The Bassman

Thanks Darren. I remember now you mentioning those specs. I'm a shore fisherman and distance makes a bigger difference to me.

Darren, what's your upper end lb. test with the 1000's? I'm using 5lb. PP on mine for winter finesse. I like the smaller reel but have had less than stellar casting distance with heavier braids. Sorry for straying off topic.

I don't think there's much if any weight difference between the two. As stated, the 2500 would seem more versatile. I'm a Shimano user myself but I think Daiwa's 2500 is more comparable to Shimano's 2000. I've had my eye on the Tat LT because the only way I can get a higher end Shimano in a 2000 is JDM with a ridiculously shallow spool.

December fishing just keeps getting better. Caught ten this afternoon including four about this size. All came on a shortened Z-Man Hula Stikz ned rigged. Looks like we might keep cheating winter here in Indiana.

Factors like wind, lure choice, line, etc. are too variable to recommend a given setting. Different combinations of brake settings and spool tension accomplish the same thing.

That wind got vicious as the temp was dropping. Finished a paint job at a customers' house and fished his lake for about 45 min. before I had enough. Caught 8 with one decent one around two lbs.

I finally start doing things around the house that don't get done. December should have been a productive month in that department but open water and about 120 bass said otherwise.

My typical outing consists of one rod, a few baits in a velcro lure wrap, scissors, forceps (instead of pliers), and a rag. Sneakers dedicated to trampling goose poop and mud and I'm good to go.

Got out for a bit before Christmas Eve get together. We got down in the mid 20's the night before so I couldn't get a line in the water until after 2:00 because of ice. Caught 4 including this nice one on coppertreuse TRD. I'm finding that this cold water fishing is more predictable than many other times. Just wish the fish could fight harder. Can't have everything I guess.

e-bay

The case for using hookless lures is convincing. In reality I yard fish not so much for practice but just for fun. With practice plugs you don't have to focus as much.

Funny they don't get the press they used to. Are chatterbaits that much better?

My wife asks me if I caught anything when I come in from the driveway. Being on a main road I tell her I didn't hook up but had a few looks.

Since my 12/12 post I've been out several times. I've actually had some of my best fishing in a good while these past few days. Have totalled close to fifty bass and a few crappie. Nothing real big but several between two and three lbs. (not the crappie). I guess I'm at an advantage in that I'm fishing small waters and especially during cold water I focus on the smaller ones so fish location is pretty much out of the equation. Still have to make em bite, though and MWF techniques have really shined. I keep joking that this is going to last all winter but at some point reality will certainly set in.

I had the same debate about hooks this past spring after gill hooking a couple of good bass. Ordered several packs of the Owner inlines and have gone back and forth on the matter with my other cranks. Thanks for your hands-on input.

Two questions: Any effect on lure action and any loss of hooking efficiency? I love blade baits but hate untangling my lure every other cast. I use straight braid which is quite limp and creates the problem.

Took advantage of some real nice weather today and caught several on a small marabou jig including this 3 lbr. Foul hooked a bigger one on a blade bait but didn't take pic because he (she) doesn't count. As slow as I was fishing I have to believe the fish took a swipe at it and got hooked in the side. I keep hoping I can keep this up all winter. Years past this would never happen in Indiana

I'm fortunate to have access to a few HOA lakes (I bank fish) that have a shad forage base. I've caught bass close to six lbs. from them. Have to believe there's a real big one waiting for me to post here some time. I agree that most ponds I fish with a bluegill forage base are limited in their potential to produce bass much over four lbs. Edit: Hope OP will excuse me for deviating from topic. @WRB's quote brought the thought to mind. Most of my better fish come on smaller baits because that's what I primarily use. Go figure.

I believe most premium reel oils are synthetic. I use TSI 321 which is synthetic.

I remember our discussion about this rod recently. Make sure to tell us how it works for you.

I decide to upgrade because it's snowing outside and everybody's having sales.

Took a hint from some members recently about the discontinued Sub Wart. Bought a few on e-bay in the small 4 size. Definitely a light tackle lure but a real blast on pond bass.

I'm pretty much open on the southeast side. The rain tonight and tomorrow will finish off everything else I would think. I'm doing a tropical dance(?) that we'll stay open. Thirty years ago I would have been hopping mad that the ice left. Funny what age does to you.

Been waiting for almost two weeks to get back out. Finally got rid of the ice today and got out briefly after some rain just before sundown. Only had about 45 min. but managed a couple on a 3" wacky Senko. Both were about this size. Not real big but a lot of fun in mid Dec. in Indiana. I'm planning to get out Sun. and have time to really focus.

Owner blockheads are my go to for ned rigging. They have a 1/32 version that helps keep the bait off the bottom so less snags. A light head and buoyant plastic helps to fish the bait properly. You're not jigging but rather swimming the lure. If wind makes control an issue I usually use a small blade bait. Those you can snag no matter what you do but they are effective.