jimmyjoe

The biggest difference between low-stretch line (braid) and higher-stretch line (monofilament fluorocarbon or monofilament nylon) has nothing to do with the line itself. It has to do with the way that the fisherman reacts. Line that is more sensitive and transmits more information (braid under load) causes a fisherman to react prematurely, jerking the lure away from the fish. Low stretch makes that worse. Although I hate myself for doing so, I use all three; nylon, fluorocarbon and PE braid. Not only that, but I've used spinnerbaits (among other lure designs) with all three. As it stands right now, I use nylon with spinnerbaits. Fluoro would be my next choice. I reserve braid for weeds. Even though I'm old, I'm gonna keep on experimenting. Talk to me again next year. I might have changed my mind by then. ? jj

And THAT'S a well-known company! jj

I like this guy. I agree with that he says, too. jj

Look at the Shimano line of rods in your price bracket. They're not fancy, but none of them are bad rods. jj

I've got you all beat. I send mine in. ??? jj

Any part of a parabola is "parabolic". A rod that had its handle at the word "Parabola" and the tip under load at the "s" in "Focus" would be parabolic, because it's part of a true parabola. It would also be a sweet, sweet rod. A different bend is "progressive". There is no firm definition for progressive in terms of fishing rods, but the terminology is usually taken to resemble the bend under load of sailing ship masts. jj

Go to Lew's and look up the David Fritts line of rods, the Perfect Cranker and the Perfect Palmer.

Amen! ? jj

I haven't measured, but I'm sure that the fiberglass butt is larger than 9/16". ? jj

Here is the handle on my 7'-02" H/M Mojo Bass Glass rod. Here is the handle I would like it to be. This is the Daiwa Steez SVF AGS. My reason is simple: I have arthritis, and the "hump" helps align my thumb with the higher thumb bar on 300-size reels. Is there any simple way to add this hump to the Mojo Glass handle, to build it up? Layers of thin cork glued together, maybe? Maybe something other than cork? Any ideas will be welcome! And again ....... Thnx. jj

Even though i fish from shore, I do about the same as you. Early AM and late PM, fish are within 10-15 yards of shore. But when the sun is high, I take a massy, aerodynamic spoon and cast it wa-a-a-y out as far as I can and let it drop. (There are very few locations where it can get too deep.) Then I retrieve very slowly. That's how I've been getting fish so far this year in lakes, and I've been fishing lakes more than normal for this time of year because the rivers are really low around here. jj

While we were camping, no meal and no food compared to breakfast! It was the greatest! I haven't heard anyone mention fried toast in many, many years. Thnx! jj

If you don't do it with a line counter like @J Francho said, then you need to drop line a known distance. Once you find out the true yardage your spool holds, write it down somewhere. Change lines? That's OK ..... do it over again. It's valuable knowledge, because the yardage ratings for most reels has no relationship to the capacities of the particular lines fishermen use. jj

They do both; they protect from the sun and they evaporate sweat to keep you cooler. I wear microfiber; I've had skin cancer, and I'm gonna cover up no matter what. jj

Doesn't the Panfish series have stainless steel guides? I mean ..... like no inserts? The Premier has Kigan guides with ceramic inserts. That might explain some of the difference. jj

Are you single? Do whatever you please. Are you married? Do what's best for your family. jj

The power is now higher ..... closer to a light power. The action is now slower. Action is a comparative descriptor, not a scientific baseline. The speed is faster. Manufacturers rarely discuss speed, but fishermen in the field notice it right away. This is where you notice the increase. Settling time will probably be better. jj

This is often overlooked by fishermen. If you can't drive over 75 mph, why have a Ferrari? jj

1) What goes around, comes around. Some people are too impatient to recognize that. 2) Kindness opens far more doors than keys do. jj

I'm sure you mean that differently than it seems. ??? jj

Look at the Daiwa Presso rods. I used one for 5 years, but I used the 7'-06" one. I don't know about the shorter ones. jj

Yeah, kinda. Rods definitely exist that will throw the lures you're listing, but the problems might be setting the hook or feeling the lighter lures, no matter what the rating is on paper. I use fiberglass, and I like it. But if I had to fill the requirements that you've set down with one fiberglass rod, I'd be worried. I might go to graphite, and try the Mojo Bass MH/M 3/8-1 oz @ 7'-01". Might. Might not, too. jj

I fish spoons a lot, and I modify them 2 ways. First, I dress the trebles with VERY SMALL amounts of bucktail. I learned to not disturb the spoon's action, but still give an added visual focus. Second, I replace trebles on some spoons with frog hooks. Then I dress the frog hooks. This provides a "drag" that lets me drop the spoon confidently, knowing it will land barbs-up. Helps some spoons flutter better, too. jj

^^^^ There's the answer! It's not really about Blaukat. ^^^^ JJ

For me, it's speed. It's unbelievable how much better my hookups are when I slow down. I can't see the fish, so I'm not totally sure, but I think it has to do with the fish actually getting a better purchase on the lure when they hit it. jj