The Bassman

The extra spool even had its own container.

"A flute with no holes is not a flute and a doughnut with no hole is a danish". Chevy Chase

What's encouraging from this discussion is the assurance that bass aren't affected by pain like we are. I know we've been over this but a little piece of me always wonders.

Lots of rain means easy pickins in front of storm drains. Caught a couple dozen including this biggest in under an hour.

Kidding aside, you guys should get checked, at least an in home test. I'm from Indianapolis and we were shocked when former driver John Andretti was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in his young 50's. He's passed away since then.

The toughest part for me was not being able to eat for over 24 hrs. Popsicles and Jello just don't cut it. Didn't even let myself go fishing the day before because of the walking involved which would up my appetite.

I bank fish exclusively and still use a flip phone. My best option is to lay the fish on the grass next to my rod for size reference. I can't imagine less than one minute on cool grass is that harmful to their slime coat.

My concern with a tapered spool would be wind knots. It would logically seem that the spool lip would have very little involvement with line management. On a side note I've never seen a ported spinning spool. Just visual fluff. Not sure I'd trust the rest of the reel for such a demanding application. Too much Chinese stuff is junk. Just my opinion.

6.3 oz. is pretty darn light for a 2500/3000 reel. I have two 2000's and two 2500's. They're both feather light.

Really raised the bar today. Haven't caught a 7 for many years. This one hit a slow rolled chatterbait/razr shad combo. Will be hard to beat going forward.

I upgraded all my CI4+ to Vanfords and couldn't be happier. Rotor inertia is next to nothing and I've never used anything so smooth. I'm sure upper tier models like Exsence, Vanquish, & Stella would be more refined but I can't imagine how.

I almost feel guilty when it happens. Kinda like shooting fish in a barrel. I had to miss the opportunity today. They're talking about quite a bit of rain after tomorrow, though. If this summer is typical the ponds will be way down in the next six weeks.

I can't remember how many big bass have struck my Pop-R (I use the smaller one) by simply inhaling the lure while it was motionless, sometimes with nary a ripple. Smaller bass almost always hit it hard, though.

I don't think anyone mentioned ketchup. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, and patty sausage well doused. I must be the only kid in the room.

Shimano recommends leaving all four brakes on and adjusting with the dial. Mine gets squirrely at the lower numbers depending on wind and lure profile which is just what I want.

Thanks. Now I just have to learn how to take pics. Bright sun, a flip phone, and a fish that I need to keep still don't mix well for me.

Finally got my first 6 in a good while. I've been doing real well with a Z-Man chatterbait mini lately. Got a chance to try out my new luggage scale that I bought on the recommendation of @Bluebasser86 from another thread.

And no gators in Montana.

Tom Mann was once asked why so many colors to which he replied "Cause I got me a lot of fishermen to catch".

Hasn't the MGL 70 only been out since last year? I got one early this year as soon as I could source one.

Didn't really notice this thread until now. I guess I'm not the only one with this issue. Here in IN we're in one of the best times of the year for size and numbers. I'm pretty much fishing daily with good success. You know you're wearing it out when it starts feeling like work. Everything in moderation. I'm sure I'll get over it, though.

Take it from someone who has played the spool bearing game. You don't need new ones. Shimano bearings are more than adequate. Never grease spool bearings. Just soak them in solvent (I use mineral spirits) and then oil. TSI 321 has been my go to for a long time. Many others are fine too. Bearings get way overthought.

I miss the days when just about every bass rod other than flipping sticks was under 6.5'. Now it's the other way around.

And you had an audience.

I use a 1/8 oz. Pop-R when I just want to have fun. Dead stick or very light twitches. It's like fishing a fly rod bug without the hassle. Plus you can cast it farther.