MIbassangler30

Last season I bought a Diawa Tatula Tactical and it is a workhorse. I expect it to last a long time. Can still be had on TW for $135. Great deal on a reel that will probably outlast every reel on your list. It's a little on the heavier side but that hasn't bothered me as long as my rod is light and balanced overall. My two cents for what it's worth. JC

If it were me personally I'd role with this...http://japantackle.com/casting-reels/shimano/shimano-aldebaran-bfs2015ltd.html on the Dobyns 701

I'll take the Pixy off your hands. What to sell? I've heard good things about the SS Air thus far.

I asked this very question last night to a guy who has extensive experience with BFS. He recommended... Dobyn's DX701C Daiwa Pixy SPR w/ 4 lb line

Cold water: I would use the Pit Boss as a trailer. Warm water: I would throw that Cabelas fat grub on the back and save the pit bosses for pitching/flipping/trailer on that jig Great overall selection there, hours of fishing pleasure! Continue to post your results! JC

Thread officially hijacked

JJ's 100% I still use a Spike It marker so I can put a little orange on my swimbaits. Just a confidence thing.

If I could recommend one line to try it would be Izorline XXX copolymer. It's been amazing. I was getting so fed up with the memory of floro even with line conditioner. Strong, low memory, low stretch, abrasion resistant, and cheap. Braid, floro leader sometimes, Izorline Triple X the rest of the time.

I fished on Okeechobee the second week of March this year and we absolutely slayed them. Fished out of Clewiston. And the weather was gorgeous. Wearing shorts and a t-shirt. My avatar is from that trip.

Review just posted today from Lake Fork Guy.

I have the Fury 734c and I use it for all the techniques you mentioned except for squarebills. I've pulled some hogs out of some pretty narley stuff fishing a jig and a frog. The backbone kicks in about 18 inches from the tip. It may not be ideal, but I fish mostly pads, not too much matted grass. It is absolutely perfect for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. I hope this helped and didn't confuse you more. I certainly agree with many of those who have already replied. JC

Rod: Shimano Zodias Reel: Shimano Chronarch Ci4+ Lure: Whopper Plopper Technique: Small swim bait

Do yourself a favor, throw down a few more bucks and just get a Dobyn's champion 734

I have put a great deal of research into modifying my tackle storage to become as efficient as possible. I do not claim to be an expert, but I believe I have landed on what works best for me. I fish from the bank 95% of the time and was growing increasing frustrated with carrying my tackle. It's achieving balance with having everything I think I'll need and not being overwhelmed with lugging gear all over the place. I eventually copied the Japanese anglers, I believe they got it right with fishing from the bank. Go on YouTube and watch some vides of Ken Iyobe and Hata Takuma. They keep a tackle store in their vehicles, but take a limited amount up to the lake. When I fish the bank: I keep 4-6 rods in my car and a Plano Guide Series 3710 and (2) 15 quart weather proof containers with various soft plastics in my trunk. Based on conditions and a brief once over of the lake once I arrive; I choose 2 rods, 3 at most, and stock a Umpqua Ledges waist pack full of various lures, plastics, and terminal tackle. If I need more than what will fit in the waist pack then I'm just over complicating my day. The waist pack was designed for fly fisherman, but it works perfectly for all fishing and has become my most important piece of bank fishing gear. They are worth the money, very well built and comfortable. I believe they're still on sale at Backcountry. I hope this helps. I share your frustration and my solution.

I've gotten discouraged like this because I fish mainly from shore. Best thing I can say... GO FISH SOMEWHERE ELSE. Freshen it up, a change of scenery, regardless of success, will go a long way psychologically. It has paid huge dividends for me, both in fish catches and persistence. It has changed my perception and helped me to realize why I am truly out there. I'm outdoors, one with nature, in God's creation. This is a sport and pastime I love. Don't give up and try to remain positive, the fish catches will come with putting in the time. After you fish somewhere else, or multiple others places, you'll be amazed when you return to your old spot. Fishing is mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. The more I make it about the spiritual and physical, the better off I am mentally and emotionally. Hang in there, I wish you the best. JC

Live shiners

Dobyns

Hello from Livingston County! I target mostly largemouth from the bank since I've yet to acquire a boat. I've been fishing serious for the past two years, after taking a long time off. It's quickly become my passion and obsession. I just posted recently about being bummed I did not hit my goal of getting a smallie this year. I would be very interested in laying the smackdown on some brown fish. With work and family it becomes difficult to schedule, but I make time to get out there. I'm going out all day tomorrow on a private honey hole I have access to and a 14' row boat. PM me sometime and we'll see how it goes. Have safe travels! JC

It depends how you like to fish. I absolutely love throwing a frog or some other topwater bait. Other than that, I'm primarily pitching and flipping a jig or T-rig. For these techniques, I have a high speed (7.1:1, 8.1:1) reel in my hand more than any other. I find 6.4:1 to 6.8:1 are my best ratios for moving baits (spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, squarebills, swim jigs). The lower gear ratio (5.4:1) are reserved primarily for deep diving crankbaits. Which I don't have the option of doing too often and probably only picked up that rod twice all summer. Actually considering the last couple of days, getting rid of it and upgrading my flipping/frogging set up. You may be different, I'm simply relating my own experience. Hope this helps. JC

Thank you guys for your great input!

I live in south eastern Michigan and do not have a boat. It has been a great fishing season for me, but I did not accomplish one of the major goals I set for myself. This was to catch a brown bass. I fished multiple creaks and rivers and still this fish continues to elude me. I also fished Lake St. Clair a few times with a friend, but all he wants to do is fish perch and walleye. I'm okay with that, even though he gives me crap for being a bass fisherman. His boat, his rules, that's how it's been with him. Next year I WILL meet this goal even if I have to hire a guide to do it. So my question is, can someone recommend an experienced and laid back Lake St. Clair smallmouth fishing guide? I would also prefer someone who intends on using artificial bait and doesn't care if I light up a Camel on his boat. Thanks ahead of time for your recommendations! -Desperately seeking smallmouth

I use the Revo S on my squarebill and jerk bait rod with 12 lb Izorline copolymer and it does a fine job. I'd use that if it were me. Tight lines!

Izorline

Dobyns 734 is the best toad rod I've ever used.