rtwvumtneer6

Sometimes I like to try something completely out of left field, and sometimes it works. We just had first thaw and cold, muddy water. Separately, big bulky black/blue jigs work, and charteuse black back square bills or white/charteuse spinnerbaits are also a go-to. So, when they aren't biting anything, I get creative. I'll throw a bulky black and blue trailer on a white chatterbait. Can I promise it will work? Nope. But it keeps my head in the game and, after all, I wasn't getting bit to begin with so what's the worst that can happen? Sometimes just giving them something different is enough to get bit, especially on the high pressured waters I fish.

It does it regardless of the drag setting. I've had it loose, and also cranked down on it. Same result. I've done a basic tear down to clean/lube. If I remember correctly, once the star drag is off there's a washer/clicker, two drag washers and the next washer is flush with the anti-reverse.

BPS JM Carbonlite 2.0 6.8:1 RH I'm getting some play in and out on the handle side. I checked that the handle was tight, and it is. I still get play if I grip it by the star drag and wiggle in and out. It feels like the whole crank shaft is moving, say 1/16" I'm curious if that is normal after a fair amount of use, something I might be able to fix, or signs of a more serious issue? The reel itself seems to be working properly, including the anti-reverse and drag, and I don't hear any suspicious noises. Relatively new at tearing these reels down but I'm not opposed to making this a project reel. Gotta learn some how!... And have a good excuse to buy a new toy! Thoughts? Ideas? Thanks!!

At the end of the day, whether it's the line, the lure, the rod, reel or knot, it's all about confidence for me. My goal is to find my favorite braid, mono and fluorocarbon (check that one off) and not break the bank doing it. Any more, most products are high enough quality to work just fine, but I'm curious to learn about some of your personal favorites? Or, maybe the other end of the spectrum... What to avoid!

We all know the #1 way to save on line is to buy in bulk. If you didn't know that, you're welcome ;-) #2 line conditioner - protects the line, and "apparently" reduces backlash/memory #3 Use both ends of braid = twice the life And... Feel free to add-on However, I'm still experimenting with different brands and that can get expensive (except fluorocarbon, I swear by seaguar). Does anyone have any tips for how to save on smaller spools 2-300yards? Places to buy? Times of the year? It seems like line pricing is pretty standard... Also open to hear/try your favorite braids and monos! All the best!

My local reservoir is just under 100 acres. 1/3 tree line, rocks at the dam/spill way, and a large concrete wall that serves as a walking path. And of course, lots of vegetation in the warmer months. Relatively shallow. A good bit of pressure from shore anglers (small boats are available for rent). Since the water temp has started to drop, I've noticed the morning bite is non-existent. There's a decent top water bite in the evenings, but I've tried everything imaginable in the morning without even a bite. Colors, retrieve, location, etc. I don't even see any bait fish (mainly bluegill) until the sun is on the water for a few hours, say 11am. I'm a novice when it comes to bass fishing, but this seems strange to me... Any thoughts or suggestions? P.S. I work in the afternoon so going out when they bite only applies to weekends ;-P

Good evening! This weekend I will be fishing Gelndale Lake at Prince Gallitzin state park in PA. We are targeting bass, and fishing from a boat. I did some research online but was hoping for some feedback from anyone with experience on the water. Any advice to help me prepare would be greatly appreciated! -RT

Toxic - my visit is very much geared toward taking people who have never been to a BPS to "site see" I saw by sq ft Harrisburg is a little larger than MD, but how do they compare are far as visual presentation? And no, the rock climbing wall is not an important factor lol

I'll have to check out the moderate action of the falcons when I'm at Cabela's. Thanks!

I have it in a 7'2 MH/F. All around a solid rod. Got it on sale for $99 so I couldn't pass that up! My budget to spend is $200 for the combo

Thanks Dtrombly... I actually have the CL 2.0 reel (on a Titanium 8) and like it a lot. Hopefully the rod performs just as well!

All, Headed to Cabela's and BPS both in the near future. Need a new M/F baitcast combo for buzz baits, square bills, some top water, etc. I prefer 7'0 and a 7.1:1. Not saying I will buy it at the store, but I need it in my hand before I pull the trigger. Open to suggestions, or I might literally pick up every rod and reel in the stores lol. Best bang for my buck in the $200 range? And... GO! Thanks!

Haha, I'm the opposite. I go with the intentions of one big purchase. The rest of the stuff I pull off the rack, look at the price, and proceed to say, "I can get this cheaper at ______". With the exception of a $5 t-shirt or $2 random lure bin purchase that I'll most likely give as a gift because people think the BPS name makes them the next KVD.

Thanks, patred. I'll agree they are overpriced. I get 95% of my stuff elsewhere but I do like the Johnny Morris rods and reels, and they are reasonably priced*. I'm also going with a group who have never been to a BPS and they will enjoy the taxidermy and browsing. *Got a Carbonite 2 6.8:1 on a 7'2 MH/F Titanium 8 for $200... I fish it more than anything in my arsenal.

Hey all! Stuck here in the Pittsburgh area 3+ hours from the closest Bass Pro Shops. Going east for a weekend trip and want to see, for those of you who have been to both, if you prefer the Harrisburg PA location, or Hanover MD? Selection, inventory (bass fishing) size/atmoshpere, pricing, etc. Also, looking for any info on sales events. Happy fishing!!

Thanks! I'll be sure to go slower than slow can be! haha. I have a strange feeling there's something waiting for me in a few hours, and in my opinion confidence is the best bait there is!

All, After 30+" of snow I have a chance to get out tomorrow. I'll be shore fishing since the water is mostly frozen but have a few places I can get into from land. Honestly, I'll just be happy to get into the water and practice but, any advice on shore fishing EXTREMELY cold water is appreciated! Best, RT

For longer casts, the stretch in the mono during the hook set. A lot of my bites come on the initial fall. For the most part I used to throw short casts horizontal to the shore. Mainly 5" weightless senkos. I moved and my new area and waters have some deeper targets. Hope that answers your question.

I'm a novice bass angler with limited financial resources and equipment, but want to expand my skill set and production. I shore fish with a 6'6" Medium Bionic Blade paired with a Shimano Spirex 2500. A lot of my success has come from a weightless senko on a 3/0 Gamakatsu. I have my reel spooled with 10# Iron Silk. I love the line. I hardly ever lose a fish that I hook up with, but as I explore new lures and techniques it seems like fluorocarbon is the way to go for the best hook-up ratio. My question is... what are your recommendations on line, as well as jig weights, colors and trailer combinations for my rod/reel combo? Thanks in advance! Best, RT

All, New to this site, and hope that all who read this topic are doing well. I have been fishing for about 12 years now, but over this past year I have started to fish bass heavily. I am on a budget, and looking to expand my tackle. My question is this: What can I add to my tackle box to icrease the months of the year that I can catch bass, the number of bass I catch, and my skill set? A little background on myself... I live in western Pennsylvania, and typically fish shallow lakes and dams (3'-8'). ALL of my fishing is from the shore. I'm using a 6'6 medium spinning rod with 10lb IronSilk. Generally speaking, I fish soft plastics. My go-to bait is a 5" Senko (or Yum Dinger, or whatever brand you prefer) on a 3/0 Gamakatsu, or a similar worm whacky rigged. I am in search of baits that are appropriate for my rod/reel combo, and won't break the bank. Any advice is appreciated, and I hope your answers can help others as well! All the best, RT