The Bassman

Reminds me of a girl I dated once.

I mostly bait fished for bullheads and rough fish like suckers and creek chubs. Tried to cook a chub over a fire once but it didn't work out too well. My friends and I used to tie our rods to our bike frames with our stringers. Broke my dad's True Temper spinning rod with my leg one time.

Might be a riveted knob. The model it replaced (Symetre) had one.

Tell people he was a Japanese admiral. That'll jack up the price.

Memories of childhood. Brands like Revell, Monogram, AMT, Testors. Don't even know if they're still the dominant brands. Haven't looked in a long time.

My best was a 5.81 LM caught just ten days ago on a jerkbait. My unofficial best was 5.86 back in June. She inhaled a small bluegill that I'd hooked on a small wakebait so I'm not sure that counts. Was really an eye opener though because it happened at rod's length. 2020 was my best year ever as far as numbers. It was also the third year in a row for bass caught in all 12 months. I'm trying to wish the ice off so I can keep the string going.

Like @Choporozsaid they fish lighter than their weight would indicate. The quarter oz. is very small. I use it on light spinning. The 3/8 actually comes in two lengths. I like the haze color because it seems to resemble a bluegill. Color shouldn't be too critical. The biggest problem I have with them is the tail getting bit off. I experimented with trimming off the end a bit and adding a tail spinner. I honestly think I came up with a better lure. Have caught many bass on them. One other tip; after a few fish the chin area on the lure will start to tear. One drop of super glue and it'll hold up until the rest of the lure is completely chewed up. I also find that I have to touch up the hook point frequently. The dorsal fin "weedguard" really isn't. It hangs up as mentioned. Eventually it tears and I just remove it. Sleeper is a definite go to for me. Bass mean business when they eat it. Gets taken deep more often than lip hooked.

I've owned several fly rods over the years. Used to wade a local creek and sight fish carp. If you led them just right they would take. Like some have mentioned I found it to be too much work. I was always picking up pond scum as I would begin the next cast or would be fishing in the trees. These days I'm much more efficient with spinning tackle and an eighth oz. Pop-R. I've caught scads of bass, some nice ones on it. Basically just bass bugging without the hassle.

Every time I handled a newer generation HMG I was really impressed at how well balanced it was. Virtually no tip weight. Then I read up on them and saw that they were actually a bit heavier than comparable rods. They feel like they're counter balanced in the butt. If I wasn't good to go with what I already have I would definitely consider them. Very clean classic look, too.

Another Phlash Phelps and Cousin Brucie fan here. I remember that add, too.

Sonar was a flasher. Whole different meaning since then.

And cloudy and dreary with no competition=fishing nirvana

I'm usually by myself so I don't do much talking until I have a fish close enough to talk to.

You need to hold your arms out farther. Then it could be a 6.

Welcome. Glad to have you aboard. BTW the 3000 is only 6.3 oz. Pretty incredible. I've got one on the way. Mine is a JDM C3000 with the slower gear ratio. Still picks up over 29" of line which is more than most 7:1 baitcasters. I find that I overwork moving baits with higher IPT's. Also makes the reel feel all the more free when retrieving. I've got two 1000FA CI4+ also that are absolutely perfect for light work.

I think the new 2000 is just a larger rotor 1000 now. For long runners like steelhead I would definitely go with a 2500 or 3000. 3000 is the same as the 2500 just a deeper spool and T handle. I find the knobs on the smaller models too small.

I go against conventional wisdom by using straight braid. This instance was Berkley X-5 8#. I always test my baits at home without line and they want to float. I actually get a lot of satisfaction out of fine tuning them.

Five years ago you couldn't get through a reel thread without some mention of bearing upgrades. The topic isn't nearly as hot anymore. Boca was a big player then. Gotta think they're hungry for business.

I used to live for this when I was younger. Would stay out all day. Here in central IN we didn't set up shanties, just toughed it out. As I've gotten older I much prefer fishing open water in temps above 40. Good luck and eat a few for me.

That's a great price for a now very rare (in that condition) reel. Lots of love here for that platform. I've owned several E 50's in the past. Actually still do with a JDM Brenious now. That said, for 245.00 there's newer technology that I believe beats the '09 Ald. You'll probably get lots of input on this thread. Can't speak for the rods. Others certainly will.

C'est christmas dans Indiana sans la neige.

The shallower brushy end should be great for pre spawn and spawn. Other times of the year crappie relate to structure like bass but tend to suspend above it. They'll be in open water but relating to something on the bottom like a hump or depression. BTW, welcome.

After a couple of days in the teens and 20's we'll get back above 40. Certainly more than enough cold for freeze up on small waters I fish. Long range forecast keeps us slightly above normal so I should be back at it soon. Just wish business wasn't so good. Got lots of painting to do.

I've been able to fish on Christmas day the past two years. This is as close as I'll get this go around. Cold front's gonna bring temps in the teens after tomorrow. Today was 50ish and windy with rain moving in. Seemed perfect for a jerkbait. #8 Husky Jerk got me on a good bite with several 2-3 pounders, one 4 and this big one. Really a memorable afternoon.

I'm using 15 lb. PPSSV2 (.019mm) on my Ald 50 with no issues. I just back the spool with mono and top shot it with about 50-60 yds of braid so no dig-in. I get better distance because of less wind resistance. Quieter, too.