The Bassman

Somehow I don't think you broke even. I'm always telling my wife that I'm selling one to buy another. Been there, done that. Seriously, tell us how the Bantam fishes.

I know my Scorpion 200 (JDM Curado I) has to have the side plate perfectly snug to engage the switch. Two things: 1. Don't try to close the sideplate with tension on the cast control knob. (The knob on the handle side) 2. Make sure the switch is fully engaged.

This. I would add that I enjoy the endless choices of hard baits. In truth bass tackle choices can be simplified but what fun is that?

I would say that the technology of Shimanos (and others) from say 10-15 years ago isn't inferior to today's. Some of these reels cast at least as good as new stuff. As mentioned the main improvements have been with weight and ergonomics. I have a Curado 100B with a Chronarch 50 MG spool that casts as well as anything I own. Biggest concern with these reels is parts availability.

Fished a close by neighborhood lake for a couple of hours. Beautiful cool evening and non-stop action. Three were better than 3 lbs. Caught most on a t-rigged hula stickz.

I agree. The numbers are out of sequence. I just look for the part name then apply the #. Makes no sense.

Fuego 3000 LT would appear comparable to a 35 size pflueger but considerably lighter.

Don't know Pfluegar comparisons but mine is the same spool diameter as my Shimano 2500's and 3000. Perfect bass size.

Have been using a Fuego 3000 LT for my heavier spinning recently and I absolutely love it. It feels as smooth as my Stradic CI4+'s. What I really like is the 5.8:1 ratio with the larger spool. Lots of torque plus good IPT.

Neighborhood lakes like the one behind you comprise most of my fishing activity. As much as I love to wade for smallmouth this approach is becoming much more practical for me because of some foot issues. And let's face it; these ponds are darn productive.

Have noticed lately that the site is offline early each morning. I love getting up and checking posts. Anybody know what's up?

Evolution. DNA morphing to create a defense mechanism against the evolving skills of bass fishermen so we won't want to handle them.

Just turned 64 and have noticed a marked change in the past five years. My trade (painting) has a lot to do with it. Repetitive movement for 44 yrs. and arthritis really is putting a kink in my mobility. But probably the biggest obstacle is weight. It wears out knees and feet. My advice to younger folks is not to think you'll always be a 34 waist. I wish I had been more proactive sooner.

They're both great reels. Eight lbs. of drag is plenty for spinning. Drag ratings are way over thought vs. what is necessary.

Anything Shimano will fit. The main thing that I didn't like on that handle was the small knobs. You can order knobs from larger reels at fishshop.shimano.com. Don't forget to order the seals that cover the screw on each knob. The 84mm shank on that reel is perfect.

On a related topic it seems that the site gos down for a while every night or early morning. Curious as to why.

That last one looks like he ate a football.

Lots of info on the Tube. Bantam is smaller.

Today was my Memorial Day holiday. Have to work through the weekend. Fished my favorite HOA lakes this morning and had steady action using a Bandit Footloose shallow crank. No bigs but lots of 1-2.5 lbrs. I wanted to creek wade but had to do a car shuffle with my wife because of a repair so time wouldn't let me. Streams are absolutely perfect right now.

I bet that Mepps #3 would do a number on the river right now. Levels are perfect.

First compact Scorp was the 1000 which is basically the Curado 100B and D with a different SVS system. The only 50 sized Scorp was the 1000 XT which was the same as the Curado and Chronarch 50E. Still a lot of love for these reels.

Sounds like you're referencing two different reels. The original 1500 was the JDM version of the Curado SF from the late 90's early 2000. The 1500XT was the JDM Curado 200E from the 2008-2013 period. Edit: Forgot that Scorp 1500 was preceded by model that was the same as our 90's Curado B hence the deeper spool. I'm guessing these are the reels you're talking about. Sorry about the confusion. Side note: Guys practically fight over good condition Curado 200E's while JDM 1500XT's go unnoticed. Maybe it's the funky plum color.

I'm completely confused now. I had it figured that bass were finishing up spawning and have started to recover. Went out this morning and caught several on a wakebait and soft jerks including one over four lb. They were chasing bait in typical summer fashion. So then I read @Team9nineover in the pics thread and he says they're just starting. If anything he's south of me. What are you guys observing?

My wife had severe carpal tunnel in both wrists and had this done. Good as new in no time. Each surgery took only minutes (but 2K of my cash) and healed in a matter of days.

I was talking about the split rings on the hook hangers. I actually swap out my line tie split rings for snaps. I have trouble staying away from the exposed ends when knotting to split rings. Will cause your knot to fail real fast.