BrackishBassin

Spool tension is set to match the specific lure being thrown and mag brakes (depending on the reel) are set at half or just below half.

All the cast distances I mentioned were accurate within the numbers I posted. I was using a lacrosse field I painted, so I knew the distances between specific sets of lines. Didn't have a painted football field available. Haven't had a field to paint yet because outdoor season won't start for lacrosse until March, but if I had to guess, I'd say my max cast with a baitcaster has been in the 20 yard range. And that's with a 1/2 ounce jig with little to no wind.

So, what's a decent distance with a cast then?

The more time I spend on forums related to bass fishing, the more I run across the phrase "a country mile" in relation to casting distance. I'm curious to know what you guys consider to be a respectable cast with a baitcaster to be in relation to distance. I ask because I fished predominantly saltwater before recently taking up bass fishing. I know that I can consistently throw a 3oz lead 90-110 yards on my saltwater setup (10ft rod with 25lb mono and a spinning reel) and a 1oz lead 75-90 yards on my other saltwater setup (7ft rod with 30lb braid and a spinning reel). But I'm not able to cast even close to that distance with my baitcasting setups. Is it a technique issue? Do I just need to keep working on my casting, or do they just not throw as far? I have a hard time believing that to be the case since the saltwater guys set world distance casting records with conventional reels which have way more in common with a baitcaster than they do a spinning reel. Thanks!

All I use is the FG. Works like a charm. Use it to throw 1oz lures for saltwater and haven't had any issues.

I would love to support my local tackle shop by buying from them, but I'm going to buy online if they're going to charge an extra $30 - $50. Early this year I was looking at reels and had every intention of buying a Tatula CT from them. I went in there and they wanted $139 for it. I tried to haggle them down a bit, but they wouldn't budge. Even when I talked with the owner and showed him that I could buy the same reel for $98 online, shipped to my door. The shops need to either find a way to cut overhead costs so they can compete with the online retailers or they're going to fold eventually. That's just how capitalism works.

Thanks guys!

Does anyone have and/or know of a cheat sheet (doesn't have to be exact) for jig weights for specific depths and/or ranges of depths? For example, say I'm fishing a pond that I know is no deeper than 10ft. Is there a chart somewhere that I could reference that might offer suggestions for jig weights at that depth (e.g. bottom jig, 1/2 ounce; swim jig, 1/4 ounce with a trailer, etc.).

Like I said, it's got close to 100% breaking strength of the line you're using. So, you're saying that without the FG knot to a leader that 6lb Fireline is going to do the trick when you hook up with the fish you mentioned? Lightest line I currently use for bass is the 15lb braid mainline with a 12lb leader. I think it'd do just fine. I've caught plenty of rockfish, carp, red drum, and flounder with the same rod, reel, and line. Never had an issue. Are they the species you're talking about? Nope. Are they in the same size category? Definitely. And like I said, never had an issue.

If your knots are tied correctly, it shouldn't be an issue regardless of the size of the fish. The FG is darn near 100% breaking strength of the lines in the knot when correctly tied.

My first rod was a MH because that's what came with the cheap baitcaster combo I got to get started. First rod I bought after I decided to stick with baitcasters was a M. I've found I can throw almost everything I want to on my M, but that's just not the case with my MH. I can't seem to throw lighter crankbaits or jerkbaits on my MH no matter how many adjustments I make with the reel. I haven't found anything I fish, yet, that I can't throw on my M. Now, that may be a function of a better reel vs a cheapo combo reel, but it's the experience I've had.

I split 150 yard spools of braid in half. Means I can spool twice for the cost of one spool. People mentioned a line counter, but if you don't want to pay to do it then just use a tree. I go to a park, tie the line to a tree, walk out the whole spool, fold the braid in half, cut it, respool half of it, and put the other half on the reel. Works like a charm and it makes people wonder if you've lost your ever loving mind. If you really want to make them wonder, do some test casts in the park with some solo cups as targets.

I went with plastic lenses in my Costas for the safety factor. Already had a pair save me once from a jig head that popped free of a tree. Glass might have done the same, but it just as easily could have shattered and sprayed my eye with shards of glass. I also fish dirty water and in low light conditions frequently. I went with an amber base color lens and the green mirror. Supposedly the gray base with a blue mirror is better for really bright conditions, but mine have worked great for me in all conditions. Personally, can't stand how washed out everything looks with the gray lenses.

