The Maestro

I wish I could use them more tbh. I'm going to try to incorporate them more this year but the water I fish isn't great for cranking year round. Still wouldn't want to do it exclusively but they are fun and a nice change from vertical presentations. They're also deadly when the conditions are right for them. I remember hearing that squarebills account for the most wins in major tournaments along with jigs.

I like how eva stays looking new and I don't find them any less comfortable or sensitive than cork.

Straight 50lb Power Pro Super Slick for jigs Texas rig rods have different lines depending on rod power and tungsten weight.

Thanks. I'm looking to have one rod for topwater and squarebills. I've found braid to be the best for poppers (topwater bait I use most) but not so great for squarebills. I like mono for them. I tried straight mono for poppers but just wasn't getting great hooksets especially at distance. I have more than enough rods to have a setup for each but they aren't baits that see a ton of action so I'd rather not have an extra rod when I think I can accomplish it by using a mono with less stretch.

Is there such a thing or is it just a matter of using a higher lb test?

4 total 1 - with an actual jig (usually 1/2 oz) 1 - 3/4oz Texas rig with 80lb braid for heavy weeds 1 - 5/8 texas rig with 65lb braid for mediumish weeds 1 - 5/16 oz texas rig for open water

For me I feel like braid adds to the whole fishing experience. The rock solid hooksets and that squealing when you lock into a big one. The zero stretch when you're pulling one through the weeds or how it let's you feel every head shake during the fight. The ability to rip baits free from weeds so much easier. I picked up a spool of Tatsu this year because I want to give flourocarbon an honest try but unless I see convincing evidence that it produces more bites I doubt I'll like it enough to use it over braid for most applications.

You wouldn't be disappointed by any of those reels. I have Metaniums and Bantams and feel like they're the first really significant improvement in low pro baitcaster design in a long time. If I was only getting one I'd go with a Metanium but I love my Bantams on rods and applications where heavy braid and hard hooksets are needed.

Toads! Did you catch that giant ski on smallmouth gear or were you targeting them?

I'm starting to see that the optimal tool for jerkbaits is really a spinning rod. Having your hand on the top of the rod just allows for a more natural way to impart the action. I've been spending time trying to get used to it over the winter as my spinning rod game is really weak.

Imagine what the musky guys think when they hear about bass guys fussing over 1 ounce. Meanwhile they're spending all day chucking baits that weigh double our entire setup.

They had me right up until the low protein part. Strictly high protein reels for this guy.

The weights are identical. They still have the older model on Tackle Warehouse. The weight never really bothered me for the type of rods I have mine on. I actually prefer it for those applications over my Metaniums.

The only difference I saw besides the color was they added the MGL III spool which should be a nice improvement in casting performance especially with lighter baits but not such a big difference as to make me want to upgrade my current Bantams.

7:1

I see what you done there.

I have no idea about his lease but if his energy prices have gone up so have everyone else's. Difference being most people don't have the option of just changing their employer more for their labour. Ultimately if I do stick with him I'll just go less frequently as I think most people will do and my yearly haircut expenses won't really change. I know if everyone did this he'd be getting the same money for less work but I really think a lot of people will look for a new barber since there's like 5 within walking distance of his place. In the end I think it'll cost him a lot of customers.

Yes Canada. Suburb of Toronto. I was paying $30 before finding this guy. $40 (+$5 tip) seemed high but still reasonable. It's now $55 which is tough to swallow considering how fast he can do it and the fact that it just seems like he's taking advantage. No wash or shave btw. That's extra.

$40 is definitely on the high end to begin with but he is a very good barber who would take his time to make sure you were satisfied so I was willing to pay but I have to admit it left a bad taste in my mouth when he raised it to $50. The general excuse is that they have to make up for lost revenue during the lockdowns but I know for a fact this guy was cutting hair for cash out of his home the whole time WHILE receiving the government cheques for shutting him down.

My barber jacked his price from $40 to $50 and then has the nerve to complain about how his schedule is empty around Christmas when it used to take 2 weeks to get an appointment. I really think a lot of businesses are just using this as an excuse to raise prices.

9 rods seems to be the sweet spot for me. Basiclly 7 dedicated rods + 2 versatile rods (1 bc and 1 spinning). I used to bring more but found it to be more of a hassle than it was worth.

I do it once a year. Just a minimal disassembly with my main focus being cleaning out any old grease and cleaning the drive and pinion gears with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol and re-greasing the drive gear. Maybe a drop of bearing oil where needed as well.

I don't know if I'd say 'complete' but I definitely don't feel any pressing need to buy more rods or reels like I did a few years ago.

I've used both and they both work but I'm leaning more towards the moderate rod. It just seems to keep big smallmouth pinned better. Line selection is a huge factor as well. I run braid on my moderate and it's the best of both worlds. Solid hooksets at distance and plenty of shock absorption for the fight.