blckshirt98

I've hooked onto a couple of carp while bass fishing (one this morning that actually went after my chatterbait I don't understand, full mouth hookup and everything) and wondering what the general consensus is regarding carp. Catch and release like any other fish, or, kill them by leaving them on the shore or knife their air bladder and throw them back? I know carp stir up the bottom of lakes and smother bass eggs, but still it seems cold to just kill a fish like that. These aren't the crazy invasive Asian carp in the midwest, but your basic vegetation feeding common carp.

Almost anything. If you use a craw it'll look like it's in a defensive stance, if you use a fluke/swimbait it'll look like a fish feeding off the bottom, if you use a worm it looks like a worm trying to dig it's way into the bottom. Basically use whatever brand/model/color that gives you the most confidence!

If you're using a short enough leader to use it, use a swivel. SPRO Power Swivels in the smallest size work nicely. I had a lot of knot breaking issues too going double-uni braid to fluoro but haven't had any since.

Loomis because the one year Shimano warranties are terrible.

I'm guessing he switched from a heavy/aerodynamic bait that keeps it's speed fairly constant throughout with a parabolic trajectory, to a lighter spinnerbait that's hitting a lot of air drag midway through the cast and dropping, like a hockey stick trajectory. Once you see the spinnerbait slow down and start to fall, thumb the spool to keep it from nesting.

I just started using baitcasters recently and I've used strictly left handed retrieve reels (I'm right handed). I see the RH vs LH retrieve debate as similar to normal guide wrap vs spiral rod wrap on a casting rod - one is more "natural" than the other, but, because it's always been done a certain way it's been accepted by the majority of the population as canon. Also because people that do switch hands get used to it, it's seen as not a big deal. Left handed reels are harder to find for all makes/models but two arguments I read led me to use and stay with LH retrieve reels - 1) If you cast your bait out there's the remote chance that you get an immediate hit on water contact...the fraction of a second it takes you to switch the reel from one hand to the other might be the difference between a fish and a missed hookset. A minor point but you never know when that topwater is gonna get blown up on contact. 2) The bigger reason is that you want your dominant hand/arm controlling the rod/fish. It might not matter if you're catching panfish or dinks, but if you hook onto that DD bass or go out on a charter boat for pelagics, you're most likely going to be using casting gear and once you hook onto that tank of a fish you want your stronger side in control.

Braid is a game changer. If you, or anyone else reading this who hasn't tried it, hasn't spooled up a reel with braid, you need to give it a go!

12lb fluoro is too heavy for a spinning reel, if you spooled up it might start jumping off the spool like incorrectly spooled mono since it's a stiff line. I think 15lb braid would work the best for you, using a fluoro leader depending on the application. I use PowerPro and Sufix 832 on all my spinning gear, both work fine though PowerPro isn't as smooth as some of the other braided lines out there.

I'll throw in the Spro Aruku Shad to this list too, a tad more expensive that the Red Eye Shad, but not quite as pricey as the LV 500

In muddy water that doesn't have too much vegetation to foul up your bait, definitely try a chatterbait. I like the D&M version of them, and for a trailer just use a 3" single/double tail grub. Color wise in the murk I like something really bright, something like this - http://dmcustombaits.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2014/10/Piranha-II-Bladed-swim-jig-TooSexy.jpg

That pit boss is the bellweather for Berkley's Havoc line! One of the best trailers out there too!

One of the few items I saw in Bassmaster's iCast preview that really caught my eye!

Strike King Red Eye Shad works and it won't break the bank...lets you be a little more brave in dodgy cover!

Can also try to find a supermarket with those old school twist ties and use those!

I've had flimsy cardboard packaging result in broken rods arriving from both Sport Chalet and Sierra Trading Post. Got replacement rods from both but just beware if you buy online from those two vendors. All the "fishing only" online shops have always sent rods in the sturdy tubes.

Actually it was the Phenix rep that told me this, but, I could be recalling the weight incorrectly. Might have been 15, but I'm fairly certain it was double digits, and, the rod I have I've pulled the s*** out of it trying pull snags free.

Phenix XG series glass crankbait rod! If you're shopping around find a store that carries them and at least pull on the rod to see if you like it...they're tons of fun to fish.

I've used mostly spinning gear and the one rod that I've caught the most fish on and that I've used 75% of the time is the Phenix M1 MXS72M. Paired with a 2500 sized Shimano reel with 15lb braid I've used it for senkos, dropshot, c-rig, t-rig, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, squarebills/crankbaits, lighter jigs, in both freshwater and the surf. I believe Phenix tested the M1 blanks lifting like 20lb weights off the ground so they're Ugly Stik indestructible. If I had to pick one outfit to take with me from my collection, that rod/reel combo would be it.

All three of these, and if it's on the reel itself I'm suspecting it's reeling to flip the bail instead of flipping it manually.

If you have an extra reel, try spooling it up with straight fluoro. I have my crankbait reel spooled with 20lb Sniper FC and tie direct to the lure. Also if you have extra funds maybe look into a glass rod which will have the extra give of a soft tip when the fish tries to throw the lure.

Expensive baits aside, if I caught 1 lb of bass at the same rate I spend $1 on gear, I'd be on the Elite tour.

I believe Gulp is biodegradable! Edit: Whoops, didn't even see the post just before this!

Favorite right now is anything I can throw/retrieve on my new glass crank rod, least favorite is jig fishing.

Sometimes I feel bad that I feed the bass so much plastic. Maybe a bait company should make a soft plastic that actually doubles up as actual food to the bass!

To be honest any Shimano reel from the Sienna model and up in the 1000 or 2500 size should work just fine. Cabela's has the Solstace on sale for $30. I use every model of Shimano spinners from Siennas up to Stradics and they all get the job done.