The Bassman

Nine above this morning, same tomorrow. NWS says 50 by Mon. Hopefully the ned and I will be performing again soon.

That will doubtless be a high demand week wherever you go. Lots of possibilities south of the MD line, not just FL, TX, and CA. I'd be doing my homework and making calls quick.

It kept the skunk off of me today.

Original also makes a good chatterbait trailer. I've also done well fishing it wacky style. Doesn't cast very well weightless, though.

That's what you call good karma.

And to think I used to ice fish with a cheapo solid glass jig pole with a line cradle for hand wrapping.

Really not trying to be silly but would like to hear more about your drag racing experience. I know southern CA was where it became popular and have to believe that you're familiar with a lot of names from the 60's.

Would assume that the OP got it figured out after 8 1/2 yrs.

Probably not related but I do notice that a lot of my bass get yellowish highlights as winter approaches.

Thanks. Forgot that The SLX MGL was a 70 size.

I bought a X2000 earlier this year on a whim. Had a real bad experience as I was shipped a returned reel and had trouble returning it. Customer service is in China and warranty claims involve an individual working out of his house in Tenn. (no kidding) I did try the reel and found it to be adequate and worth 65.00. I found it comparable to stuff I was using 10-15 years ago. For the same price or less a Daiwa Legalis or RG LT blows it out of the water.

Looking that way here, too. No Indian Summer this year. I remember a cold start a few years back that led to a fairly mild Dec. Just don't want to get iced over. Back in the 70's I remember ice fishing on Thanksgiving once.

I fish a lot of ponds like you described. Ned rig is very effective now and throughout the cold water period (Other times as well. Vegetation can be problematic unless you use a weedless slider type head then.)

Welcome to the forums. Your weather description pretty closely matches the OP's and mine. Let us know where you are and that'll help us compare notes.

Got in about an hour and a half this afternoon. Our weather seems to be transitioning quickly towards winter. I'm usually still on some power patterns about now but have to roll with the punches. Caught several on ned rig, mostly smaller but this one made it worth the effort.

Shimano's spokesman Dan Thorburn (Bantam 1) mentioned it in the Shimano forum on Tackle Tour. Also, Shimano's JDM website illustrates the braking profile with a graph. Shows minimal difference in braking on the low end of the dial between 1 and 4 brakes. Doesn't seem completely accurate in real world situations, though. I'm just more comfortable with 4 on and get plenty of distance.

Shimano designed these reels to have all 4 brakes on and then be adjusted externally. Yes, the 2 on 2 off will increase distance but one has to be very conscious of what he's doing when casting. When I'm fishing I like to keep my focus on catching fish. Maybe others are more skilled than I am but this is what works for me.

I'm an Indy west sider and spent a lot of hours at Galyans Plainfield store. These shows attracted quite a crowd. Pro fisherman were very accessible then.

I have to wonder if a bait moving along at a pretty good clip in slightly less than crystal clear water is really discerned that closely. Location, depth and speed control, along with the fish's attitude determines if you get bit. Colors appeal more to the fisherman's senses in my opinion.

Elites are much sharper out of the box, hence the slightly higher price. Both colors are available in both versions.

My favorite fishing show as a teen many years ago. Very sorry to hear. He always dedicated his shows to his dad who he said always took time to take him fishing.

Good summary, James. Saved me a lot of typing. Thanks.

I always used to toss them in some mineral spirits (paint thinner) for a few minutes then hand spin them on an old spool shaft. Haven't used them for years. Too much noise and not enough gain.