Fish Chris

Hey much thanks guys. That rubberband one around the handle sounds pretty simple too. Hmmmm..... Cool. So now what I need, is some big Stripers to test this out on I'm about as confident as I ever am though. It's just been so consistent.... About 10 bites, 5 hookups, and 2 or 3, nice 8 to 25 lb fish in the boat, every trip, for the last 8 trips or so ! And a great tide tomorrow ! No rain ! Getting over this cold.... It's freaking on tomorrow ! Peace, Fish

Much thanks guys. The other thing I didn't mention.... my foot control pedal is apparently a little bit warped. So even before it malfunctioned, sometimes it would not "stay on" without actually holding the little switch with my foot. So, I'll probably confirm the issue with the MinKota guy I mentioned, then just buy a new foot pedal, and kill two birds with one stone..... albeit, a $70 one. Thanks again, Fish

Not to answer my own question..... and I'm still open to any better ideas... But I was thinking about this: How about taking a small stick of styrofoam. I usually have a good chunk of it with me anyway, for use as floats. I'm thinking it could be cut maybe as thick as a pencil, and 2" long, but of course the size could be adjusted, as required. So, I could wrap my line around the center of it, just a couple times, then let it pull up to the back of the first guide, with the bail open. As soon as it gets blasted, the little stick of styrofoam breaks, in half, and the line is free to peel off. Do you see any problems with this ? Fish

I know I've asked about this before, but don't remember any solutions..... How can I turn a non-bait runner type of spinning reel, into a bait runner ? I'm just tired of holding my microlight, bail open, and finger on the edge of the spool, until my bait gets blasted, at which point I lift my finger and let them run..... What can I use to put "enough holding power on the line" (adjustable pressure would be beneficial, depending the tide, strength of the bait fish, etc) but which will release, and let the line flow freely, after it gets blasted ??? I have loosened my drag all the way up, then when it starts singing, I pick up the rod, flip the bail open "and try" to get the drag back to the correct setting quickly.... but that can be a big PITA, as with the line spinning off of the spool, it will try to catch your hand.... Urgggg.... Ideas please ? Thank you, Fish I promise I won't forget this time, as I will need a good idea for tommorrow...

Nice ! Sounds like you guys had a fun day Hey, I've always wondered about some of those power plant lakes that don't get any colder than say 50 degrees...... Seems to me that Florida strain bass would do well in them ? I wonder if they have such a lake in Alaska LOL Peace, Fish

Typically, I have Christmas dinner at my best friends parents, or his brother and sister in-laws.... But this year, they were both having dinner elsewhere, so I was like.... "Ahhhhhh.... You mean I have to go catch Stripers on my new micro-light ? Geeeez, that really just broke my heart...... Not ! The only part that sucked, was that I came down with a stinking cold on the 24th .......and it went from foggy, and cold, to light rain at about 11 am. Besides all of that though, the trip went almost exactly as planned. Because of the timing of the tide, and the rain forecast, I knew it would be a very early trip... like 6am (an hour before first light) to noon or so. Gave myself until 8am to catch my bait.... and at 7:50am, I caught my second Split Tail. Got to the spot, and stuck a decent little 8 lb'er on a live-lined Splitty, in about the first 10 minutes. The new Sahara worked absolutely flawlessly ! That was fun Later, I had 2 or 3 whacks.... but when the Splitty would run to the surface, the Stripers would not follow ? Oh well. Put on a small weight to drag it down a little... Stuck one more about 8 lbs, and a 14 lb'er on the heavier gear. Also had 2 more that felt like good ones hooked up and ripping (1 on the micro-light, one on the heavier gear) but of which both came off I know that at least some of these losses could be prevented if I didn't remove my hook barbs.... But since I release most of these fish anyway, and also, since the BIG Stripers will usually swallow the Split Tail completely, and are not likely to come off, barbless hook or not, I'll stick to barbless. Long story short, I had fun. Quite a bit of action. Caught a few decent fish. Good test of the new Sahara 1000. .......and my cold is actually better today Guess I just needed to catch some fish so I could feel better. Never mind the cold and rain LOL Peace, Fish PS, I was holding off on catching any monsters until tomorrow.... You know, with the rain and all, I didn't want to get the camera wet No rain tomorrow though ! Come on monster ! Now I'm ready ! 8-)

