LCG

Went through the same dilemma back around Christmas. Played with all of them in store and went with the FL. The aluminum body just felt better to me and it is amazingly smooth. The drag is silky and lays line great. Very happy with the FL. Plus the ultra light reels don't seem to balance well on any rod I use, if that's important to you. In the end they are all very nice reels and should last a long time.

Maybe try a longer leader.

My guess would be wither you spool tension is too loose or your casting technique is off. Smooth casting motion and tighten the spool tension should solve the problem. I have been very happy with my Curado K so far. It takes a little time to get used to it, coming from Daiwa, but I have zero complaints.

Thank you for the tips. That's exactly how I have mine set up, with the spool tension pretty loose, so the fall rate is fast, almost too fast . Love the reel just trying to find that sweet spot.

How does everyone set up the spool tension of their curado k? I have heard minimal side to side play and slow rate of fall. Also because the curado k side plate won't close unless the spool tension is loose, I was wondering if Shimano intended the reel to have a loose tension on the spool. I have tried both ways but obviously have to adjust the brakes differently. Just trying to get it dialed in.

When I use exposed jig heads I am constantly getting hung up. Ever since I found a YouTube video or using a size 2 EWG hook, I have had great success with the Ned rig. Still use a 1/16oz weight for that slow fall rate.

I would recommend checking out the Stradic FL and compare it with the Ci4+ and the Daiwa Tatula Lt. I think they are all great reels, but the lighter reels just don't seem to balance with any if the rods I have tried. I went with the FL and it's been a great reel so far. Solid and smooth. Obviously not a lot of experience with it yet, being as it's a new product, but at least check it out in person if you get a chance.

I have only fished in Ontario. As previously mentioned not all northern water is clear. I have fished ponds, rivers, and lakes. Some clear and some dirty. I have caught big smallmouth in Lake Superior, Lake Simcoe, and Lake St. Claire on Texas rigged worms and creatures, jigs, chatterbaits, and more finesse techniques such as Ned, neko, weightless, and drop shot. The bass are not usually as large as in the south ie 10lb largemouth in ponds and the weather patterns are obviously not the same. But I use both spinning and casting lines from 6lb to 30lb braid, and most of the stuff I have learned here and on YouTube have worked out pretty well.

I was in the same situation last year. One day I noticed a kayak package that came with a 10ft pelican sit inside kayak, paddle, and car topping kit for $325 canadian, which would be much cheaper in the States, at Costco. It was basic but for about $50 I installed two rod holders and a bunch of pad eyes to attach various things. Got a decent life jacket at Walmart for $25. So $400 Canadian all in. It opened up a while new world for fishing. And I found I actually like the sport of kayaking itself. It's very peaceful and relaxing. I didn't want a heavy kayak as I have to transport solo most of the time. My son liked it so much he got an 8ft sit on top.

Berkley lightning rod Fenwick HMG BPS Carbonite 2.0 St Croix premiere or bass x Hear good things about.. Dobyns fury

Senko for a slow fall. Craw for something with a little action but not too much. Creature for more action on the fall. All depends what the fish want that day.

I would look into getting a kayak or canoe. It will open up a whole new world to you.

Hello and welcome. Bass fishing is an awesome sport. There is so much to learn, it's not a quick learning curve. Being that you caught 4 already, your off to a great start. As far as etiquette, some simple things to remember. Always leave the area as you found it. Don't litter or leave line and hooks all over the place. Be respectful to others, fishing or not. No need to get into a conflict over something silly. If you have a license that allows you to keep fish then it's within your right to do so. It's up to you. I have a friend you eats bass and likes it. I don't personally, but to each their own. For me it's catch and release. If you do catch and release, do so with the least amount of harm to the fish. Learn how to remove the hooks, especially if you gut hook the fish. Take a quick Pic if you so desire and safely release the fish. A rubber net is great for this purpose. And have fun, it's a great sport full of lots of great people. It's fun to evolve and learn new techniques and how to use different equipment.

I have noticed a lot of people out lately as well. However, I have been impressed that most everyone is maintaining distance and have been friendly. I am also Canadian, we are a pretty friendly bunch :). But seriously, as long as people maintain distance and respect, I think it's healthy to get outside and get some exercise. My boy and I went out Kayaking this weekend and had a blast.

