The Bassman

It's actually a result of Shimano's spring loaded spool shaft bearing. Just tighten the knob down until you notice the lure drop slowing then back off accordingly.

You know you've got too much stuff when the wife asks how many "fishing poles" do guys need as I'm watching MLF on TV. Guilty conscience.

I sold a reel to a member here via USPS. Took almost a week and a half to get to him. Really drove me nuts because I consider guys on here like family. Granted, the weather last week affected things. Funny thing, though. I bought a reel that was shipped USPS from CA and it was here in no time.

Agreed. I even use lefties on my spinning reels.

Hey you can't leave without telling me where your ponds are and how to get permission.

Never watched an episode of Seinfeld during the 90's but have seen the reruns enough that I know them by heart.

Careful. You might freeze something off doing that.

Had this happen to me several times before I figured it out. Cabela store brand wacky jig heads were the culprit. Didn't get rid of them but now I tie and pull the knot to the gap and cut off. Retie and I'm good to go.

This is why I'm strictly barbless with trebles. I've had a few bad experiences with smaller hooks. Interestingly I don't notice a big difference with keeping fish pinned.

I was handling Mojos and Bass X's at Cabelas the other day and they both feel tip heavy to me. SLX rods are feather light and priced right.

I like to brag that I catch bass in all twelve months here. Barely made Jan. with a few smalls and one keeper early in the month. Feb. is starting out less than promising. I can remember years that ice out didn't happen until March. Could happen this year.

This reinforces what I've always thought. Color is mostly a confidence factor. I'm sure I'll get a lot of disagreement but I really believe that the best color is the one that I'm fishing with as long as my timing, location, and presentation are right.

I did the same thing with a Curado 100B that I have. When I first got it I intended to put it on a rod that created the same issue. I've debated selling the reel on our flea market recently but hesitated, thinking it might not appeal to someone.

13 bucks all the time at Discount Tackle.

Saw a Facebook post from a nephew in northeast OK that said water temp was in the upper 40's. Plenty warm for good action. I catch bass here by casting neds on ice and slipping them off the edge.

So if I hold my rods real close I'll notice a smell?

Makes me miss creek wading. Used to catch a lot of smallies that size. Lots of fun.

Another vote for the red spoon.

I would definitely fish them both. Never mind that you can't reach the middle in the big one. Bass are apt to be anywhere in small lakes as temps are pretty consistent. There's plenty of opportunity to find fish. I like to focus on the side facing the sun and all the better if it's also the windward side. The culvert/dam spots look good, too. Good luck.

I own ten combos split evenly between spinning and BC with a few extra rods that can rotate in. I bank walk and only carry one at a time with one other in my car on rare occasions. I try to assess what my best approach will be before I leave home. The fact that I fish familiar small waters make the decision fairly easy. Granted, I've missed the call more than a few times. But I do believe that I focus better by limiting my choices. Now having said all that, it's winter and one of my favorite pursuits is shopping for new stuff. Bait monkey season is in full swing and there's no vaccine for it.

Want to thank you guys for the wake up call. Made an appointment with a derm. this afternoon. I'm 66 and know I'm tempting fate. I'm going to be more proactive about prevention this season as well. Don't care if I look dorkey in something with more coverage than a ball cap.

I really envy your philosophy on this. I'm frequently guilty of letting frustration ruin my day.

Just ask @Bluebasser86. He has to go to work and do that every day.

Cheesy B movies and 50's-60's reruns on some of my Dish Network channels make for a nice escape. We used to manage just fine before all of this connectivity available to us. That said, these forums are always an encouragement to me that normal people still exist.

BC makes me look like I know what I'm doing when I'm walking neighborhood lakes but spinning is much more efficient day in and day out especially now during the colder months when vegetation isn't an issue.