zelmo

I looked at the rod today and I lost more than I originally thought. Turns out it is almost 3" and to the first guide. How did the action change on your ML by taking off the 3"?

Those are my thoughts also. I have other rods that can be substituted for this application so if I don't like it as much as the others I will just use this one for something else.

Thanks. I have a Zbone LE1ML70 that I have been using for years to throw 1/16 oz slider heads with a small worm. On my last trip the rod had an encounter with the TM and I lost the very end. I want to try putting a new tip on to see how it works. If it is stiffened a little I can live with that.

Lets say you decided to chop off 1 or 2 inches from a rod tip and then put a new tip top on. In general can anything be said about how the action of the rod will be affected, or is that rod specific?

While I was checking that out I found Gliss Supersmooth Monotex. At 8# it is .004. Does anyone have experience with it?

Actually, I respooled a month ago. I can see how my original comment would be misleading. I have also tried 6# Trilene 100% and had the same problem. I checked my line supply and the Sufix Advanced that I have is 10#. I was surprised to see that the line diameter is the same as the 13# Defier. For this application strength is not as important to me as castability. I am still not sure what I am going to try next except to say it won’t be fluorocarbon.

That is why I put the 6# Invisix on. I liked everything about that line except the unexpected broken line. The final straw was launching a pointer with 20 yards of line attached. I tried chasing it and actually caught a glimpse of it but couldn’t get it.

Thanks, but if I wanted to use 12lb line I would just go with 11lb Defier. Are you saying that those would not get compromised with a backlash?

I have tried braid with jerkbaits and was not happy with hooks getting fouled in it on the cast. To be fair the line I tried was cheap Stren braid. I have Sufix 832 in 10lb so maybe I should try that since I already have it.

I have been searching for a line to use on a Pixy SPR to cast small crankbaits and jerkbaits for many years. For two years now it has been spooled with 6lb Invisix and I am going to give up on that. I have lost too many lures after the line was compromised from a backlash and I didn't realize it until 20 yards came off and revealed a break. I really like Defier on some other rigs but it only goes down to 11lbs. What other light line is out there with good casting distance that would hold up better than FC?

Does that work the same way for other brands on the excluded list?

I have lost lures several times on the cast when the FC coming off the spool was broken. I assume it was due to the line being compromised from a backlash although I didn't remember it happening. How do you know when you have a problem and need to change the line?

Thanks. I posted this because I couldn't get through to Shimano/Loomis customer service. I finally sucked it up and stayed on hold for a very long time but eventually I got to the head of the queue. They are sending me a guide at no charge.

Do recoil guides use the same sizing chart as regular guides? I broke one on a NRX and need to find a replacement. Mudhole wants as much to ship one as the guide itself so I want to get it right the first time.

Over the years I have never had success catching bass that were chasing baitfish pods at the surface. I have thrown everything at them with no success. The other day there were pods all around my boat. The water had decent visibility and I could see flashes under them that I interpreted as fish feeding on them. I tried some hardbaits and softbaits that were the approximate size and color of the baitfish and never got a hit. Anybody have any tips? One thing I thought of afterwards that I didn't try were spoons. Might that work?

Those are the ideal conditions, or when you wouldn't use them?

Over the years I have caught some bass on spinnerbaits but I have never had a banner day with them. Because of that it is one of the last baits I tend to use. I guess I need to develop more confidence in them. Are there any conditions that scream spinnerbait, or conditions that you would never consider using them?

Thanks. I have many of these in both colors and wasn't sure if the color was indicating different viscosities.

Can someone tell me the difference between the blue and the pink oil that comes with Daiwa reels?

How important is a sensitive rod for this application?

I got one a year ago and used it all last summer. I mounted it on a Dobyns DX 701 and put 10# PP slick on it. I used a 6# fluoro leader to toss a shad shape worm on a 1/16 oz slider head. It became my go to rig and I caught more fish on it than anything else all summer. I have picked up a Pixy but haven't used it yet to tell you how it compares. I did try casting that 1/16 oz head alone and the rod and reel were challenged.

Hey Mike - you already sent my six 101D's back to me!

I think you are seeing a backlash and not what I consider "digging in'. I don't have the reel you are using but I have other Curados. Try tightening the tension knob. A good setting to start is to make it so as you hold the rod up the bait will not move. Then loosen it so it falls slow enough that when it hits the deck you don't have over run on the spool. Adjust from there. As time goes on you can train your thumb to compensate if you want to back off the tension more.

I disagree. I use braid almost exclusively on my baitcasters. While I have some 50# on a couple of reels I have 20# on many and have a few with 15# and even 10#. I don't find it harder to cast the smaller sizes, nor do I find picking out backlashes any harder. I do agree that you need practice. Keep in mind that you don't need to swing for the fences. Smoothness and release point should be your focus after you adjust the reel settings as suggested.

Buy a TW gift card with one of your credit cards, apply it to the cart, and use the other card for the balance. If you are not in a hurry they put the gift cards at 10% off a few times a year. Get it and then wait for a sale. BTW - I have the Dobyns DX701C and would recommend it or the 702.