roadwarrior

ICAST 2013 Best Of Show http://tackletour.com/reviewicast2013shimanochronarch.html

Repace 75-80 yards at a time, the rest is backing.

If you go with Red Label, use it as a leader, it's too stiff for mainline.

Original Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12 (19.5 lb breaking strength) Inexpensive and often on sale.

Gray's Tackle Shop Sheffield, AL Big Red's Bait & Tackle Lakeview, AR Arkansas Rod & Reel Little Rock, AR The Cabin Bait and Tackle Kuttawa, KY Fisherman's Headquarters Benton, KY

Never. I buy specific equipment that I expect to perform perfectly and last a lifetime. When it comes to baits and lures, I only buy things recommended by guys I know and/or trust.

I use both, but MegaStrike is just soooooo much more user friendly.

Today's tackle was the NorthStar Original Swim Jig (bluegill) with a Rage Tail Shellcracker trailer. Arrived at a local pond a few minutes before sun-up, then hauled nothin' but water for twenty minutes or so. First bite was viscious and the fish acted like something twice her weight. This was the goodun', +/- 4 lbs. Another half hour goes by with nothing as I approach the main culvert. First cast is in shallow and nobody's home. Second cast is out about 15 yards, parallel to the bank. As the lure pasted over a rock hump defining the outlet channel, BOOM! Fish on! The fat girl was heavy when I turned her towards me. Rather than running to the middle, she made a beeline along the first ledge away from the bank, but towards me. Then she jumped... The fight was strong, but relatively short. This biggun' was returned to the water quickly and safely. Although we do tend to have repeats on this pond, I don't think I have ever caught this particular bass. This was a healthy fish with a dark green back. As I was leaving I made one last cast at some baitfish right next to shore. The bass chasing the bluegill was not all that much, but watching her wake as she attacked by jig was VERY exciting! That's was it, time to go.

Your hook-up problem has nothing to do with the reel, you need a Medium Power/ Fast Action rod. As for the reel, this deal a member posted rocks! [They were closing out the old ci4 for 79 at DSG to make way for the new one.]

Well, I think the point is that there are much better options for those that plan to get involved in the sport. Spincast is perfect for kids and people that have never fished or don't fish often. When my buddies guide they always carry spincast reels as an option for their clients.

My better fish are usually caught between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. I have been having some luck with the Rage Lizard, Senko, Mizmo tube, Norman Fat A and NorthStar Original Swim Jig with Rage Menace and Shellcracker trailers. I'm generally using a 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hook for most soft plastics.

What do you base that statement on? You might fish the reel before recommending it to anyone else. It may not mean anything to you to throw away $30, but "for the younger crowd" that might be quite a bit of money that could have been put to better use.

Siebert Outdoors may already have what you need. If not, I'm pretty sure Mike can custome build one for you. http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/

I have both a Core 50 and Core 100 handles that I would sell for $30 apiece. Shipping included, PayPal only. -Kent

Here are a few specific suggestions: G.Loomis GLX MBR844C/ Shimano CTE200GT Avid AVC70MM/ Curado 50E7 or the new Chronarch CI4+ http://tackletour.com/reviewicast2013shimanochronarch.html or Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5-701CAMCB/ Optimus XLT http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/p-87-perfecta-dhc5.aspx#page=page-1 St.Croix LES70MF/ Stradic CI4+ http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/spinning/Stradic_CI4_.html

For enthusiasts, technique specific gear is fun to collect. However, three rigs cover all the basics: #1 6 1/2' or 7' MH baitcaster for jigs, some soft plastics and spinnerbaits #2 6 1/2' or 7' MM baitcaster for treble hook lures #3 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures and a variety of techniques

How bout a favor? I would like 10 packs of 4/0 EWG. PayPal + mailing cost. -Kent

I'm having some great luck right now on a NorthStar Original Swim Jig (New Gill)/ Rage Tail Menace or Shellcracker.

Ask him to come with you on the RoadTrip next spring!

Well, mostly you are just not fishing the buzzbait in the right locations. There can be some subtle tricks, but for the most part this class of lure is simply cast and retrieve. My #1 strategy is to work the lure along a weedline. I really believe the specific brand is VERY important. Most of the guys have recommended a 3/8 oz Cavitron, black on black. That's my suggestion, too.

It's a slippery slope, so let's be careful here and NOT turn this into a political fight. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Get another rod and just throw that one away.

Nice fish, great pic!

Thumper and Anaconda, Blue Fleck (purple)

Norman Fat Boy, Redear pattern