The Bassman

I've owned a fair amount of Shimano stuff but at the end of the day I can't do better than my 15 Aldebaran 50. I tried to convince myself repeatedly as to how great the 50E series was. It didn't matter if it was mid price, high end, JDM, or USDM they were all geary under load. That's been a topic in other forums. As far as 200 size I love my Scorpion 200. Smooth as silk. On the older side I have a Scorpion 1000 and Curado 100B that I'll never let go of.

I start looking at new stuff. Funny, when i'm busy with fishing I don't pay that much attention to it. Now that I can't get out I get preoccupied with rods and reels.

When I'm wade fishing I can sometimes land my smallmouth by lifting them out of the water with one hand under the belly (their's). I read one time that it has a calming effect. It works pretty well but I have to be standing in at least knee deep water and keep them balanced. Same technique should work well from a small boat or yak.

Is the male called a bravefish? (Just kidding). I"ve heard those things get really big. Researched after posting this and I think I'm confusing squawfish with sheefish. Based on what I read that's a real big one.

I think it's a great idea. We get so caught up in "newer and better" that we forget the essence of the sport. I say go for it.

Curious to hear. I've been a Shimano man for years but there's a lot of other stuff that's good.

I've had the exact problem on one of my Shimano spinners but not the others. I've come to the conclusion that it's something related to my simultaneous casting and manual bail closing that doesn't give the line a chance to get to the roller. It happens with lures like buzz baits that have to get moving right away. Why one reel and not another........who knows? As far as solutions you feel it immediately and have to flick it in place with your finger. A real PITA.

Looks like heaven on earth for the sport fisherman. Betting it's a trifle chilly there right now.

Looks like a wood J-Plug. They're used a lot in the pacific northwest for trolling for salmon.

Shimano's got the patent on that brake hub. Aftermarket spool manufacturers have pullers to transfer the stock hub onto their spool. I'd guess you bought a stock spool from someone who did just that. Hedgehog Studio sells a mag brake kit for that spool but the cost and hassle doesn't merit the effort when you can just order the stock spool and brake from Shimano. Just call their customer service and they'll take care of you.

Welcome. My first wife was from central CA. Make sure that you cull out anything that's not a keeper.

The knob is removable and can be ordered from Shimano without ordering the entire handle assembly. Any aftermarket 'A' style knob will fit. I think a Hawgtech Winn Grip would be perfect. Footnote: Just found out Winn Grips only fit Hawgtech's baitcasting handles.

I'll go one step further. I love the bigger septon PGII knobs on my baitcasters so I swapped out the EVA knob on my current CI4+. They all interchange. If you spin fish left handed make sure to get the left handed knob. Shimano's backordered now but other vendors carry them. Don't forget to get a knob cap, too.

Mine are the same. The older vbs reels had different size spares. There's actually little if any difference in weight between sizes. It's the amount of "footprint" the brake creates that affects casting.

Good advice. If you're fishing reasonably open water braid is abrasion resistant enough. And I sincerely believe it doesn't spook fish especially in lower tests. I like 24 lb. Gliss. It's a lot thinner than it's rating would indicate. (closer to 6 lb. Sufix 832). I've found the Fishin' Fool knot to be perfect. It's easily found online. Good Luck.

There's a lot of good lines and as you can see you're getting plenty of suggestions. One thing I learned a while back is to compare lines by diameter ( in mm not inches). There's no common standard for strength ratings.

I've got that reel and it's phenomenal. There's a little toggle on the back edge of the sideplate that you have to flip first. Then proceed like was said.

What he said.

I'm drowning in nostalgia. Thanks guys!

That would work but be careful. I saw a thread in another forum (can't remember which) that showed how to use a rubber band to keep things from getting lost. I still say all that is unnecessary.

Bass Buster was the company that introduced the Beetle and Beetle spin. The company sponsored Virgil Ward's "Championship Fishing" in the 60's and early 70's. He always concluded his episodes with "So long and good luck with your fishing".

Don't use acetone on an ARB. The case is plastic. Stick with spirits. Just soak it longer. The grease will dissolve if you just swish it around a little. Don't be tempted to take it apart either. Just clean it intact and lightly oil it. Again, I'm a big fan of TSI 321. It's long lasting and corrosion inhibiting.

Baitcaster spool bearings are the only ones that benefit from thorough flushing. Actually, I think the bearing cleaning fad (ultrasonic cleaning, canned air and such) is losing interest. I occasionally soak mine in mineral spirits, spin and air dry. A shot of TSI 321 and I'm done.

This past season I used a Cabela's Pro Guide 5'9". It's on sale now for $35.00. Nothing sexy or high end but it works great for wading creeks. There's longer models, too. Plenty sensitive for this technique. The gentleman that popularized this method uses much older, less trendy equipment.

And lest we forget...........Certainly the smoothest reel ever.