The Bassman

New Scorp is a 150 so would essentially be an upgraded SLX with X-Ship.

I like the handle knob choice on the Hawgtechs. Never cared for the feel of Quantum's stock knobs, EVA or otherwise.

Sorry but I just saw this again. I put an Avail 2050 spool in a Citica I then moved it to a Scorpion 200 (Curado I). Makes a great reel unbelievably good. Also, it's not too shallow as to limit line choice.

For me it's late summer before the first real cold front (usually late Sept.). I call it the doldrums as the air can be very still. Except maybe for early morning topwater my success tanks when there's no wind. In the past I've mostly waded creeks at this time. Fishing can be great then. Because of some orthopedic issues that's less of an option now.

Both would be good choices but every sub 100.00 Daiwa reel I've ever handled felt smoother than anything Pflueger. Durability might be another matter. Several guys on here love their Pfluegers.

This is the place.

Practice with the wind behind you. Also, start out with about a 3/8 practice plug, not a lure. Then understand when factors such as lure profile and wind come into play that you'll have to adjust brakes and possibly spool tension accordingly. All these physics is the main reason I mostly spin fish. Except for heavy apps like flipping, punching, C-rigs, and such, spinning is very versatile and trouble free.

I think the answer here isn't lure choice as much as tackle choice. I bank fish (no straw hat and chair thank you) and fish mostly spinning. I love my BC outfits but day in and day out I have much more flexibility with spinning. I do agree with the lure suggestions to minimize slop issues. Bank fishing a suspending jerkbait isn't the same as casting from a boat.

Found it interesting that they're infused with squid. I picked up some regulars on clearance because I'm too cheap to spend that much on something that tears up so easily. Bass must like squid, though. They do catch fish.

You'll probably pass us all up by the end of July if history holds true. Always enjoy your pics and videos.

Whether one calls it washing off or wearing off KVD does lose its effectiveness fairly quick. Funny illustration; I use it on our mini blind cords to make them slick again and after a couple of months it wears away. Personal experience has shown it to be beneficial on my braid and mono. The best solution to the cost is to buy it in larger quantities, TW sells it in gallons.

I found this on google as I was researching and thought it beneficial to resurrect this thread. I did an unscientific test today on some real light Fins Windtamer that I'd fished all winter. It had lost about a third of its breaking strength compared to the unused portion when I reversed and tested it. The breaks were never at the knot but in the mainline. I think we give braid a pass (unlike mono) because most guys are using a high enough test that such a degradation wouldn't be noticed. I spin fish with a lot of under 10lb. so definitely need to change my thinking.

Put a little more line on your Stradic, about a 1/16" from the spool edge bevel. Will make a big diff.

That stuff sure makes an even, tidy backlash. Good advertisement for its manageability.

Call Shimano 877-577-0600. Also, spools are interchangeable. I move them around on my FA's. Also, I use a bigger baitcasting left hand knob. On the FB's a left hand Metanium, Chronarch, Bantam knob and seal would look great. (pt.# 4661, 5560).

I use little Flambeau Tuff Tainers for my terminal tackle. I have different boxes for different applications. I bank fish so they're handy for carrying in my pocket if I'm not wearing my vest.

I've had some real fun with Baby 1 Minus on the ponds I fish.

The HMG's I've picked up felt counterbalanced already. They feel very tip light but specs are heavier than similar rods with the same lengths and action.

Honestly, I like knowing what's going on with my bait as well. Tried the wandering no feel thing and really felt disconnected. Works for Ned Kehde evidently.

Ned.

Just saw your post. Looks like we're transitioning from winter tactics to spring. I'm starting to get them on chatterbaits and paddletail swimmers. Ned always works but I'm kind of ready for different methods after doing the finesse thing all winter. Have caught over 200 bass since early Dec. up to 5 lb. (most under 2). Best of luck.

Really didn't know much beyond Mepps spinners and Rapalas when I was a teenager wading creeks. I need to revisit that.

Tell that to @Bluebasser86's dog.

I'm actually somewhere in the middle. USDM too much, JDM not enough. I considered a Stradic 2000 CI4+HGS but all of Shimano's JDM shallow spools are too much so. Not enough capacity for anything except for low test braid.

Definitely want to stick with braid on that spool. Really shallow. Japanese are big on that. I never really understood their benefit on spinning reels.