the reel ess

I don't like any. They're all an infomercial for boats, line, rods, etc. with less content every year. Some rags don't put out 12 issues a year anymore. When you subscribe, they always unload a couple back issues with outdated information. If you collect 2-3 years, you'll have all the articles they would recycle seasonally for a decade. Only the technology and some new rigs change. Seasonal patterns do not. To me, there's nothing in them worth paying for.

Senko, Trick worm, Gold Rat-L-Trap

Tourney guys and bucket guys represent both extremes of the spectrum. Bucket guys don't believe in any conservation and tourney guys regard total C&R as the Bible. I've been told by several tourney guys to leave those 1 lb bass at the lake as if those bass belong to them and "hands-off" to everybody else. The same mentality that lets them justify fishing right on top of you or between you and your target or running full-throttle past every fishing boat out of the back of every cove they fish into. Neither is correct. Luckily, the vast majority are not from either extreme and are interested in obeying the law (many of which are not aimed at sound fishery management either). I went for a while not keeping lake fish because I didn't feel they were healthy to eat. Now that I fish ponds, I usually keep everything between 3/4 and 2.5 lbs. That seems to work well for the small fisheries. One of them is LOADED with big bass and we routinely take more than 10 fish per person.

Fireline was recently improved. I notice the 17 or 18# is no more. I guess replaced by 20. I think I have the older version on two spinning reels. Since I got it I've had a much better hookup percentage with seemingly less effort. I just trust it not to break when a big fish is on. Tried PowerPro years ago on a heavy BC reel. Didn't care much for it. It had a habit of digging into the spool.

I go the other way. I have 17# braid on a med spinning combo. The braid has the diameter of 8# mono, no stretch and high break strength. No downside.

There seems to be a lot of $$$ in it here (SC). They fine you to the point of seizing property if the offense is bad enough. In fact, it all seems to be about the $$$.

Ohio has done the same, I think. I can never understand those with no idea what conservation means. Some people want to catch a trophy and make it so no one can ever catch it again. They can't stand to go home without proof. I used to feel that way too, but then i grew up.

And as mentioned before mono's good backing. I like 15# Berkley Big Game for backing. I even use it as the primary line on my topwater combo.

If you're a fan of Trilene, try Vanish when you try FC. Very strong and sensitive. And since you can't see it below the surface, go big with the # test if it's for a BC reel..

It's good for Rat-L-Traps too. You can use thee same rod/reel for it. Heavy mono, like 17# is fine for pitching too.

Daiwa's reel quality is insane. I just finally had to retire a 1983 Procaster Magforce. And I fish a good bit. It was still my go-to reel. And they send replacement parts free, no questions, no delivery charge.

I' still throw a frog on this slop.

I went to Cabela's looking for a decent spinning reel and bought the Pfleuger Trion. I've been fishing with it since late winter. It has whipped a couple over 5#. It's smooth and well-balanced. The drag is smooth as butter and it doesn't seem to twist much, if any. I use 17# braid on it. I feel like it's the exact same reel as the next one up the line without the lightweight parts. For $40 I've been very impressed. I will have another when I wear out another BPS reel. I bought the 40 size. I think I'd recommend the 30 for all around bass fishing.

And I would recommend buying one with a metal frame. That probably means you'll be in the $80 range, undiscounted. But it will last longer and give better service. I know someone will come along and disagree with me. But that has been my experience.

And pay attention to BPS around Christmas. They'll start discounting them about $20 to clear out this year's model making room for next year's.

Watch out for the bull

I was always a T-rig and C-rig and crankbait guy when I was fishing barren lakes. Occasionally, I'd use a topwater or spinnerbait. I started fishing a weedy, mossy reservoir and I had to go to weightless stuff. Trick worm, fluke, spinnerbaits, wacky rig, floating minnow, topwaters, etc. It's a lot different, but still fun.

I am too. One of the quantum leaps for my fishing was going to Gama from the el cheapo brands and Eagle Claw. The other was learning to trust braid on my spin combos. I've caught a lot of fish that I didn't get a good hookset on since then. But everybody has a pain threshold when it comes to fishing expenses. I can pay $3 for 6 quality hooks. I can't pay $8 for 2 hooks.

I can't tell from your description what the actual problem is. If your problem is the cast control won't tighten enough, in the cast control knob, there can be a brass button that is what you are screwing down against the spool to make tension. If your reel is this type, you can take the brass button out and flip it. If it's this type, the button is held in by a C clip. I ordered a replacement once to discover the button could be reversed and use the other side. Hope this is helpful.

BPS Pro Qualifier comes to mind.

Yes, you'll get more bites from a smaller lure of any kind. But even though you downsized, it's still a niche thing. They don't hit a Spook every time out. I tried it last time out thinking conditions were just right for it. Post spawn, big bass roaming, nothing. Try it, but if you get no takers, don't be afraid of the buzzbait, PopR or just go straight to a spinnerbait. They need to be chasing actively to go after a Spook. You may still get a straggler though.

Welcome, my friend from big bass paradise. I have a little dream of retiring to FL and bass fishing my golden years away.

Start near ramp. Lots of good fish there and not enough bait to go around..

Thanks, man. Well, I started to take it apart. I've replaced one on a Daiwa twice. I had the idea I would look to see if it could be turned 180 degrees. And it was LOOSE. I tightened it and oiled the worm gear. Now I can't make it catch. I'll give it a good workout next time out. This rounds out the 5 basic bass fishing combos for me...2 spinning and 3 BC.

That is much different. You can't put back a buck (or even a squirrell for that matter) once you've taken it. You can catch that trophy bass, photograph, release, repeat. Repeatedly. And it can still die of old age and achieve legendary status. That's a beautiful thing.