Kyle46N

I have two TP's and one BB1 Pro. After a year of using the BB1 Pro, I would probably not have bought it. I have plenty of experience with baitcasters, but I found the BB1 Pro to be prone to backlashing more often, and not casting as far as the TP. This is with lighter lures. It's fine with heavier stuff, pitching, flipping, jigs, etc. The TP really handles light stuff well, senkos, small cranks, topwater, and other light plastics. So, my solution was to put the BB1 Pro on a heavy action rat rod/umbrella rig rod. And it works great for that. Even handles the retrieve better. For the best all around reel, I think the TP takes the cake between the two options. But, I would also add the Tournament MB (new model), is just as good as the TP. I can't tell a difference in feel or castability side by side. I own two Tournament MB's also.

The water clarity in the Potomac can vary greatly. In the early spring and early summer, it can be various shades of "dingy" or "stained". But in the fall, as in right now, today, it's crystal clear in many of the tributaries, and yes I absolutely use a FC leader in these areas (shallow, grass filled creeks) (which hold a ton of fish right now ) . Otherwise, in any stained water, I'm totally comfortable throwing braid only.

I throw the Spro Rat on a 7'11" Heavy Veritas. And that rat is still a load. I can't imagine throwing it on something smaller and still having good control for accurate casts.

Don't know about the Ohio reservoirs, but I caught some good largies and a few smallies on the Little Miami river in southern Ohio, using a swing head and Strike King Rage Menace. Smaller profile was the key.

Not sure on the scent oils, but if you're just looking to keep soft plastics lubed especially when transfering to a new bag, mineral oil works great. I've used it for years with no adverse effects on the plastic. Keeps them ready to go. I've even used it to bring old plastics back to life.

Like someone mentioned, I think your bite improved due to the action imparted on the lure by the lighter line. I fish a clear local lake for crappie. We will fish side by side with the same jig (color and weight), but one rod with mono, the other with light braid. Mono gets bit 2 to 1 over braid. Well, I thought for the longest time it was a visibility thing. Until I experimented and decreased the jig size on the braid from 1/16th to 1/32, keeping the plastic and color the same. Bites evened out. In summary, the mono was creating a slower fall, which on this lake over brush piles makes a huge difference. But as you can imagine, it was very easy to think it was a line visibility thing.

haha....I made the mistake of trying to learn throwing a baitcaster with an older round abu. I swear I thought I was retarded after a year. Just couldn't get it down. Switched to a low profile and things immediately got better....actually it was like night and day. Now, with higher end Lews and Abu's I'm the greatest baitcaster in the world.

I have the SL HM60, and the HM85. The SL is a 7'3" XH. It's a little tip heavy, but it's a horse though...great for throwing medium to big swimbaits and pitching/flipping. Not punching though. The HM85 takes the cake man. It's incredible. Hands down my favorite rod. Super versatile.

YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 36 hours have passed....I have the last comment (and a brilliant one I might add), ======== I am the thread winner!!!!!!!!

Kind of a blackish green.....especially if you looked into the sun....then looked back at your Lews.....it kind of looked green.

Only if it's a cheap off brand lure. Bass pro brand, cabela's come to mind in the past. Not sure if they've upgraded. The only other's I switch out are saltwater hardbaits with those anti corrosion coatings on them. Gives them a silver/gray appearance. Can't stand those things.

Yeah, that's the issue I guess. Just seems like a lot of lake for a TM. I TM on Burke without an issue, but obviously it's not near as long as O res. I'm in a 16 ft Carolina Skiff JVX with a 60 on the back. Thanks for the input everyone. I'll post up a report if I go.

As in, anything bigger than 10hp on the back of a boat, and that boat cannot be put in the lake? Or cannot use the motor? Have you seen anyone running an outboard on the lake?

Gentlemen, I am planning on heading to the res tomorrow for the first time. I have a few questions. Is the gate to Fountainhead (is there a gate?) open at first light in the mornings? Also, what are the rules for running an outboard on the lake? I've seen references to a 10hp engine. But even in this thread there are comments about wake and kayaks. I've even seen youtube videos of guys running outboards on the lake. Seems like a long lake to fish with trolling motor only. Thanks!

haha....it's the unbelievable performance. I'm a fan!

I put a bird feeder in the backyard and "get em" with a pellet gun. And Jon G, I put the squirrels on ice...............No ice? That's bush league....I'm no amateur.

If putting bass in the boat is strange, then I guess I'm gonna be strange. Is it really that strange? How many times have you seen squirrels playing around the water, or on overhanging trees? You don't think bass know that? They know it, and they know what fresh squirrel tastes like.

I prefer to go the natural route. I always have a few dead squirrels in a cooler with their guts opened up. Just dip that crank in the guts so it's smothered with blood. Not only do you get the red look on your bait, but it leaves a trail of red and pieces of coagulated blood behind the lure. The bass love it. The boat gets a little messy, but it's all about putting fish in the boat.

I just bought two of the new Lews Tournament MB's on Ebay for 115 each. I've been able to use them side by side with the Tournament Pro, and they feel and cast the same in my opinion. Sweet reels. I'd put them up against a Curado anyday. Especially for that price.

for AOY. Martens' 13th place finish has him in the lead for AOY with three tourney's to go. Ridiculous.

Maybe, but there are alot more BassResource pro's using suffix 832 and sunline braid.

Nailed it. Keep it simple and just go with the three shades. It presents something different to the fish, and keeps you from forgoing "actual fishing" while trying 20 different colors.

I don't like the wax! I think that's the main reason I stick with Power Pro. That and the lesser brands suck.

And don't argue with me, because I just stated a fact.....it's science.