Best I have seen in person was a wild river, pricey but really nice and well made. I used to have a bass pro backpack that was pretty good for the money. Lasted 3 years and still had lots of life in it when I sold it to downsize.

Tried and true... Zoom trick worms junebug w/chartreuse tail BPS Stick-O Watermelon Candy Kalins 5in curly tail grub white Zman TRD 5 different colors Zman TRD craws black and blue and watermelon red New this year, haven't tried yet... Big Bite Baits Yo Mama Tilapia Big Bite Baits Creature Watermelon Red

I use a Plano double sided box and keep senkos, trick worms, curly tail grubs, beaver baits, and creature baits in one side. The other side has Frogs, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, inline spinners, spoons, and jigs. I keep my Ned rig stuff in a smaller box, same with terminal tackle. I downsized what I take out with me quite a bit and still have more than I would ever use is a single outing. My main supply of plastics is kept in their original bags in a 3 drawer stand.

Casting I run a leader or 12-15ft as I too prefer the leader knot on the spool when landing the fish. Spinning I run a leader from the knot outside the real total length about 6ft.

A net is a lot cheaper than a broken rod and/or reel and it's a lot safer for the fish if your planning on releasing.

Casting - 6'9" MH-XF Carbonite 2.0 paired with a Curado K in 7.4:1 gear ratio. Spooled with 30lb yellow braid to a 14lb mono leader. Spinning - 6'8" M-Xf Carbonite 2.0 paired with a Stradic FL 2500, spooled with 20lb braid to a 6lb leader. I usually spool up 10lb yellow braid but wanted to try something new so went to 20lb camo braid, a bit overkill but it works. I mostly fish soft plastics drop shot, Ned rigs, neko rigs, and texas rigs. I also throw spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, jigs, inline spinners, Frogs (still yet to catch one on a frog, but determined to one day). I fish from a budget pelican, 10 ft, sit inside kayak from Costco. I installed two rod holders in the back and a bunch of pad eyes all around the kayak for versatility. Keep a Plano 3600 weekender bag clipped onto the top front deck for ease of access. I find you have to be very organized and keeps your gear to a minimum when kayak fishing. Not much room to move around and safety is a top priority. Rods and line everywhere can get tangled around low hanging trees and become a nightmare. And above all else always wear a life jacket, I keep a whistle and a folding knife clipped to my life jacket just in case. And would also recommend using short rod leashes in case you tip over. If it's not secured, you could lose all your gear.

I have one casting and one spinning rod, the 2.0 version. Had them for one year now and never had a problem. I also don't lock the drags down with heavy braid or try to yank out logs if I get hung up. I think most rods break from poor technique on the anglers part. Things like high sticking, banging the rod blanks around, locking down drag etc. They are now my favorite rods and if they did break, I would replace them in a heart beat. The only rod I have ever broken was a Fenwick HMG when I fell down a rock hill and landed on it, not the rods fault, 100% my own fault. Not my finest moment I think the carbonlites offer great value, comfort, and I like their actions. Even better if you grab them when they are on sale.

Beaver style baits are fairly new to me. When you fish them do you tend to leave the claws together or separate them? Are you working them to imitate a craw? Thanks in advance.

Are they yo momas sort of that dead action bait as in the flappers don't give off a lot of action like the sweet beaver? Searched YouTube but couldn't find anything.

Was sitting around the house bored and came across these baits on Amazon in 100 packs for a pretty good price so I went ahead and bought them. Got the 4inch yo momma in talipia color and the 4inch creature in watermelon red Flake. Anyone have experience with these baits? Tips and tricks appreciated. Was thinking of texas rigging these with a 1/4oz tungsten weight in shallow water under 10ft.

Have the 2500 FL and it's a very nice reel. The FL has the long spool, improved line roller, new anti reverse mechanism, and the Mico module gearing. There is probably a few more small features. Tackle advisors did an excellent review on YouTube, sold me on it. I also picked it up at 30% off during a boxing day sale. So far I am a big fan of Shimano, in fact I was so impressed with the Stradic I went and bought a Curado K as well.