The Bassman

I take my braid shears and cut out a notch in front of the hook point. Really helps and doesn't hurt the way the lure behaves.

I've been fishing Ikas a lot lately. Sometimes I can get 8-10 fish out of one and others the first fish (usually a small one rips the screwlock out. I do get a little more mileage by dripping some super glue at the base of the screwlock when the bait gets torn. Screwlock's the best anchor but a bit of a pain because my line will get caught up in it. I'ts easier to re-tie than it is to get it out. But it's the real deal and worth the hassle.

I miss the days of sub 6' rods being standard. You're one of the few that really grasps the short lever principle, too.

E Replacement parts has it. I would just fish the reel if it isn't causing any problems. This was a real problem with older Shimanos.

I mostly just lay mine on the ground next to my rod for size reference. Gotta move fast, though.

SLX spool is available from Shimano for 29.00 + 6.00 shipping. 877-577-0600. The reel can be bought on e-bay for 80-90.00. Just a matter of cost vs. convenience. (and an excuse to buy another rod as well).

Fifty+ years ago Homer Circle admonished readers to fish any color as long as it was purple.

Beautiful pics (and fish, too).

That's a generic version of the old Zebco De-Liar. Never could get the hook to hold in the fish's mouth.

Any mono line (nylon, copoly, or fluoro) needs periodic retie at the terminal. Do you see a little bit of kink or curliness at your break point? It's probably the knot. Also (and this is a problem I have even with light braids and no leader) is being a bit heavy handed. Your tackle choices seem just fine.

I've had break offs on hook sets for that very reason. That small gap will cut light braid right now. One of the downsides of not using a leader. Some have suggested leaving a knot in the gap then tying the main line to the eye.

Did real well today also. Been a long time since the fish felt warmer than the air.

There's some good deals on JDM Zodias on E-Bay. They're two piece but you'd never know it. Lighter actions than available US. You probably won't have to pay duties because of being packaged shorter.

Mostly just for looks. Some older reels benefit in that they're typically longer than stock. Weight differences are generally minor except for some older or cheaper reels. I've noticed that they're not as big a deal as they were a few years ago. Stock handles have improved a lot. Some carbon fiber handles are actually heavier than stock ones.

Seems to be in full swing locally. I know you're in Indy. As I walk the ponds I fish I can see light areas everywhere through my sunglasses.

I've got some mid/high end stuff that you're referring to. But let me tell you I went fishing yesterday with a 35.00 Cabela's rod and 100.00 Daiwa reel and couldn't have been better equipped. Nice combo and welcome.

Remember when you was fretting about how slow the ice was going out? I said you would have us all passed up soon enough. I'd say you just did. Congrats.

Wrong link?

I recently started a topic in the tackle forum about Yamamoto's Fat Ika. @roadwarriorlinked it to an old thread he wrote. This bait rigged backwards is something bass haven't seen. Very bulky and appealing to larger fish. Try it.

Super glueing Keitechs to your hook can work against you. I get more tail bite-offs when I do it.

Looks like those big Havasu red ears. Really nice!

Somebody's gonna get mad before this is over.

Just one thing (other than the mag-seal that keeps you from servicing them) the gripes me. The line lay can be top heavy out of the box and it's not particularly easy to correct. Had it happen on my second one. I've heard others discuss this.

Daiwa just released a new Procyon LT which looks like the best bang for the buck. It has the Zaion frame like the Tatula. All the LT's are very nice. I have two Fuegos and they are very good.

Where I fish they come here: