HookRz

I fish several lakes that allow fishing docks from shore. Move and pitch with stealth and you will be amazed at how many fish docks, pontoons, etc can hold. Maybe they get spooked by trolling motor IDK, but on a few lakes we often " walk the docks" before launching. What really makes me shake my head is when we fish a line of docks on the way to the take out then go back and fish them from shore after trailing the boat. It's like " where did all these fish come from?".

Google it. No contest. The SMB is much more pugnacious, both on the hook and in its habitat.

Just my opinion but I believe targeting bigger fish has more to do with where you fish than what you throw.

I love it when there are lots of geese on the lake. Just throw a green pumpkin TRD near the flock and you'll catch every bass in the lake, along with bonus other fish. Match the craps.

From fish kept in my aquarium years ago I wouldn't say that. A 5" Smallie I added to a 50 gallon tank had the 8" Largemouth, 10" walleye and almost mature Rock Bass hiding in neutral corners in about a week. The only fish it didnt mess with was a bullhead, about 6". Had to remove it. The rest were getting no food.

Alright! Wecome dude!

What this tells us is those that don't "get" backreeling never learned it. Control the fish rather than letting the drag, however good, let the fish control you. I believe it may be because our southern friends that started with baitcasters with heavy line never had to. No largemouth gonna break my braid. A big King on the other hand may yank me outa the boat!

That sir, is a masterpiece of fish playing. We ain't talkin' no largemouth here. How big was it? Even a three pound jack would be a challenge on that tackle.

Yup. Few bass can break line. Cover might break line, or a Bass might break a bad not, but that's about it. I've landed hundreds of 5+ and 6+ Erie Smallies in open water on line as light as 4#, and never give break offs a thought. Throwing the hook on jumps is another matter.

The reel drags today are great. But when backreeling I am in control. You can also do what I call "counterpunching" and tire out a fish much faster. Fish runs, backreel with him than do half turns forward. Snap his head a bit. You can't do that with the drag slipping. But it backreeling is just a Bass and Walleye thing. Don't try it on Steelhead. No one can backreel as fast as a slime rocket can run!

Today's spinning reel drags are great. I set mine tight, on a "disaster setting" that still slips if you lower the rod tip but from that point I flip the anti-reverse and back reel. Old habit, or just more direct control over the fish? Who knows...but it's what I do. To each his own.

Yup. And if you don't like them make yourself some money!

Love Traps in the early Spring. In the traditional ice out spots I know hold Bass some times. You need to "wake them up with a rattle bait". I might only catch a couple but once they get moving I can usually clean up with finesse baits.

Thread jacking but since a swim bait can be a 2.8" Keitech on a 1/16 oz head or a 4 oz Muskie size plug I think we can get over this "finesse" thing. Just an observation.

Thanks guys. Maybe next time I respool.

Does "wind tamer" really tame the wind? Also how does the diameter compare in the lower pound tests? I'm thinking of using it for finesse.

What gauge/type wire is best for tying on skirts?

^what he said^....A softer fast rod, maybe a Berkley Shock, or to take it up a notch, a Fenwick HMG might be in order to help you learn. I know, I tried to start with faster rods and almost gave up. But don't skimp on the reel. I bet some of the others might be able to suggest good house brand combos. Practice! I still do!

Neither.

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IMX 803

But Avid! Buy American!

The Figure Eight I remember was designed by Jack Crawford of jig tying and old Fishing Facts magazine fame. But it was a line to terminal tackle knot and I'm showing my age....

I've posted this before but I'm afraid most haven't seen it because the line to leader knot threads are so numerous. I like this knot so well I think it deserves its own post. I only use short leaders of genuine flouro leader material. Not line meant for casting (there is a big difference). I use the leader mainly for abrasion resistance. I'm not sure how well it passes through guides but for my purposes it holds up as well as the Alberto and I can tie it in about five seconds.