jimmyjoe

I use glass. I like glass; some people don't. Glass is great for treble hooks and steady retrieves in general, whether squarebills or something else. I think the combination that you have is right near the top for productivity and useability, and I think you're going to find out that in the winds of spring, you'll like it better than the casting version. Maybe it was an accident, but that doesn't make any difference. I think you scored, big time! Good luck! jj

That's the biggest reason I tried going back to braid one more time. Normally I hate and detest braid, and I'd never use it. But with the cold air settling in, my mono (15 lb. Big Game) was reacting like romex. That's not good. I met a guy fishing who was outcasting me by a good bit (unusual) and having real good luck; no backlashes and consistent accuracy. We got to talking, and he was using braid - 65 lb. Powerpro. He said that it was the only braid he used, that he'd had the same problems I had had with smaller diameter braid, and that I should try the 65 lb. size. So I did. And in cold air (below 40 degrees) it outcast mono by a great degree. But that 65 lb. Powerpro was a LOT noisier than the 40 that I had used before. So that's why I asked the question here. Thinking back on the fish that I caught, I think I agree with this. I'd put it a little different, though. I caught the most fish on twitched spoons (Silver Minnow and Dardevle) and only one on a white spinnerbait. So I'd say it like this: Braid transmits vibration through the water more and more as your line tension increases from resistive lures. And that fits in with what I noticed; the noise increased dramatically when I used tight-line steady retrieves, and at the same time, that's when the bite dropped way off. When I used stop-and-go retrieves, I had much better luck. There were other fishermen within sight, too. They were catching consistently when my results were inconsistent. They were using mono. That's what really started me thinking about this whole noise thing. If I would have had the exact same results as what they had, I'd never have cared. But I didn't. I'm going to have to think about this. Don't know what I'll do. I think I'll continue using the braid until ice-up, but I'm going to watch my results versus other peoples' results reeeeeal careful. THANKS, EVERYONE! ? jj

And you may want to get these: https://www.hloutdoors.com/ They're the only bobber I use, whether for crappie or walleye. jj

No. Good luck. I have no illusions about how good a fisherman I'm not. ??? jj

I can't mess with logic. ? jj

Nor mine. That's why I was envious. ? jj

Been going back on my word lately and using braid - 65 lb. Powerpro. Good stuff, but noisy. Doesn't bother me .... or didn't until a guy standing about 30 feet away said he could hear it clearly. If WE can hear braid so easily, can't bass hear it, too? Is there any indication, any at all, that the noise of braid going through the guides is transmitted to the water? Is there any indication that it spooks bass? Thanks for your replies. jj

I just got back. High was 40 degrees today, with a wicked wind. Just about froze my fingers. Caught a half-dozen bass, two about 3 lbs. Guy about 200 feet north of me was using a bobber and worm for bluegill, but was irritated because all he was catching was bass. I saw him pull in 12 or 15, and he said he had caught 25 to 30 this PM. So you can laugh if you want to, but I was envious. BTW .... I caught mine on a 1 ounce Dardevle, a 3/4 Silver Minnow and a silver Mepps Aglia Long. Tried a jerkbait, a white spinnerbait, a pink spinner and an orange spoon. Not even a hit. Figure that one out! jj

A jerkbait rod is one of those situations where you need a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personality to your action. A while back, someone here on BR described the problem of jerkbait rods pretty well. I can't remember the exact words, but it was something like, "for jerkbaits, you need a moderate action on the cast and an extra-fast on the retrieve." The moderate, of course, is to get distance on the cast and the extra fast is to work the bait and set the hook on the retrieve. No such rod exists. Most people choose which characteristic is more important to them and live with the results. I have the St. Croix Mojo Bass 7' MH/MF "Spinnerbait" rod, and for me it's perfect for jerkbaits. I use Rapala Shadow Rap Shads and Bomber 15As. I also have a fiberglass rod to use if I should so desire, so I can compare the two. I'm one of the people who think the sensitivity and hookset characteristics are more important than the distance. That means a lot coming from me, because I value distance a lot. Hope this helps. jj

"Repertoire of confusion". I like that. Heck, I AM that! That would be a good one to put on my tombstone. ??? jj

Shorter days, longer nights and more time indoors with nothing better to do. BTW - I don't envy you mods. You have your work cut out for you. Guess I should say, "Thanks!" jj

I think @jbsoonerfan touched on it with his answer; many competitive fishermen (not necessarily high-level) have rods pre-rigged and ready to go at the blink of an eye. To them, or to anyone practicing the competitive style of fishing, one fish can make the difference. And reaction time can mean the difference between that one fish and no fish. jj

I've got one word for you: LAYERS. And I don't mean hens, either. The outside should be a rainsuit that breathes. It will also stop the wind. If you're in the military, you have access to info on cold weather underwear. Trousers and a warm shirt or shirt-jac complete the bill of materials. By the time those aren't enough, you're definitely not going to be out there fishing ...... unless it's in an ice hut. ?? jj I forgot about those! They are an EXCELLENT idea! jj

Kids and dogs. Both of them love you without reservation. All they want is the same thing in return. jj

4.9 ounces? WOW! jj

All I can offer is my condolences. jj

I use the TranX 300a, and in my mind the answers to your question depend on two things: 1) which line you'll use, and 2) how far you want to cast. If you use braid, I think the 300a will be great. It casts a good 50 yards with 65 lb. PowerPro. But if you want to use fluorocarbon or nylon line, perhaps the 400-size would be better. Hope this helps you. jj

The #3 double-bladed Mepps Aglia and Black Fury are particularly effective (it seems) because they can be retrieved so slowly. That counts for something in cold water. Fire Tiger Aglia and Black Fury and White Dot Black Fury are my favorites. Favorite slow-retieve spoon is the 1/4 oz. Eppinger Trout Weight Dardevle. The thing can be twitched to almost stand still. Good luck at the finish line! ? jj

I use a max drag of 4 lb., and I set it with a half gallon milk jug of water. I frequently come down off that to fight a fish more efficiently and tire him out so as not to lose the fish. I also thumb the reel to get the drag effect I want when I'm using a lower setting. But that's bass. I also fish where there are pike and musky, and then my drag is set higher. jj

Jerkbaits, double-bladed spinners (Mepps), and spinnerbaits have been working for me. I'll continue them until ice-up, along with some flutter spoons twitched shallow. jj

They have the same utility now as they had then. In other words, they'll do everything now that they did then. Don't confuse freedom of choice with utility or function. jj

I don't know about clear water; I don't have any clear water where I fish. But in muddy water, I think color matters ..... in a different way than you might think. I think fish literally don't like certain colors (or contrasts) in certain water. Other than that, I don't think it makes all that much difference, especially for a moving lure. My 2 cents. jj

Bass? Spinnerbait. All species? Mepps Aglia. jj

Since I'm casting from shore, my attack is backwards from the boatman's attack. I use spinnerbaits, squarebills and occasionally a spoon. jj

If it were placed ahead of the reel, the cork piece you suggest would need to be either placed just so or else very streamlined. Otherwise, the outgoing line on a cast would rub against it or catch on it, especially when it got older and more worn. Personally, I see nothing wrong with a hook keeper on the butt. I also have no trouble with hooking up under windy conditions. However, other people might. It'd be nice to see a drawing of your device. Kudos also for using your imagination! ? jj