The Bassman

I'm using both and have noticed given equal diameters 832 casts better. PP SS V2 seems stiffer with more guide slap so less distance. The one trade off with 832 is that I, too have had some issues with wind knots. The SS has been perfect on my light baitcaster, though. I keep going back to Fins Windtamer for spinning even though it's a 4 carrier.

I frequently take a rod outside to practice. Our two cats get all worked up when they see the practice plug dangling so we have to play a little jump and grab. I just have to be careful that I don't let them get wrapped around a foot. Edit: And by the way I just noticed this was your first post. Welcome. We'll look forward to hearing what you do when you're using lures with hooks.

It happens to all of us at times. Bass inhale a worm in a blink of an eye. Sounds like you're doing fine. I use braid that I can see well but sometimes they take with little or no indication. Just part of the game. I'm not using soft plastics as much lately mostly because I finesse fish so much during the colder months that I enjoy moving baits now.

Wondering who's following the race. I'm in Indianapolis so it's part of my life. I was actually fishing a couple hours ago and had the privilege of seeing the USAF Thunderbirds fly over. Was really inspiring given current events.

Rodney was a favorite of mine as long as it wasn't stand up. He would wear you out in five minutes. Now movies, that was another thing. I like to tell people that I'm "looking for the fountain of middle age" or "when I die I'm donating my body to science fiction".

It's definitely new. 12-14 lb. mono/copoly or 20-40 braid will suit just fine.

I'm really glad to see Shimano bring the 2000 size back to the US market. It was my go to for years. If I'm not mistaken it's not much heavier than the 1000. I don't remember if you're primarily a braid user but the slightly smaller spool diameter would be more amenable to braid. Drag should be more than adequate. I have to be careful not to overtighten my Stradic 1000's.

We all fished that speed and less years ago. Caught fish just fine.

13 Fishing has 2 piece Omen 3's in med. and med. heavy for 130.00. Really nice rods. BTW, welcome from a fellow hoosier.

Used to catch 'em as a kid with kite string tied to a scrap of raw bacon. The drainage ditch behind us was full of them. We just did it for fun. We were too chicken to actually handle them. Wish I was ten again.

I've come to the conclusion that 1/4 oz. is the low end with casting tackle even with shallow spools. Yes, I can cast lighter weights but it requires a measure of focus. That focus takes away the focus on my fishing. Here I believe spinning excels.

Regular fluke wacky rigged makes a great sight fishing bait. Doesn't cast well but you're fishing close anyhow.

1/8 oz. Rebel teeny Pop-R. Great for everything . Have caught some very nice bass on it as well. I've had some of my best results letting it sit motionless.

Chrome caps just pop off exposing screw. Be careful when removing knobs as there's a thin shim under the ball bearing. As far as swapping out the handle in the first place I would leave it be. Stock handle is no heavier than CF and looks great.

Been waiting for you to chime in. My favorite rebel bait is a teeny Pop-R. For pond fishing I find it more productive than the 1/4 oz. Actually caught a sizable channel cat on one the other day.

If it was closer to you I'd have said that it was Andrew Jackson getting PO'd.

The Shining creeped me out the first time I saw it. On the flip side, nothing cracks me up like a good B horror movie from the '50's.

Looks like a landlocked salmon to me.

Looks like a squirrel fish. (Not joking) Edit: Did some research and I'm clearly wrong.

Ned, MB Dark Sleeper (especially during cool months. Catches too much slop right now), Rebel Teeny Pop-R (has been very effective since spawn on even big bass).

Tom, I certainly echo the wishes shared by these other guys. On a different tenor I remember you saying that your experiences included drag racing. I'm in Indianapolis home of the U.S. Nationals. It would be fascinating hearing about your involvement in the sport. I wouldn't expect it in this thread but it would maybe give you something to reflect on. Best wishes.

Solution: 1. Don't throttle your casts. Ease up. Won't cost you that much distance. 2. Close your bail manually. I do it in one motion with the index finger that held the line. 3. Keep that same index finger in light contact with the line when retrieving to maintain a little tension. 4. Look at your spool every now and then for stray loops. Cast beyond them to clear them. I find that using a braid with some stiffness like Power Pro Super Slick V2 or Fins Windtamer helps as well.

And just before that; "Move over Swanson, I'm driving!"

The cast that concerns me most is the first one. Getting bit right away usually means an unproductive session. Must be something in my head.

Take a Q-Tip and very lightly oil the brass brake drum surface. Then cast easy so you can adjust to the faster spool speed.