The Bassman

As I mentioned in your other thread check out Daiwa's LT series.

As much as I like Shimano that's been one gripe I've had with them. I had a Symetre (which was a nice reel) that I took back because of it. Take it back. Daiwa has a new line of spinners in that price range and they're great.

I've had Shimano spinners in the past that would make a scuffing sound that coincided with the spool oscillation. I never was smart enough to figure if something was rubbing or was related to the oscillating gears and slider. I have Stradics now with worm gear oscillation. No problems now.

I don't think 832 is coated. Just the single gore-tex fiber.

Very informative video. Thanks.

Spinnerbait's a good lure to cover a lot of water. Doesn't seem as popular as it once was but the fish don't know what year it is. When I give it a chance it usually produces. A lot of guys have gone to chatterbaits. Buzzbaits seem to get more use about now and going into fall season.

Welcome. What part of IN are you located? I'm in Indy.

I'm a Shimano fanboy too, but just for fun I picked up a Fuego LT a while back. It's been perfect and that's coming from someone who fishes Stradic CI4+FA's.

I have a pair of 40.00 Cabela's spinning rods that fish better for me than my two Zodias. In my case comfort and utility outweigh sensitivity. That said, the Cabela's Pro Guides are very light and sensitive also.

Can't stress the importance of your index finger enough. Lightly "feather" the line with it during the cast. Close the bail manually with it then let it brush the line as you retrieve. Solves a lot of problems. Also, would recommend a .15-.25 mm braid (most brands 10-20 lb.) for that reel. I really like Sufix 832.

Two things: 50 lb. is too stout for spinning, frogging or not. Stay 30 or less. Also, keep you index finger straight and in contact with your line when retrieving.

April to Oct. a weightless wacky rigged stick worm (Senko type) will tell you a lot about the pond.

I'd upgrade the handle also, maybe a Hawgtech straight 90 mm. with Winn Grips.

I tried fly fishing in creeks in central IN but couldn't buy a strike in the tree branches.

Saw a broken rod with the tip taped to it in our local Cabela's Bargain Cave. They wanted to make sure you got the whole rod. What a bargain.

Broke my first one in recent memory a week ago. Was lipping a 2 lbr. on a Zodias 6'7" and somehow the slight tension on the rod tip snapped it. Really a bit of a mystery. Bought it on E-Bay so no warranty. It's now a heavy action 6'3". Only one I can remember before that was when I was a kid. Used to tie my rods (2 piece) to my bike and caught one with my leg once.

Had a real good morning. Lots of drizzle and October-like temps and lots of bass. To quote @Team9ninethe "sucker shot" paid off. In this case it was all the runoff coming into the ponds from the storm drains. Probably caught 30 or so, most 1-2 lbs. but several pushing 3.

Braid will slip out of the improved clinch real fast. Agree on the less line used. I mentioned in another thread that i minimize waste by carefully pushing my untightened knot up the line first. Leaves me with very little tag. If I get it just right I don't even have to trim.

Thanks for the link. Broke my first rod in many years last week. Very good and well timed info for me.

I assume you're meaning spool tension, not drag. Just add an extra shim under the cap.

My biggest regret this season was the near absence of creek wading. Will always be a smallmouth angler at heart.

I use a modified version of the uni called the fishn' fool which is simply a uni with the eye loop doubled.

They promote that rotor on the premise that it has a lighter startup. I have 3 CI4+ FA's and I can't imagine anything that's lighter as far as rotation. I'm afraid if I fished a new one it would make me rethink what I have.

Yeh, I'm what you might call an apex predator when it comes to chicken and ribs.

I thought you was a cop.