The Bassman

It could be said that we all have bigger fish to fry but honestly it would bug me too. I bought a JDM Zodias spinning rod for a great price that had one guide slightly askew. My OCD had me looking at it all the time but after much use the preoccupation with it wore off.

This is a favorite of mine. Curado 100B with Chronarch 50 MG spool. An updated handle to finish it and this reel casts and performs as good as anything current (at least in my opinion).

Sufix rates their lines one size lighter. Seige 4lb. is most manufacturer's 6. Speaks well of the product that it manages well for you. Good abrasion resistance, too.

After trying lots of brands I've settled on 832. Quiet and trouble free. I use different colors to ID strength.

Glad to hear someone else say this. I've beat the drum over and over that diameter, not lb. test should determine one's choice.

Neighborhood lakes I fish have been real good. Weed growth is forcing me to start using different tactics than I prefer but I'm still having a blast. I haven't done much creek wading to this point because I've been having so much fun on dry ground.

Interesting read. You would think with the low #'s on double uni and alberto that you would hear of break offs. Nobody on here seems to have a problem with them.

Would be kind of welcome in the middle of winter.

Lots of good advice dispensed here. What caught my attention is the OP's insightfulness in his questions. This guy is gonna be good at this in time.

Can't attest to sensitivity but fine rods with high quality components. Frequently on sale at Cabela's.

Two things. You do need a little distance (1/16-1/8") especially if you're still learning. Second, braid isn't cheap. I always back my reels with something cheap or left over then top shot with maybe 60-70 yds. of the good stuff.

Nice looking combo. I handled that rod in Dick's and really liked it. Just not sure about the ss guides. Also, just a tip. Add some more backing on the reel to bring the line up a bit, maybe halfway to the edge. It'll cast farther and retrieve faster. You'll probably need to turn your dial up a little.

Had that happen with a buzzbait when creek fishing for smallmouth. Bird got lassoed around the leg. I reeled him in and both of us didn't know what to do as he just stood there on the gravel bar with me. Then I witnessed something that I bet no one has ever seen. He got in the water and took off swimming. (I opened my bail) Looked like a Fisher-Price duck with its wings spinning. Reeled him back and reluctantly cut the line leaving the lure attached. He swam off again across the creek and disappeared in the brush.

These were my go to spinning reels thirty years ago. Really neat that you have them brand new. Unfortunately I don't think there's really much demand for them. New stuff is way better for actually less money in 1988 dollars. That's not to say they wouldn't serve well. I sure caught a lot of bass on them. One thing you'll notice is the lack of balance at the rotor. Today's reels have no wobble at all. Also, the spools aren't designed for braid. The rounded edges beg for wind knots. Everyone used mono then.

Never have to lie about it. She works a lot of hours and when she's home she's happy to spend time with the cats and watch her fixer upper shows. If I'm there I want to watch some cheesy B movie or Sanford and Son reruns.

By "last night" I'm presuming you meant after dark. I'd be scared to death of that thing. LOL

Well put and welcome to the forums.

I was skeptical at first but it works great for me. Make sure your drag is tight so the spool turns when you're pressing down with your thumb. I have noticed that it's more difficult when the tangle is near the edge of the spool. Sometimes it takes a few tries to work.

It's new news. Coming with I-Cast likely.

Thanks for attaching those videos @NHBull.

Search videos that show how to clean up backlashes simply by thumbing and hard reeling through the tangle. You'll never need a pick again.

I considered one of their rods at one point. Was convinced after some research that it's reasonably good stuff. Didn't buy as I'm a sucker for compulsive purchases when I don't really need anything. With a sale like that what's to lose? Maybe I'll take another look. LOL

Spool shaft should be clean and dry. Just light oil on the bearings.

Here's a trick for that spool bearing. Take a magic marker or Sharpie cap and fill it with mineral spirits. Don't use anything stronger because there's an o-ring on the bearing that will get damaged. Immerse the shaft in the pen cap and move it around. Spin the bearing and do it again. Let it dry and re-oil. I do it with my Ald 50 all the time.

Got out this morning just before the rain. Excellent action on wacky Zinker. Rain set in for good about 10:00 but was more thankful for it than disappointed for cutting my fishing short. Ponds have been dropping lately. It's too early for that.