Well hey, I'm jellous ! Those are some sweet rods ! I've been considering one of the heavy action ones for a swimbait rod.... Peace, Fish

Much thanks to all Well Preach4, like I say, you can read more about it at the MagnaChrome website...... But you really just have to see one in person. The sharpness, the color, and the glossiness are just unreal ! Plus, they are waterproof, very scratch and fade resistant. Heck, you can even wipe them off with windex or 409. Won't even phase them. No glaring glass to get in the way of your photo either, as it's just not needed. OH BTW, most aluminum prints look best done in full gloss, but for some people portraits and such, their is a satin finish available..... and for rare, artistic shots their is a type that everything white, is silver (bare aluminum) black, is black, and in between colors have varying degrees of silver showing through the color. Not at all natural, but artistic in some respects. I always tell people, don't just take my word for it; Upload your best shot and have a little 8" x 10" done for only like $20. But be warned.... once you see it, you will want more, and BIGGER Peace, Fish

I have a MinKota Powerdrive 55. Today, I got on the water, and my t-motor decided to get totally goofy on me. It will only work on max high, or max low..... but even max low, is still full speed ? And even goofier yet, off is on, and on is off ! As whacky as all that was, I totally expected it to just completely fail at some point in the trip, but to my surprise, it did not. So, I just left it on full high, and turned "on".... then, when I wanted to move, I'd switch it off, and get instant full high ! Doh ! So anyway, my question is, is this problem likely to be located inside of the foot control unit ? Or the head of the t-motor itself ? I'm hoping it's in the foot control, as that was getting kind of worn out anyway, and then this evening, I found several places to buy it online for $70....... I also know a MinKota t-motor specialist / service guy..... but didn't want to bug him on Christmas. And besides, if it is in the foot control, I'd rather just replace it, than try to have it repaired anyway. Oh, and of course, it's about 3 1/2 years old..... with a 3 yr warranty Anybody ? Fish

I do believe most of the new 2 piece rods are probably just as good as the 1 piece rods. However, I just have a mental block against 2 piece rods. The bed of my truck (diagonally) will fit an 8ft rod, with just a slight bend at the tip. Since I don't use any rods longer than that, I have no use for a 2 piece rod. Fish

Actually, that's all I pretty much use, is 3 different setups. Granted I have a few of each. But anyway... 1) (and maybe my favorite ) would be my little G-Loomis 6ft, 1-4lb, SR720's, with a 1000 series reel, loaded with 2/10 micro-braid. 2) A medium-light to medium action spinning rod 6 1/2ft, 6-15lb, with a 2000 series reel, loaded with 30 lb braid. 3) A heavy action spinning rod, 7ft, with a 3500 series reel, loaded with 50 lb braid. These three setups cover me for all the different baits and lures I fish. Note, they are all spinning. Not because I think spinning is so superior to bait casters, but mainly because I am absolutely the worst at casting with a baitcaster. Hand-eye thing. Long story. No amount of practice could ever fix it. Peace, Fish

1) Maybe a little. I use 30 lb braid (which isn't a whole lot thicker than 20 lb) with 20 fluorocarbon leader all the time. 2) A blood knot. 8-12 wraps on both sides. (8 on heavier lines, 12 on light stuff) Been tying them for years, and they serve me very well. I can't say anything bad about the Alberto, or the uni to uni, as I never used them. But I do have to say this (as I do every time I post something to do with knots)........ Being able to tie a good knot is obviously very important. But no matter what knot you use it should cinch down relatively easily, clean, pretty, and symmetrical ! If the knot gets cockeyed, or goofy looking, or doesn't seem to want to cinch down easily, or completely, don't even bother giving it the stretch test !!! Hack that sucker and try again ! I tie some great knots ! I also tie some crappy ones ! The thing is, I recognize a bad one every time, retie it immediately, and consequently I NEVER break off fish because of a poor knot. Peace, Fish

