LCG

I have been trying both 10 and 15lb big game mono this year. And then switching between straight 30-40lb braid and then back to straight mono. What I have learned is interesting to me. 10lb big game has the diameter of 12lb mono if other lines. It's has been strong and very manageable in my Shimano SLX MGL 71 HG paied with a M-F casting rod. I have used this for 5/16 oz spinnerbaits (actual weight is .56 oz) and 1/8-3/16oz Texas rigged plastics. It has done very well and I think I will be keeping it on my reel. This is the bulk of fishing style and a spinning set up for finesse fishing. 15lb big game mono is the diameter of 17lb line at least and is less manageable on my Curado K 201 HG, but still doable. I prefer straight 40lb braid. Used for frogs, heavier spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs, heavier Texas rigs. Use this set up less often. I have used braid to leader for many years. Love it on my spinning set up and will not change that set up. But I dislike leaders on casting setups. What I found interesting was how the change in line had a strong effect on how the rods action felt different. I liked the effect it had on my MH-XF rod when paried with 15lb big game, but ultimately prefer the straight braid. So now I am looking at replacing the MH-XF rod with a MH-MF/F rod. I tried big game a few years ago but I think I spooled it incorrectly because I couldnt stop the line from blowing up. User error on my part I think, because the 15lb big game is thick but it doesn't blow up on me, just a little harder to manage for me. The 10lb big game I am really enjoying.

I have always wanted to try a rod with those type handles but never seem to be able to find them at tackle stores.

I have owned the at croix mojo bass 6'8" M-XF spinning rod and it was a good, solid rod but a little on the heavier power side, probably should have got the ML-XF. I now use a BPS Carbonlite 2.0 6'8" M-XF that's rated for 1/8-1/2 oz lures, which is very accurate. The tip is light and extra fast but the power loads the blank nicely when fighting the fish that it's rare to lose a fish and not too stiff either. I have it paired with a Shimano Stardic FL 2500 spooled with 10lb high Viz yellow braid to a 6-10lb mono leader. Used for Ned rigs, drop shot, wacky and weightless Texas rigged senkos and trick worms. Great at skipping under overhanging trees and accurate casting rod. It's been my favorite now for the last 2 years. Another rod I had was a Fenwick HMG spinning rods 6'6 M-F and a 6'9" ML-F, they were nice as well. I sold them both but I do miss the 6'9" ML-F, I may buy another for finesse fishing for travel.

Same

I would look at it from an inches per turn (ipn) point of view. There may be only a few inches of difference between the gear ratios. I tend to like 28-31 ipt which is generally a 7 speed reel. Then theres the whole retrieval rate diffence between a full spool and a 40yd cast due the the diameter of the spool/line, etc. Like anything,it gets more complex the deeper you dive into it.

X2. I had this happen a lot last season, always caught them on the outside of their lip, when they swiped at it. This year I changed to a smaller size and it has caught me almost as much Bass as a weightless senko this season.

I have had multiple Carbonlite 2.0 rods for the last 2 years, no peeling and no other issues. Love the Wynn grips and the rods.

PB&J, coppertruese, and green pumpkin orange are my go to colors.

BPS Carbonlite 2.0 6'8" M-XF paired with a Shimano Stradic FL 2500 currently 20lb braid to leader, but will replace with 10lb braid soon. Leader varies but 6-10lb mono is my standard.

This was the most logical and well written explanation I have read. It would be nice to have an industry standard with respect to power and action of rods. Would save a lot of time and confusion, especially for newer anglers. I imagine we have all been there and probably still are for that perfect rod. I realize that most of it is personal preference, but to have a "standard" would be beneficial. A 7ft Medium heavy rod that is always recommended as general use rod various greatly from one rod company to another. So people end up buying and selling rods trying to find that feel they are looking for. It still amazes me how complex fishing can be.

BPS Carbonlite 2.0 6'8" M-Xf spinning rod is what I use for finesse. Nice action, comfortable, sensitive, great value in my opinion. They also have a 6'9" ML-F model. The fenwick hmg 6'9" ML-F is also a very nice rod for the price. I had the old model and sold it when I got the carbonlite 2.0. Thinking of picking up the latest model for a travel set up.