Based on what you're describing you know exactly the lake I'm talking about. I live close by, so it's a frequent stop for me. I think you're right. The opposite side of the lake could be very productive, especially that submerged forest. If you're ever planning on heading down this way again, shoot me a PM. If I can manage to make it out of the house, I'd join you. Can show you what's worked for me so far and see what's worked for you. I think a kayak would work amazingly well there, if you picked a day with minimal wind. I've actually had my paddleboard out there a few times and it can be pretty brutal when it's blowing. Actually been toying with the idea of trying to fish off the paddleboard. I know guys do it down south, but I've never tried it. It's supposed to be a trophy bass lake, but I haven't heard about anything crazy coming out of it in quite some time. A friend of mine's dad has fished it weekly for going on 20 years and I think the biggest he's seen was right around 5 pounds, possibly a little larger. Would love to learn about some new spots. Always up to try out some new water.

Tried that. I think the one body of water is just too big for me to cover. Big chance of missing them. It's 7 miles around the outside of the lake. That being said, I plan to try the rip rap near the dam next time I go out. Double whammy with the deep water there I should be able to get to and warmer temps due to the rocks soaking up the sun. Just going to take a hike to get there, so I might only have 1 rod with me. Don't want to lug 3 that far. The other one is a 'pond', but only 10' at its deepest point and pretty large surface area wise. I haven't been able to get anything to bite there...not even the crappie. I know they're there. Got my PB out of that pond this summer.

I'm having the same issue here in MD. Just don't think the fish are holding in areas where I can get casts to them. Decided to work on some lures I started making this summer and just wait for spring to roll around.

Unfortunately, if you want something made in the States, you're going to pay a premium. It's just not profitable for companies to make their products here anymore. I've run across a few local companies making their own spinning reels in the saltwater forums I frequent, but you're looking at a starting price of $500 for their cheapest reel. Penn still makes two of their spinning reel in the States, but the more affordable one ($200) isn't really meant for freshwater stuff. The other one that's made here is even more ridiculous ($700).

9" of snow on the ground here. Low of 11 tonight. Not even going to bother trying to fish for a bit. Going to work on some lures I started instead.

Two places I fish most often have blue gill or crawfish as the main forage. That being said, I catch most of my fish on soft plastics. None of which really look like/imitate a blue gill except maybe the Zoom lizards in pumpkin with a chartreuse tail.

If I'm fishing the plastics weightless, I use my ML spinning rod. If I've g a weight on them, I'm using my M or MH baitcasting set up, depending on what else I want to be fishing at that time. For example, if I want to throw a jig and a Texas rig, I'd probably fish the jig on the MH and throw the Texas rig on the M.

Would love to get some information on this as well.

@Largemouth21 If you can get it and don't need the two piece to make the rod more portable, always go with a 1 piece rod over a 2 piece, unless it's one of those weird (read expensive) rods where it comes apart at the grip instead of in the middle of the rod. I've yet to use one of those, but they're supposedly just as good as a 1 piece when it comes to sensitivity.

I'm heading out as soon as I can get these babies fed. Got a jerkbait and black/blue jig with a blue trailer tied on. If those don't do anything in about an hour I'll try swapping over to a drop shot with the new worms I got for Christmas and maybe a lipless crankbait. Hitting up a local pond. Hoping that even with bluebird skies the higher than average air temps (51) and abundant sunshine will stir them up just a bit. I'll edit when I get home to add the results of the trip. If nothing else, wetting a line on the first day of the new year makes sure you're starting out on the right foot. Results: Not even a nibble. Tried a jerkbait, jig, lipless crankbait, and a weightless senko. Then switched over to a sliding float and a grub on a jig head thinking I'd at least get a nibble from some crappie. Nothing. Spent the rest of the time until the sun went down just sitting on the bank enjoying the warmth.

One model, one size. I suggest searching their site by size. They often have frame styles that are similar (not exactly the same though) in the different sizes. As a guy that wears medium/small frames for sunglasses, I feel your pain. It can be a bear to find a pair you like that doesn't look ridiculous. I ended up going with the Brines. Great fit for my face and don't make you look ridiculous like half of the models do.

I've used cheap sunglasses and there's really no comparison. If you want an 'excuse', think about it this way - you can always buy another pair of sunglasses, but not another pair of eyes. I just don't trust that the bargain brands actually provide the UVA/UVB protection they claim. I don't wear them to look cool, or even to see better in the water. I'm not a sight fisherman. I wear them to protect my eyes. When it comes to protective gear, I don't skimp.