Mobasser

Most guys would go with 6'6 as longer rods are popular these days. Use whatever your most comfortable with

Klein makes good screwdrivers, as do Snap On and SK. Regardless of brand the main thing is to know that even on higher end reels, some softer metal screws are used. The wrong size driver or a deformed Phillips tip, will strip them out. Test the size for a snug fit before backing out the screws.

I mostly used the 6" phenom worm in grape, black and motor oil. The ones I found last night are probably 20 or so yrs old I guess. Grape was my favorite for several yrs. When I found em I remembered how good they worked rigged Texas style. I'm gonna fish em this year, and may order some more. When I saw that 12" mag buzz worm, I thought- hot weather and night fishing. Perfect! I'm glad their still making them. I think since 72? Good baits for sure

Yes Catt, it looks like good one

I read a thread you posted before about Dick Trask, boiling these worms for his split shot rig. Interesting stuff

Looking through some of my older plastics, I found 3 bags of Mister Twister phenom worms from years ago. I caught many bass on these years ago, but moved along to other things. They are great plastics, and were a standard for many bass fisherman. I don't see them mentioned here very much. I looked at their website, and noticed they have some newer products, and a mag buzz 12" worm, which looks like it would make a great hot weather worm too. Anyone still using Mister Twister plastics? I'm going to give them a shot this year. I always thought they were very good lures years ago, and kind of an innovator in plastic baits

Trilene Big Game mono is hard to beat on casting reels.

I bought my grandson Aiden, a new casting setup for Christmas. Berkley standard model Lightning rod, and Academy H20 Mettle casting reel. His rod is a 6'6 med ivy. The rod is relatively light, fast action. The guides are decent quality, and are aligned straight all the way. The handle is comfortable, and has a "tac" grip, similar to a Fenwick HMG I have. The reel- smooth retrieve, thumbar and everything works well. It balances good on this rod too. I don't buy very many new rods, and usually don't replace any untill they break. I usually learn about newer rods from reading about them on this site. What I must say is it's pretty amazing what quality you can get now days for the money. This outfit feels good in the hand, and cast very well. All in all, a winner! It's not as pretty as more expensive rods, and is considered entry level, but I have no doubt it will hold its own. It makes a perfect setup for a novice, or would make a good spare for a more experienced fisherman. Good value for the dollars, and if we have any problems Academy has a good exchange policy.

Ph1, Ph2, slot1 and 2 should cover most reels.

That would be unique!

Example: I'm a carpenter, and I've used the same USA made HD77 Skilsaw for 20 yrs.Replaced brushes 2 times, and a new cord 1 time. I recently bought a new Skilsaw for my crew to use, and was disappointed that it's made in China. But, it's a good tool with improvements over my old saw. If it doesn't hold up I'll take it back or exchange it. Sounds like you got a lemon. If you exchange it, you may like it a lot

Lots of folks use Lews reels, and have good luck with them. And, almost everything is made in China now. Take it back for a refund or exchange

True, but almost all are based on old designs

Is it possible to build a totally new bass lure, without borrowing from past design? Looking at new bass lures, they have improved. Excellent quality hooks, more vibrant and realistic finishes etc. But in my opinion, all are based on lures designed 50, 75, and even 100 yrs ago. An example is the Whopper Plopper. WRB pointed out the name of the bait that it was derived from.(WRB, if you read this thread, maybe you can name that old lure, I've forgotton.) It's designed from a very old lure, almost identical. I think the basic shapes, actions, and sizes were developed a long time ago. New baits are improved versions of these. Are there any completely new designs? Personally, I don't think so. If you know of any new designs that don't rely on past innovation, let me know. I'm wondering how others view the baits they are using. I think the newer baits all borrow from the past. I've not bought a whopper Plopper yet, and probably won't. It's just one example, but there are many more. What do you all think about this?The next time you pick out a "new" bait, I'll bet we could find an old one that does much of the same, made with modern manufacturing methods. Let me know what your opinions are?

Congrats Russ!

Sometimes it's fun just to grab a small box, one or two rods, and go! Good fish can be caught from the bank too

Same here. Mine says 6'6 med hvy, and I use mono line too

So much teqnique specific stuff these days, it confuses a lot of people. Get a good quality 6'6 to 7' med heavy fast action rod. You can catch fish on worm and jig. Pick one that feels good in your hand, and go fishing. It will work

Merry Christmas to all here! If you get some baits or tackle for Chistmas, I hope you catch a lot of bass!

Catt, good way to say it! That's why, for the last 30 some years, I've seen an Estwing blue handled framing hammer on every job I've worked on. At least one guy will have one. Tough, durable, and gets it done every time!

ABU round casting, Shimano spinning is what I've used for years, but there are many good brands now.

We have a wide body 17ft canoe that we fish from often. It's made by Osagian, here in Missouri. Easy to launch and tow. We use a Hummingbird portable depth finder, and can fish most anywhere. I can stand and walk in this canoe. 4ft wide in the center, so very stable. Works great for fishing smaller waters.

I was going to mention this too. A straw cowboy hat with a vented top works good in hot weather

Catt, it would be great to fish with The General. Against him- for me I'm not sure about that! He's one excellent fisherman!

Catt, very good point. I want Aiden to learn to adjust his reel, for different weights, wind , etc. And yes, I want him to learn as in real fishing conditions, and I'm sure he does too. He's cast my reels a little bit, and does pretty good, but mine have no mag brakes. Learning this way can save him some frustration, and make the process easier for him. Also , my reels are ABU 4600c. His new reel is an H20 maxim low profile reel. Different, but the concept of timing, thumb,etc are the same.