I highly recommend the Bass pro shop Carbonlite 2.0 rods. I have 3 of them and they get used hard, great value.

This happens with my Curado K as well and after a lot of searching for the solution, I came to realize it was the way I was retrieving the line. I am right hand dominate and use a left hand reel due to comfort. I generally cast out or to my left when roll casting, especially from a kayak. Between the angle of the retrieve and the way I hold the reel, the line will stack more to the left. I usually underspool when I top up the spool with line for more control, so it isn't a big deal. When it gets bad, I just make a long cast straight out and reel in the line while keeping the rod straight and conscious not to favor one side or the other while reeling. Problem solved. The Curado K is a great reel and a solid performer.

Highly recommend the SLX MGL 70 model.

The bite has been off for me in a pond I frequent a lot. Was getting my limit every time out, but last few outing have been one or two. Went today and got skunked. Tried moving baits, weighted texas rig, senko, trick worm, Ned rig. Not a single tap. Searched the bank, out deep, around wood, around Rock, in the weeds... Nothing.

I use a medium extra fast rod rated for 1/8-1/2oz mainly for Ned rigs and weightless plastics. But I texas rig the Ned rig with a size 2 EWG and generally fish in moderate cover so I like the extra hook set power and the backbone to control the fight. It's one of my main confidence baits, always have one rigged.

A few days ago I went out to my honey hole pond. Used a kayak and fished the entire pond in about 3 hours. Talked with numerous other anglers along the way and nobody was catching. I had a buddy pick me up a pack of Z-Man floating 7" worms in bubble gum color, it's all they had. Rigged it up on a 4/0 round bend offset hook with a 1/8oz bullet weight. Caught 2 largemouth, but the sun was setting and had to get off the water. Point being, nobody was throwing that Lure, in that color. I think it was just something the fish hadn't seen in awhile (or ever). It wasn't my first pick by a long stretch, but it might be next time I go.

War eagle finness spinnerbaits have been my go spinnerbait this year and have had good results, certainly nothing like what you have pictured. Their quality has been good, bought 8 of them and all are high quality.

I have had good luck recently with a weightless beaver style bait (4" Yo Mama in Tilapia by big bite baits). Usually up shallow. BPS stick-o and trick worm have always worked well too.

Owned both carbonlite 2.0 rods and a 703c dobyns fury. Sold the fury. I have 3 carbonlite 2.0 rods now. One spinning, two casting. I really like the feel and action of these rods. According to the sales guy at BPS they now have a 10 year warranty.

The most I have kept braid on a reel is about two years. Never had a problem though, just figured it was time. How long has the braid been on your reel?

Fellow Canadian here. May I ask where you got the spool from and how much it was? I ordered the SLX MGL from Japan last year and I love how controlled it is, but still very free feeling. My Curado K is good and still very smooth, but increased control with lighter stuff would be nice.

It also helps make it more weedless as the hook eye is burried in the plastic. If you want amazing durability try zman elaztech material, those worms last forever, different action in the water, but I have one of their TRDs tied on and it's caught 27 fish so far using the same bait. That's durability. I used super glue near the eye of the hook and Texas rig it on a size 2 EWG.

I don't have that particular reel, but I do have a curado k, which it is based on, just a lighter spool. I set my Curado k with 2 internal brakes on 2 off. If in the wind then 3 on 1 off. The outside dial is usually set at 4, but adjust as needed. The spool tension is set so the bait falls to the floor in about 2 seconds. So not super loose and not super tight. The tension is enough that I don't have to loosen it to open and close the side plate. Depending on your experience level your setting may vary. Better to up the brakes if your just learning. If your experienced then the above setting should work. Usually toss a weightless senko, weighted texas rigs, Frogs, etc. All around the 3/8-3/4oz range. I have gone as low as a weightless trick worm, but it's not ideal, but doable. Spooled with 40lb braid.

Went out today to a local pond. It looks like it's in full algae bloom. Tried a 3/16oz texas rigged beaver style bait, spinner bait (kept catching slime even in open areas), top water frog, but the only thing the worked was a weightless senko texas rigged. Caught 3,but it was a grind. Even the weightless senko was full of slime on every cast. What would you throw in the below environment. Weather has been really hot and humid, not much rain but a large storm is coming soon.