jimmyjoe

cocka-doodle-doo? ? jj

I don't know which spinners you have, but let's start out with a known quantity. Get a #2 Mepps Aglia, which is 1/6th ounce. Aglia spinners spin well on a slow retrieve. You should get good results. If you don't, return here and tell us. The reason I ask is that one time I got some cheap spinners that wouldn't spin worth a rat's patootie. One other thing; are you using a good ball-bearing swivel or snap swivel? That size spinner should use a #00 or #0 swivel. Don't use a crane swivel. Not using a swivel can cause line wrap (or twist) that can cut down on the distance you achieve. You said that your spinners are rarely above 1/8th ounce. Does that mean that you're using 1/12th and 1/16th ounce spinners? If so, remember that they're notorious for not casting a long ways. Please get back to us. jj

That Sahara should work just fine for that purpose. I personally use mono on UL setups, but I used several different superlines for about 5 years. I like mono because I can see to tie it. ?? When you say your casts "don't get much distance", what exactly is the distance you're getting? As for the retrieve ratio, it's just fine. An UL is made to mimic small denizens of the water, and small denizens of the water don't race around madly. jj

I wrap my handles with racquet tape. Seems to work. Better grip, too. jj

I agree. The time to really slow down is when the water is cold. The only time to slow down in warm water is when the oxygen level is low. But under that condition, I'll quit fishing and return later in the year. jj

Berkley has a 6' in the Series One lineup. The St. Croix Premieres are M/F and MH/F. jj

1) Most don't. The line capacity of most reels is .... ahem .... optimistic. In other words, it's just advertising. Take your line and actually measure the yardage, then look at the diameter. Compare it to what the mfr lists. Yeah. 2) Many fishermen occasionally hit into a big, tough fish. Maybe a carp, maybe a cat. The extra line is there to fight them and tire them out. If you think bass fight, light into a steelhead sometime. 3) Some people put on higher diameter line than the size that is listed. You need extra capacity for that. jj

Cheaper reel. Decent reel. Ultralight reel. Pick two. Unfortunately, that's the way the market is at this point. That's why spinning gear exists, for the really light stuff. I keep hoping for some kind of freaky breakthrough, but I doubt it will happen anytime soon. ?? jj

Right! That's how a person learns. And believe me, I'm still learning. ? jj

Heck yeah, c'mon back if you need. Remember .... we learn from you as much as you learn from us. jj

I don't do this, so take it for what it's worth. One of my friends uses fly line wax on the first 35 feet of line to prevent wind knots. He's got 8 lb 832 on a 1000 size Nasci, and he says he was getting wind knots up the wazoo. He says it works. I don't know. I don't fly fish. My attitude is that spinning reels have inherent line twist, and I just live with the problems. If you're careful, the problems are reduced. Somewhat. jj

This is either right on or very close for where I fish. I might say 50 lb. braid, I might not, depending on the reel. The critical part of the Crazy Alberto knot is trimming the tag end on the mono. Some people think they can't trim into the skirt of the knot, that the knot will let go if they do. That's wrong. Tighten the knot to a moderate degree, then trim the mono as close as a chicken's toenails, then pull the knot tighter again. Properly done, that knot is a thing of beauty. jj

I went to Lake Darling Wednesday and was catching them in the rocks in the shallower side. I caught 9 using a Bomber 13a, snapped and jerked at a pretty good pace. I also got a couple on a 1/3 oz nickel spoon, and a green Yumdinger. I went down to Keokuk and got 6 on the Bomber again, fishing the warmer sections of water in a big pond. Now all but 3 were dinks, but this time of year fish are fish to me, dinks or not. Everyone said that it was too cold to be fishing as fast as I was fishing. And everyone said the wind was too wicked, that the fish wouldn't bite. Obviously, the fish didn't know that. BTW I also tried my new flukes, some Super Spots, larger 15a lures, and Rapala Shadow raps. Nothing. I'm gonna go out tomorrow. I'll use the Bomber, several spoons, and some soft plastic. Do I know whether I'll have good luck? No, I don't. But I'll sure try. No matter the wind, the temp, the barometric pressure or what happened yesterday, you have to go out there and try in order to see what will or won't work. Armchair theories don't amount to much. jj

Welcome! jj

Exactly how I feel. Deja vu. This subject was what I inquired about several months ago. Glad to see it actually can be done. Too bad I didn't know about this back then. I've sold the rods that I had which were up-locking. Oh, well ........ jj

Above 3/8 oz, I see no difference, or so little as to be unimportant. Below 3/8 oz, the Curado wins hands down. jj

I don't ice fish, if that tells you anything. Other than that, Senkos catch fish. jj

Off. Definitely off. You never know what tomorrow brings. jj

Correct. My bad. You don't happen to have a cure for old age, do you? I need one. ?? jj p.s. shot form is OK.

All brasses are alloys. They're alloys of copper and tin, and the proportions vary according to the desired characteristics. Density also varies, but not significantly enough to be of any importance to fishermen. jj

Brass comes in many grades. High-grade brass is cheaper than high-grade aluminum. Brass is (usually) easier to machine. Brass is quieter. Whenever I have a choice, which I don't necessarily have all the time, I take brass gears. jj

Ever see a video of someone landing a steelhead on light tackle? If you've got open water, it's no problem to use light spinning tackle. As for versatility, spinning would again be my choice. However .... you also gotta go with your gut feeling. Good luck. jj

I have to ask .... who's the worst bass guy in VA? Oh, and BTW .... welcome to BR. These guys have slapped me into shape, so I'm sure someone here can help you a bunch too. ? jj

In the river, it's a 1/2 oz. Northland Reed Runner, single Colorado. Chartreuse and white. This early in the lakes, it's either a 1/4 oz. black Worden's Super Roostertail, or a 3/16 oz. War Eagle Finesse in Mouse. Later on in the lakes, it'll be a 3/8 J-Mac double Colorado with color to match the sky conditions. jj

I like Sam's explanation better. Mmmmmmm.......! jj