The Bassman

I can definitely relate to this. It's one reason I tend to use straight braid. That said, the current topic reinforces the need to use different lines in certain instances. I don't know how some guys keep from getting tangled using straight braid with topwater. I haven't been as lucky. Really a pain when the line gets in a split ring.

Turned 64 today and finally bought my license. Had confined all my fishing to this point in HOA lakes (with great success). Indiana lets you buy a lifetime permit at 64. I've been wanting to wade real bad lately as the creeks are pristine. Got out this afternoon and caught a bunch of rock bass and a couple of decent smallies (14 and 16") on ned tube. Feels good to get wet again.

My understanding is that Castleton and Greenfield are it around here.

I'm in Gander regularly. No better, no worse than GM was. No store brands like GM. They better start advertising or they'll not be around long. The store is never busy.

All work and no play will make you old and grouchy before your time. Let's try not to let this happen again. Welcome back and let us know how that combo works out. I fished pistol grip rods years ago but if I cast one now it feels like I'm going to throw it in the lake.

Are you sure yours didn't come with winding spacers. They're white. After being a Shimano fan boy forever I tried one. I got the 3000 for some heavy spinning work and it seems as smooth as my CI4+ FA's. No line management issues either.

This. ^^^ New model Lightning Rods are very light and mirror more expensive Fenwicks. (same manufacturer)

I'm understanding that the spool is heavier than the 70 even though it's shallower. Let us know how it casts.

Did get a couple on a spook the other day but my go to right now seems to be a Baby 1-Minus, especially with a little wind blowing.

Excellent. Reminds me of something I would see on In Fisherman.

Ponds I fish are full of nesting activity. They're fairly deep. I could see fanned out areas about 2-3 feet down. Slow rolled a Baby 1 Minus over them and had lots of fun.

I fish a lot of neighborhood lakes and the combination of increased sunlight and lawn fertilizer runoff makes for a real mess. I find that the problem ebbs and flows throughout the season. Also, HOAs contract to have them treated. I'm convinced that the practice is detrimental to the fish population especially if over applied. One of my favorite ponds took a bad hit last year. The bass looked starved to death and are just now recovering.

Caught my biggest bass with that reel over 25 yrs. ago. Like @WRB said don't be concerned with bearing upgrades. The distance you mentioned with good control sounds great. If you do choose to swap them they should be standard Shimano 3x10x4. Just a drop of oil on the stock ones will probably loosen the reel up quite a bit. Also, wipe off the spool shaft and frame where the spool runs.

I'm up that way a lot. Had in-laws spend a lot of time at Westminster across Sunnyside. Keep showing us more fish. Good luck.

Glad to see some success for you. You had me worried that you were giving up earlier. Neighborhood looks familiar. I paint all over Indy.

Should we fish em or leave em alone and focus on other species for now? Just curious what everyone thinks.

Ordered some of the hooks mentioned above and they recommend jumping two sizes.

I'm on foot and have no way of keeping fish unless I stop right then and leave. Crawfish and turtles serve a purpose.

There's a neat trick that I've used with gut hooked singles. It involves reaching in through the gills and pulling the line through to orient the hook in such a way that the point will come straight out with long nose pliers or better yet surgical forceps. Trebles tangled in a fish's gills are another matter.

I thought about the balance issue. These particular hooks are one size larger than stock so the weight is pretty close. Actually, I've been fishing these baits with the larger trebles for some time with no problems. It is one reason though why I don't want to arbitrarily do it to all my baits yet.

Have given some serious thought concerning my treble hook baits after mortally gill hooking a nice bass this past weekend. I modified one of my Ripp'n Raps and took it for a test drive. Caught several including this good one with none getting loose. Notice that even the barbs are crimped. I'm not quite ready to change out all my lures but it is something to consider.

Really think it's time to put this thread to rest.

Before I got into maintaining my reels properly I thought I was an accomplished caster. It's amazing what clean bearings and spool shaft will do to humble you.

Did a carbon copy redux today. One was a little better than 5. Gill hooked a three lbr. real bad. I know it's just a fish but I hate to do that. @Team9nine has an article on his blog about going barbless. I pinched down my hooks on my lipless and really didn't notice any less success staying pinned. Something to consider.

I'm starting to think I've created a monster with this topic. Had no idea it would go this long.