrading bearings make casting easier and more accurate, but flushing/lubing stock bearings can also make a big difference. Shallow spools can transform a reel into a totally different finesse machine plus you can usually resell these at a decent price. I've never upgraded handles, knobs or cc caps. I prefer performance upgrades over cosmetic although I've bought reels that had cosmetic upgrades.

Picked up a 7'6" mhm for some cranking.

You could go with a medium/fast action rod for both cranking and plastics.

I've been looking for a crank bait rod. I see they have 7' m, 7' mh and 7'6"mh. I can't decide which one because I don't crank a lot, but would like to. The deepest I'd use is probably a 5xd, but mostly mid depth and wiggle warts. Should I go with the 7'6" mh?

Improved clinch, palomar and alberto.

Grease

I find that bearing upgrades in less expensive reels can make the biggest difference in performance, but if you know how to flush and properly lube spool bearings it can also be a dramatic improvement. Try removing the stock bearings and spinning them on a q tip and feel how smooth they are first. After flushing/lubing I'll bet you see a difference unless the bearing is damaged then replacing will be the way to go.

So many great options. I'd go jdm shimano or daiwa. You can find used steez variants. New I'd look at the aldebaran or metanium.

I don't use mono for anything except backing. But I suppose it could be used for cranks and topwaters.

I'd love to be sponsored by megabass for reels and G loomis for rods.