I wish I would have posted the photo earlier, as I should have known it would come out fan-freaking-tastic on aluminum ! ......which would have given you some time to have one (of your own, or mine) printed for somebody you wanted to buy a gift for.... But anyway, I've been dealing with MagnaChrome for about a year now, and have had about 10 prints done. Sure, you can go to the site and see some info, but to experience an aluminum print, you just have to see it in person. A internet photo of an aluminum print just gives zero idea of how stunning these things are ! So anyway, I had a 16 x 24, with the special euro frame done of this image, and it is just jaw dropping ! Can't wait to hear from my parents I mean, I know they like this kind of thing anyway..... but then the added bonus is that I took the shot myself, so you know my mom will be showing family and friends and bragging on how "her son" took this photograph LOL Kind of funny.... 40 years ago, I use to bring home little crayon drawings and mom would put them on the fridge..... Same thing I guess, just the art has stepped up a little Peace, Fish Oh, this is a small waterfall, right before you enter Yosemite Valley. It's called Cascade Falls.

Right on. Glad to see everyone is happy again One thing I think we shouldn't be SOOO sensitive about > Trolling.... IMPO, trollers typically come from out of nowhere. Nobody knows them. And they usually will be directly abusive or negative towards 1 or more persons in a thread. I never saw anyone, in either of these threads that I would have called a troll. Now, if somebody wants to send me a brand new Steez for Christmas, I promise to give a 100% honest review on it Peace, Fish

CWilliams I'm sorry, but unless you had AADD, you would have no idea.... I do that to my own threads just as often. And BTW, I believe it was a mod who first mentioned trucks. Jfrancho, stock or not, that is one sweet Z71..... And now tell me your not showing it off. Heck, I would be Anyway, "value" or "worth" is such a subjective thing. Would a Bugatti Veyron be worth $1.5 million to you ? Not me. But if I were a bazillionaire and loved cars, sure ! Why not Like I told Steezy in a PM, I'd be afraid to even try one of those $500 reels, for fear I might like it too much ! On the other hand, I still believe I will catch as many, and as big of fish with my cheaper reels. So, their you are. Is "any" response from me, still considered a catch ? : Peace, Fish

Who said that I never intend to buy a reel over $79.95 ? Like I said, if you can easily afford a $500 reel, go for it. But how can I comment on a $500 reel without having owned one ? Simple, I know how marketing works. You will get a reel that is only slightly better (perhaps a little smoother, or more durable) for a WAAAY higher price. It works on a curve. The best values are almost always in the mid price range. Fish Oh, and BTW, the difference between my "rolling stereo box" and a stock system is so night and day, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Like being able to roll down the freeway, windows down, and here every note, crystal clear.... compared to, maybe hearing a little muffled distorted garbage, mixed with a ton of road noise. Whereas the difference between a $500 reel and a $79 reel is fairly small (as much as the owners of $500 reels will say otherwise) and the fish catching ability between the two is virtually zero.

Well, for my leaders on my lighter setups, I use Seaguar InvisX. Works fine for that. But I'd no sooner use it as a main line, than I'd use any other monofilament. Everybody understands that fluorocarbon is still just monofilament, right ? As a mainline, fluorocarbon is just kinky, coily, twisty.... and compared to braid, stretchy garbage. Peace, Fish

Duh ! I can't believe it took until right now to dawn on me.... {after just having come back from a 20 mile ride on my mountain bike a couple hours ago}..... Gears ! Of course ! I never even thought to compare gear ratios ! Obviously, it's going to take more reel handle pressure, if your rotor is turning more revs per rotation of your cranking handle. Might not be the whole answer, but I bet it's at least part of it. Hmmmmm... Peace, Fish

0119, Simple... Because I don't believe their will be any fish I could land on a 1000 series Steez or Stella, that I could not land on that 1000 Sahara Raul, actually, this is a very efficient class D amp, plus the fact, that I'm running it into a very easy, extra efficient load of 2 ohms, even though it's rated to 1 ohm. This means it never over heats, the output stays ultra clean, and it's very easy on the battery.... although I do have an extra heavy duty, special purpose battery as well + a seperate voltage meter so I don't have to worry about my voltage dropping too low to start the truck. Anyway, it sounds really nice Peace, Fish

