The Bassman

Really nice pic. I'm considering this reel. Give us a review. Thnx.

Saw the wind yesterday as an opportunity and jumped on some lipless action on one of my favorite ponds. I only fished for 45 min. after working in the morning close by. Nonstop action including one close to 5 lb. No wind today but gave it a go in one customer's retention pond. Couldn't keep the dinks off my bait but managed to catch my best in many years on a 9" bass that hit my crank. The fish had to be close to 7 lb.! Even the little guy survived the ordeal. Makes me want to take up swimbaiting.

Sounds great! I'm going to go against popular thinking a little bit, though. I've found gear ratios above 7 to be too fast for me. Some cranks like wakebaits and spinnerbaits want to roll over. I think this 7:1, 8:1, etc. are more marketing. Guys that fish contact baits will certainly disagree. An outfit dedicated to heavier apps. will do better with a modest 6:1 ratio. At one time 6:1 was unheard of. Just had to stir the pot. LOL

I've got mine in the past from Big Green Fish. He lists the reel you mentioned. Smoooth Drag (not misspelled) is another one.

They most definitely add pressure if run dry or with minimal grease and last forever. Composite washers like dartanium deteriorate into a mass of goo. I don't know about other manufacturers but Shimano has moved away from them.

Closest I can think of is Blue River near Fredricksburg and Milltown but it's way east of you. Supposed to be some of the best smallmouth water in the state. Right now would be prime time.

I've been cranking since early Sept. and doing pretty well. Granted, I'm fishing smaller waters where location isn't as difficult and fish are easier to catch. I really enjoy moving baits over contact when I can.

If I'm not mistaken I think Shimano's intent is to leave all four brakes on and adjust with the dial. Keep cast control tension minimal. The point made earlier to not snap cast is good advice. I just lightly roll cast sidearm. That said, some lures just catch the air wrong and you have to be quick with the thumb. Hope this helps.

I've got the Ald. 50. Just got in from some lively UL lipless action. Absolute pleasure fishing in combo with Loomis IMX 722.

Just messin' with you. Very healthy solid fish.

I wouldn't give that frog 8 oz. Oh, you mean the bass. Depends on how far your arm is stretched out.

Very true. I catch more fish with fewer baits on hand. That said, what's the fun in not having more toys?

Sounds like you've got a real good situation. Options are limitless. The wacky worm suggestion is pretty foolproof. Your spinnerbaits and chatterbait would be great too. The cranks would be effective if you can get them past the snags. They'll deflect off of bigger stuff and trigger strikes. The soft jerks are good too. Lots of choices. Have fun and let us know how you do.

Anybody getting e-mails like a couple of weeks ago concerning login? I'm fine since I followed prompts to add my signature but I keep getting the e-mail.

Here in central In we're back in the dog days. Highs around 90. Went out early this morning and just pretended it was mid July. Buzzbait and weightless wacky worm made for some memorable action. Three 4 lb. and several 3's. Life is good, fall or not. Just really need some rain. I was walking mud flats that were under a foot or two of water earlier. I thought our fall pattern began earlier this month but somebody knew better.

Our geese would hitch hike before they would migrate on their own. They've become domesticated. Also, just try fishing near them in early spring when they're mating. Flapping your arms and honking at them is more effective than trying to get away. Makes for great entertainment for homeowners looking out their windows, too.

This site showed me two very important things; TSI 321 oil and Yamaha Blue Marine grease.

I don't know about other states but the geese here have more rights than people. If you've ever been around a pond where they congregate the smell is horrible (and hazardous for people with respiratory issues). There's even a trade that specializes in repelling them. You're just not allowed to harm them.

Tom obviously doesn't live in my neck of the woods. Ducks and geese are a year 'round nuisance here.

I know what you mean. It gets so raw that you dread lipping them because you just know they're gonna shake.

Since getting on to a few ponds close by I get out pretty much daily. Some guys unwind with a beer after work. I prefer to wrestle with a few bass. Mellows me a bit before the wife gets home.

Haven't used it but like Smackdown. One thing is constant between lines, though. Strength is dependent on diameter not stated tensile strength. Other variables like abrasion resistance, smoothness, and handling can vary from line to line. That said, Smackdown is very thin and tests close to stated strength. I believe G-Soul is at least if not more pricey. 6 lb. 832 is at least as strong as 10lb. power pro and both are as strong as 20 lb. Smackdown.

One of the most important lessons I've learned this year is to assess conditions and location and focus on a very limited lure selection. When I start jumping from bait to bait my success tanks. True, there might be that one lure and presentation I don't try that really rings the cash register but day in and day out I do best with this approach.

I fully appreciate the benefits of longer rods and their necessity in certain apps but personally prefer rods under 6'6". Lightness, accuracy, and maneuverability in tight places are key to me.

I fish smaller waters such as creeks and retention ponds. This summer has produced the best largemouth fishing I've ever experienced in both size and numbers. I can attribute a lot of this to what I've read on these forums and from a member introducing me to some prime spots. That said, I tend to be very protective of my "honey holes". In reflection though it occurred to me that lots of big fish isn't the essence of our sport. (Did I just say that?). As hard as it is to believe, one can become bored catching 3-5 lbrs. all morning. It gives one pause to open up a little. (maybe)