The Bassman

Old stuff connected with one's family has value far beyond it's practical value. My father in law gave me an old Shakespeare fly rod and automatic reel that I'll never use but would never get rid of.

Neither Casitas has X-Ship. I've had them both apart. Shimano's tech rep Dan Thorburn explained that on another site. The USDM and JDM feel the same.The MGL spool is considerably lighter and gives some casting advantage. They're both good reels but exhibit that slight geariness that comes with beefy gears and lack of pinion support. The guys at TT confused the Super Free pinion bearing for X-Ship. It's not the first time I've seen these guys make some real bonehead calls.

Curado is definitely smoother because of the X-Ship bearing. Also, was not a fan of the plastic feel to the reel although it has been mentioned that it was warmer to the touch in cold weather.

I know the feeling being an overweight bottom feeder.

Casitas is OK. I had two, the US version and the JDM MGL. But for a few bucks more the I series will do better as they're on clearance in anticipation of a redux this summer.

Ned rig and small paddletails like Swimmin' Fluke Jr. on 1/16-1/8 head will keep you very busy. Good luck.

I dearly love to wade creeks. It's a big disappointment when I occasionally cross paths with someone on the same stretch. If we're wading in the same direction I turn around. If we're going opposite I continue. Either way he's got as much right to be there as I do. Meeting someone with like interests makes the situation enjoyable.

First off, I notice that you're a newer member so I want to welcome you. Secondly, I can relate to your concerns. I've been in the same situation. Much of what's been said is true regarding the privilege to fish the pond. I've learned that I can't control other's behavior and have to accept that. Likely a lot of those larger bass have been removed. People are going to keep larger fish regardless of their eating quality. Seek out other ponds. I'm a shore fisherman and have always had to find new spots as others went away. Good luck.

It's great right now. Just be prepared for nonstop canoe traffic from local liveries especially as the weather warms up. Doesn't seem to bother the bass, though.

First off welcome to these forums. I'm pretty sure BPS has a decent house brand combo for under 100. I'd go for about a 7 weight combo as the flies you'll be using are not large and wind resistant. You'll want a stout leader not over 6'. It'll make casting easier. As far as flies anything size 4 or 6 that looks like some bottom dwelling creature. Wooly Buggers are popular. If you're fortunate to have mulberries close by a purple or black egg pattern can be real good in the late spring. Good luck and hang on. Sounds like fun.

Now that my friend is the good life! Step out the back door and get to work. Wish I had that when the spouse is getting difficult (or maybe it was me).

I pinch the barbs on my trebles to make unhooking easier on the fish and me. Don't fish tournaments so a jump off is no big deal. It's all for fun. (I keep telling myself this) LOL

Good thoughts as I've let gill hooked bass spoil my day. Thanks.

It seems like every spring we get a spell of decent wading water followed by weeks of rain. I try to seize it while I can.

Made my first wade the other day. Lots of smallie action on small paddletails including one 18 incher. Water was 60 deg. so not bad on bare legs. Life is good again!

One thing that bugs me about it is that if you have any roughness to your fingers (like from lipping bass) it causes the line to fuzz and separate. Two selling points, though. It's silent and casts a mile as long as you keep it new.

I find myself becoming less impressed with this line over time. It doesn't last long and quickly loses it's casting advantages. Just wondering if other guys have recent observations.

Spincasting has introduced a lot of people to this sport (including me) who would have gotten frustrated otherwise. That said, there's no denying that spinning and casting win hands down as far as efficiency and power. If one is proficient with spinning he would do well to stay there. You can get a straight drop just fine with it.

That would work for a finesse application. It's only .10 mm dia. Back your reel with some mono to the point that it's at least 3/4 full then topshot with the braid.

What gets my attention is that retro fly rod. Is that an old Fenwick? Really neat to see.

I think the idea with "precision wound" is that the line diameter stays more consistent when it's not randomly spooled on itself. Really doesn't seem likely to me. Sufix is great but so are others.

I cheat. If I notice my line stacking to one side I loosen my drag a little and let the drag slip on the high side. I then add line on the low side as the line guide alternates. I know it's not dead even but things even out after a few casts anyhow.

Agree completely. The catch-22 is that you've got to have sponsors to finance these shows and it holds otherwise skilled anglers hostage to their products. Other discussions have addressed this. I'd really like to know the favorite products of fishing celebrities based on real observation. Never gonna happen, though.

I thought I was really holding court the other day cranking lipless and slaying 12-15 inchers in my friend's pond when his little girl proceeds to nail two bass on her Barbie combo and plastic worm hooked like live bait!

Double your eye loop to make the "Fishin' Fool" variation of the uni and you're golden.