The Bassman

My dad instilled the love of fishing in me. That said, we rarely did very well. I guess my "skill mentor" was media such as magazines, TV, internet, and my own experiences. One would like to think that everyone had a teacher but I bet I'm not alone.

If weight isn't an issue the Curado is bulletproof and very smooth. It's almost 3 oz. heavier than the Met and quite a bit bulkier. if you pick up a Met you might not go back. Some guys do complain that the aluminum gears lose their smoothness with time. Some are even swapping them out for a brass Curado K gearset. The DHSV's will last forever with care. Again, it's a matter of how comfortable you are now with the curados. They both are great casters.

I primarily fish ponds. For me wind is the key to success. Something about a ruffled surface that makes the difference between a 20-30 fish session and nothing but a few dinks. Others may have different experiences but that's how it seems to work for me, at least during "normal" fishing season. Less wind doesn't seem to slow my winter bite plus it makes things much more tolerable.

St Croix does. I have a couple of Loomis Classic Bass but I'm thinking they may be discontinued. Would be nice if more companies would make them available. FWIW a lot of 6'6" are close to 6' but with longer rear grips.

I've smelled bluegill beds many times. It's that fresh fish slime smell you get on your hands after handling fish.

Gun oil (a lot of guys use Rem) is fine on spool bearings but everything else needs grease or higher viscosity oil. By the way, your post will probably get moved to the Rod, Reel, & Line forum.

Also, don't forget that the rotor nut is reverse threaded.

Well then no fishing on a clear day in Antarctica?

As much as I try to practice what I preach about line management I still get the occasional "surprize". What gets me into trouble is not paying attention to my spool when I'm absorbed in my fishing. If you see a small loop you need to make a long cast past it to clean it out.

I was told it was .9mm.

Would be curious as to your impressions of this reel compared to others you've used.

I think the weather has more impact on the fisherman than the fish. If I'm resigned that I'm not going to do well I usually don't. Some of my best days were during some of the least favorable weather conditions. That said I have found that a sunny, calm, post frontal condition is really tough. I always seem to do best when there's at least a breeze. Good luck.

Both JDM and USDM have the Exsence. JDM also has Exsence CI4+ which is just a more expensive Stradic CI4+ FB. The Vanquish is slightly above the Exsence but still below the Stella.

There's no square hole. The handle screws in.

Feathering the spool lip with your index finger accomplishes the same thing.

We did exactly the same thing in the drainage ditch behind our house. Our side yard is full of "mud volcanoes" right now. Wonder what my neighbor would think about a 65 year old man dangling a string in them?

Hank Parker still likes 'em.

This. Except for me the challenge is to give one bait a chance. Always thinking that something else may be better. Just yesterday I was cleaning up with a small bladebait then decided to try other options. Cycled through several lures then came back where I started and picked up where I left off.

Did you hear about the guy who travelled all the way to Alaska just for the halibut?

I get a kick out of reading JDM Shimano's description of their clicking BC drags as "exciting drag sound".

My Fuego LT's have a distinct sound that's not unpleasant when casting. Must just be a spool lip design thing. I use lighter braids so 15-20 lb. PP (assuming 4 strand) would be louder. Also, it would be more noticeable if the spool is not completely full.

Seems nobody's talking about the 13 polymer bushings anymore. Just out of curiosity I bought two pairs and put them in a Chronarch MGL and a Scorpion 200. Not exaggerating but the difference was dramatic. Everybody blew them off as hype. I can't speak about durability because I actually baitcast very little. But as far as distance and smoothness goes they have been a real eye opener. Contrary to claims they do work better with a little oil. I'm using TSI 321. One word of advice, though. They don't stand up to any of the usual tactics to get them out of the brake sideplate. Once you put them in don't try to take them out unless you intend on changing them. They deform very easily.

I'm in. Should work perfect with my Banjo Minnows.

Zodias is my go to for spinning now. Crazy light, sensitive, and great ergos.