Raul, well yes, of course. Every post you will ever read in this forum is just one person's perspective. Some people might agree, others won't. But I'd think that when making a post, asking for replies, you are actually just asking for different perspectives. I just gave mine. As for spending a lot on a truck.... Well, mines pretty odd ball {like me } I think it would look better if it were taller, bigger wheels, etc, but for my wallet, that's not worth the $8K to $12K to do it right.... and I never do anything half arsed. On the other hand, a loud, clean, full, pro sounding stereo is very important to me. {or should I say, my music, is very important to me} So heck yea'.... I spent a TON of my time and labor, and about $2200, for a $5000 setup. Never regretted 1 minute, or 1 penny spent on that though Who the heck needs stinkin' back seats in a truck anyway ? Peace, Fish

Well J F, Maybe somewhat true. Well sure, and in my exact words > But my whole point is, I know how marketing works. It's all based on a curve. You can get a really nice really for $79.95. You can get one that is 10% better, for 100% more $. Or, you can get one that is 2% nicer yet, for 500% more $. Is that 2% gain worth spending 5 X's as much ? Sure, if you have the means, and nothing else you'd rather spend it on. I just can't believe these reels would be high on the "value per $" list. On that note, I really have no desire to buy / use a Steez, or a Stella, even after having handled them in the stores. But what I really would like to try would be a Stradic CL4. $200 is still a lot for a reel, in my book. But that would be the kind of reel that I'd use for a couple years until I wore it sloppy, and then, I'd actually go through the trouble of sending it back in to be completely overhauled to perform like new. Peace, Fish

Hmmmm. Maybe I am the only one who notices this then ? Oh, but the kid at the tackle store could certainly tell a difference too. One thing I have to say, although I prefer a reel which requires very little reel handle pressure (like my old Daiwa Regal Z's) sometimes reels which require more pressure actually feel more precision.... tighter, more precisely meshing gears maybe ? I dunno'...... Peace, Fish

At over $500, none of them. Too darn expensive. I don't doubt they are very nice reels. But $500 Nice ? I don't think so. You have to know (because reel companies sure do) that a large % of the sales of such an item, are directly because they are so expensive. Their are just a lot of people out there that will buy an item based soley on the high price. Compared to a $79, or $99 Shimano, I'm thinking these reels might be worth about $150.... Heck, $189.95 tops. But I bet they will sell more of them at $500+ than they would, the very same reel for $250.... this would be most especially true, if they also sold another reel for $299.95 Peace, Fish

Okay, so I ended up buying a Shimano Sahara 1000 today. It looks, and feels like a totally tight, solid, precise little piece of machinery, for sure. But I did actually have a Sedona, a Sahara, a Symetre, and a Stradic, all up up on the counter, side by side, all 1000's for comparisons sake. Now, the Sahara did definitely feel smoother, than the Sedona. But almost exactly the same as the Symetre, and the Stradic. On the other hand (and I still remember this about an old Stradic that I had 10 years ago) both the Symetre, and the Stradic, seemed to take substantially more pressure on the handle, to get them turning ? I mean, once they turned, they were smooth as silk, but it just felt like I had to put 30% more pressure on the handles of both of those reels to turn them, than I did the Sahara ? Being tight on cash, I couldn't really afford much more right now anyway.... but my observations sure made it easier to get the Sahara. Of course I know that their are going to be variances between every reel, even of the same type. And I know a reel will change a little as it breaks in (but my old Stradic never did get easier to turn ?) All of this said, after looking at all of these {and against my better judgment } I had to go and play with a Stradic CL4 ! Why did I do that ?!?! That thing was freaking sweet ! Unbelievably light, and as little, or less reel handle pressure to turn than my Sahara, and great looking to boot ! Only a mere $200 ! Boy would I like to buy about 8 of those right now ! Anyway, I put my little Sahara on one of my G-Loomis SR720's, 6ft, 1 piece, 1-4lb rod, and loaded it up with about 170 yards of 2/10 TUF-Line braid, and now I'm just dying to go stick something BIG on it Of course I promise to post some pics. Peace, Fish PS, Am I the only one to consider reel handle pressure ? I just don't hear it mentioned very often....

Dude ! That is one heck of a Spot ! You got me beat. I do fish some places with really big spots though, so maybe one of these days Congrats Fantastic catch ! Fish