HawkeyeSmallie

Crazy how everything has changed so much. Back in the day I used ONLY mono and thought I did pretty well with it. Always Stren. First time I tried braid was when I started to target Largemouth. No complaints with braid. Now I've been trying out fluoro and so far I freaking HATE it. LOL Bought some good stuff that just came in the mail. It better work.

Dang, that was the goal. The boys might be going for a swim then. LOLOLOL

I'm pretty sure the reel is an Abu Garcia maybe. Split cork handle but no clue the brand. It was floating on top of some vegetation inches away from my grip. When I tried to grab it with my paddle it went to the bottom. UGH! Oh I'm gonna get it. I'm going to leash a waterproof gopro synced up to my phone with a pole and try if I can visually see it. If I can I can hopefully snag it. Not sure how clear it will be in 7 foot of water. If I can't see it, I'm going to throw out a metal stringer with all of the clips undone. If that doesn't work, I told my boys whoever swims down to get it keeps it. LOL I'd give it back to the owner but I have ZERO clue who that would be.

Long story short, I know where a baitcasting rod/reel is in a smallish lake, only in about 7 foot of water. It's not mine and I don't know who's it is (that's the long story lol). Anyways, it's been submerged for less than a week, it was either Saturday or Sunday. My question, will it still be good if I get it soon? I'm almost positive I can get it in only 7 foot of water and I know pretty much the location. Not sure how rust works etc. Thanks!

I'll reach out to him. My wife also found the name Garrett Samsal, seemed to have good reviews.

I've been tying the FG knot this year for the first time and it just scares the hell out of me using it. I need to fill a reel for jig/worm fishing and I'm debating going straight fluoro or braid with a leader. The hard hook sets needed? IDK, just scares me. Haven't had all my coffee yet, what's the MK knot?

My whole life I've tied one knot for mono which is the improved clinch. Can't say I've ever had any issues. Not saying it's the strongest, just has always worked for me.

Oldish thread but I thought I'd ask a question here. My wife wants to take me to Lake St Clair for our anniversary as she knows it's been a dream of mine. Anyone have a good guide to recommend? How about a good time of the year? Wedding was 9/30 so was thinking around that time. Good fall bite?

Oh ok. So you don't own it I'm assuming? Here in Iowa, a "pond" is much smaller and privately owned.

I need to show my wife this thread. She thinks I'm crazy for taking 4 rods fishing. She also thinks I have way too many setups.

I'm new here. That's a POND????????????? Looks like a small lake to me! How big is it? What's the history of it? Looks amazing. THanks!

What pound line are you using? I'm using 4 lb but I threw a small crank last night and a decent bass broke my line right away. IDK, maybe it was the knot. Lost it on the hookset. IDK, the setup is mostly for panfish so I'd like to stick with the 4lb. This is exactly why I need a BFS setup. At least that's what I'm going to tell my wife.

I know this is a BASS forum but I've fallen in love throwing artificials for bluegills this summer. Of course I'm catching bass as well. Using UL spinning and it's a complete blast. A big bluegill on UL is probably more fun than a decent bass on heavy equipment. I might be looking into this BFS as well.

Just had my first experience yesterday. Purchased a reel from Japan Lure Shop. Hopefully it's not delayed as they are going on vacation it looks: (JLS, summer vacation: August 10th to August 15th

Well, the majority of use will be cold water so I figured I'd slow it down even though you don't move the bait with your reel. The Vision 110's also have light wire hooks so maybe the slower gear will help with not horsing the fish in too much and bend the hooks. IDK, no expert.

Well I just purchased the 2024 Shimano SLX with a 6.3 gear ratio. Total cost after shipping and conversions was $132.26. Not going to lie, I feel "weird" putting a $132 reel on a $500 pole but that's what I went with. I think the main reason I'm buying a cheaper reel is because I ABSOLUTELY NEED the 23 Shimano Calcutta BFS reel. OMG is that thing beautiful.

Nothing and I mean nothing goes smoothly when you fish at night. Fun though.

I do the same. I say “thanks for playing” “see you next year” etc. The other night I went out to do some super fun bluegill fishing. I named them all based on their sizes: Biggies Fun size Fun size junior Catfish bait LOLOLOLOL

Was fishing on a jetti a week ago at night. A HUGE fish made a splash maybe 20 yards away and scared the absolute living crap out of me. If it was a bass, it was a monster. Otherwise it was a large carp, musky, idk. Whatever it was, it was BIG.

I watch a lot of fishing stuff on youtube. It's almost impossible to watch someone fish with FFS. It's like watching paint dry.

Low level river fishing makes the fish more concentrated. To me it's the exact opposite. Know the holes find the fish.

Yeah I actually think I’m leaning towards the new SLX. For slightly over $100 I can spend the difference on more lures. lol

Thanks for the reply. If it makes the grips slick I'm not going to do it. But if it can increase the life of my "investment" without changing too many characteristics I will. Nice bass btw.

So what's the final verdict? Some say it makes the grips slick when wet. Some say they don't. What's been your experience? Have a new rod sitting in my living room and another in a Fedex truck right now. THANKS

Is it this one? https://japanlureshop.com/shimano-24-slx.html Hard to believe $105 would get you much in the year 2024.