The Bassman

If you're not comfortable working on your own reel just take it back. I enjoy tinkering and getting everything to my "specs".

I really can't tell without holding the reel. You mentioned that the clicking went away with drag tension. I think you're fine. I'd still clean and regrease the internals.

Welcome, Dennis. I'm from Indy, but I can give you one good lead. In Fisherman magazine called the south shore of Lake Michigan a real sleeper for trophy smallmouth. It mentioned fishing man made structure just about anywhere along shore. Best of luck!

Any sound the reel is making with the drag backed off is a non issue if it doesn't do it otherwise. I've noticed no "geariness" with my I series reels. As recommended have the reel cleaned and regreased. I've had new Shimanos that were actually lacking grease on the gears. As far as the handle knobs go I always take mine apart, clean and relube with oil, not grease. Be careful not to lose the shim under each outer bushing. They're really thin but you'll know if they're missing.

Seems to be a lower/mid tier graphite framed model from the early 90's. Certainly worth more for sentimental value than function vs. newer gear that is available. A tear down, clean & lube will help. Spool it up with some 12lb. mono and let us know.

Agree completely. You might have to explain who Benny Hill was.

A 2500 size reel is perfect for most applications. As much as I enjoy the lightness of a 1000 size reel I find that my line management suffers. Some here use the smaller reels exclusively. I fish from shore so distance is more critical for me. I spin fish with braid only. Fluoro definitely benefits from a larger arbor.

I hook bass on top of the head with treble hook baits pretty often. It's not unusual to have one knock a topwater in the air. Whats a real rush is to have one "porpoise" by jumping and striking a bait as he lands!

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The go to food in early BASS days was Vienna Sausages. Myself, I just eat big before I get there. Creek wading doesn't allow for too much extra. On hot days I'll carry water. I've paid dearly for not doing that with leg cramps that night.

Where's our engineer when you really need him?

Man, what a weekend! 60's yesterday, upper 50's today. Got out twice. Caught two big crappie on Ned rig Fri. when it was still chilly. Tried the same today but got bored and went lipless. Bass really turned on for about an hour and a half. No bigs but a couple of dozen from 12-17". Good for reflecting on for the next few weeks as the cold weather is about to return.

Gonna try a retention pond I fish regularly tomorrow. The water stays pretty clear. Thought a real slow ned rig presentation might click. Algae is nil now so I shouldn't have much trouble with scum.

As has been stated the IPT doesn't change with handle length. However, a shorter handle will tend to pick up more line in a shorter time period because it tends to spin faster because of it's shorter radius. The trade off is a loss of torque. One can consciously slow it down. Hope this makes sense.

Barbless hooks sure are nice when a dink bass shakes and leaves one in your hand. I crimp the barbs on all of my treble hooks. Granted I may lose a few fish but I'm fishing for fun, not money.

Homer Circle once said that only the fish know and they're not talkin'.

Sounds like a natural for the Ned Rig.

Go to Tackle Trap and order a 96mm Metanium handle. Don't forget to order the plastic nut retainer, too. I'm assuming you're referring to the Curado 200 I. If it's an older Curado, you'll need to get a straight handle. Everything stock Shimano is 84mm(I think) or less. Go to fishshopshimano.com. Other than that there are several aftermarket options that can be pricey.

If experience holds true our spring will come just as it typically does. These January teasers are just cruel jokes. We'll probably be shoveling this rain in a couple of weeks. I can remember one exception, though. In 2012 spring came very early and was followed with unprecedented heat and drought. Typically our bass start fanning nests in late April.

If you want to see serious trash walk the 56th St. causeway on the south (rocky side). It's saddening. I remember when Eagle Creek reservoir opened to the public in 1970 how nice it was.

For a long time I tried to convince myself to focus on baitcasting because that was what the "cool" people used. As a shore bound angler that focuses on lighter presentations I have to admit that spinning makes me a better fisherman. That said, I love to tinker with and tune my baitcasters. When circumstances allow I enjoy using them.

I have a Cabela's Tourney Trail 5'9" ML that I really like. It's super light and plenty durable. Seems to go on sale regularly, too.

I really miss the way the BST show was when I was kid. It used to have a stage show with lumberjacks and even a motorcycle cage of death. My biggest memory was meeting R.V. "Gadabout Gaddis". In those days manufacturers had booths showcasing new products. I guess costs have eliminated those things.

Bail springs broke pretty regularly, too.

Early used to be my go to. Prefer P.M. now just because it's easier (work schedule, no chill & dew, me being lazy).