roadwarrior

Well, I guess I'm just going to sound like a broken record, but here I go again: Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft has virtually NO MEMORY in use. I do not experience line twist using a spinning reel and soft plastics. I ONLY replace line AS NEEDED, Ultra Soft does NOT weaken and lasts practically forever. The #12 I spooled on my main baitcasting line in April of last year has NEVER been changed or added to. My Calais is still slightly over spooled! And finally, at any specific line diameter, Ultra Soft is SIGNIFICANTLY stronger than P-Line, any P-Line.

Thank you! I think this is a GREAT article. Plus, as most of us already know, Randall has caught some MONSTER bass, especially recently when most of us are just wishing we could be out on the water. Thanks again for taking the time to repost this piece.

[Am I missing something here?] A Shimano box? 8-)

Excellent!

It looks to me like you guys had a great day!

Tie a small (but adequate) float to your Boga Grips. It won't interfer with weighing your fish and will almost definitely save them at some point in time!

Color: Although I don't really think the color matters, I suggest green. The "clear" isn't, it's white. Setting the drag: #4 ~8.5 lb test. The drag should be set between 2 & 2 1/2 lbs, I tend to be on the light side and use the rod to fight the fish. I have boated numerous catfish, drum and buffalo well over 15 lbs on this line when smallmouth fishing. I have TOTAL confidence in #4 line in relatively open water.

Welcome aboard! I'm sure things will improve as the water warms up.

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Well, let's not get into to that again... I fish GYCB, almost exclusively. The exceptions are a couple of tubes, the El Gordo from Micro Munch Tackle and 3 1/2" Mizmo (Kent's Classic).

That's quite an accomplishment and a great story.

Congratulations!

Other than the texture of the plastic, the baits have virtually NOTHING in common. It's not about fall rate or water displacement, it is all about profile. The Fat Ika and the Kreature are two totally different baits.

#1 Big shiners on a split shot rig #2 Lucky Craft Pointer 128 & 100 #3 Mizmo 3 1/2" tube (Kent's Classic) #4 GYCB Single Tail Hula Grub #5 GYCB Grub

I don't have a "comparative" response, I have only fished the Shimano Stradic. So, not to beat up any other brand or specific reel, I'm just saying that all of the Stradics I have ever owned are still in use and are as smooth, strong and silent as they were when they were new. That's saying quite a lot for reels that are approaching ten years in use. On top of that, I suspect the added features of the 2007 models make them significantly better reels, yet the price has remained the same for all these years. I continue to believe the Stradic is the "best value" in the Shimano line-up.

Actually, I think that is exactly the case. The key is finding the fish. Whenever we have a thread on "color" I think you'll see that by the time it runs its course, nearly every color available has been recommended or at least mentioned. The same holds true for many lure categories. Right time, right place, right presentation...If the bass are there and they happen to be in the right mood, nearly everything works. The "secret" lures and colors are those that produce when nothing else is working.

Great day! Good for you. Nothing like some success with new equipment.

Nice bass Dan! I fish them backwards, T-rigged, both weighted and weightless. I find them to be more productive in and around grass or some type of vegetation as opposed to structure. I have not had much success with these baits in deeper water.

Woo-Hoo! Congratulations! Im sure you're going to like that rod.

huskertko, Congrats! I know you have been looking forward to getting your hands on that rod. I'm sure you will really like it.

Welcome aboard! We have members who fish all reel brands, Abu Garcia is the favorite of many. I think you will enjoy the Forum and hope that you will contribute your thoughts whenever possible. Good luck!

afendrbass, Welcome aboard! I'm sure that's a great real, but it's being compared to the Shimano Stradic. Compare the two for yourself before making the decision on which to purchase. We have lots of Daiwa fans on the Forum and Raul is a wealth of information, particularly when it comes to comparative specifications. I'm just suggesting you look at both reels. The Stradic has been around for quite awhile and has developed a loyal following with a reputation of dependability and longevity.

That is a tough story. Things can only get better.

The target is suspending fish, usually in clear or relatively clear water. So, light line and/or fluorocarbon on spinning tackle. A red & white bobber isn't mandatory, but the system requires a float to keep the fly (jig) suspended. Note this too, bigger bass are occasionally caught on the F-N-F rig, it's just not common.

Bass fishing in Indiana the last Saturday in January. Why would that seem crazy? No ice, no problemo!