Mobasser

It took me some time and practice to learn to walk the dog with a Spook. Walking baits are great. I'd also say buzzbait and popper should be in there also. Many of the best top water baits are classics, and have been used for decades. I read that the Zara Spook, was invented in 1922. My best jitterbugs are black, 5/8 oz non jointed models. The old ones are better than the ones you buy now. Flip the bait over. If it says Fred Arbogast Co Akron Ohio, it's going to be better. The metal lips on the new Chinese ones are thin and bend easily. My best jitterbugs are black, 5/8 oz non jointed models. The old ones are better than the ones you buy now. Flip the bait over. If it says Fred Arbogast Co Akron Ohio, it's going to be better. The metal lips on the new Chinese ones are thin and bend easily. I also forgot to mention a prop bait. Lots of good ones out there. I like the Heddon Torpedo.

Congratulations Mike! And Hi to the little guy!

I've heard the term " bad spool" used here on BR, and by some local fisherman I know also. The complaints go like this: 1. The line breaks too easily. 2. Poor knot retention. 3. Twist easily, and hard to manage. 4. Faded or poor color. I used to think I had gotten a " bad " spool, mostly when using spinning reels. Once I learned how to properly spool my reels, much of the problems went away. There was a show I've watched occasionally called How It's Made. The show focused on manufacturing all sorts of things. One episode was about nylon fishing line. The line is manufactured to tight tolerance. And the sheer number of yards that can be made in one day is staggering. Two years ago, I spoke with a rep who worked for a company that made Stren and many other lines, both mono and flourocarbon. He told me that today, the lines we're buying are far better than any lines made in the past, going back to the 1950s and 1960s. He also mentioned that the Japanese have perfected the manufacturing process, and, in his opinion, make the best quality lines available. In all my years, I cant honestly say I've gotten a bad spool. I've had a couple that I wondered about, but I used them and they fished ok. I'm sure it's possible to get a bad spool of line. It could happen, with any brand. In your experience, have you ever gotten what you perceive as a " bad" spool of line?

I've tinkered and experimented with bending the propellers on prop baits for years. The ones I'm using are Smithwick Devil's Horse, and Heddon Torpedos, in different sizes. The sound and pitch of these baits can change with a slight bend of the propellers. I've had the best results from just slightly bending the propellers back. Too much seems to interfere with hooking fish, and I've had smaller ones roll to the side on the retrieve. Do you have any certain way you like the props shaped on these baits? What has worked best for you ?

Thanks to some good advice from guys here on BR, Ive recently spooled a size 200 spin reel with Yo Zuri Hybrid in 4lb strength. I say perfect! No line twist, great casting distance, and small diameter. As has been said here, the lines we have available these days have only made spinning tackle that much better. I'll specifically thank Roadwarrior and Mn Fisher.

I always like these post, to hear everyone's opinion on this topic. If you look at the history of this sport, bait casting reels have been the most widely used. They work well for many applications. I always bring this up also. Years ago, there were many great bass anglers who chose spinning gear as they're main tackle. Tom Mann, Billy Westmoreland, Charlie Brewer, Al Linder. That's just a few. Why did they use spinning gear? Because after years of fishing, this is what worked best for THEM. That's what they were concerned with, what worked for THEM. Not what was working for everyone else. And, the reels they had were not nearly as good as what we have today. I fish a quarry lake that is very clear. There's a good top water bite at times. Spooks, buzzbait, big poppers etc, all get thrown on casting gear. But, that doesn't happen often. Most times I'm fishing 4" worms, tubes, smaller jigs, or small lightweight plastic baits. For this stuff, a good spinning outfit works best for me. I can be stealthy, and make quiet presentations better with my spinning gear.

Fishing is really an individual sport. We can get all sorts of recommendations from others, but ultimately, you'll do best by using what works best for you. I use both spinning and casting. Each has a time and place, and I like them both. My dad used to say" always choose the right tool for the job at hand". That's why I like to use both spinning and casting gear.

I'll say 60% bottom, 20%, middle, and 20% top water. This can change with cooler weather coming up.

It can be hard sometimes, because many bass head straight for the thick stuff after you've hooked them.

Yes. I have 4lb on a 2000 reel. I used old mono as backing. Good stuff so far.

Ease up pressure and try to get them to swim out.

I have fished 6lb p line cx with good results. Currently using 4lb Yo Zuri Hybrid. It works well on spinning reels.

I've got a bone colored one I've used for a while. I use it along with standard walking baits. I haven't noticed if it's better or worse than my regular spooks. Both work well

I'll say location.

One small regret I have is this: I went to a sports show in Kansas City many years ago, and went to a seminar by Larry Nixon. I wish I would have approached him afterward and got a chance to meet and talk with him. One of the all time best IMO.

Agree J Francho. Have some fun and enjoy it!

IIm still learning things. An example is learning how to not double up post here on BR. I apologize. When I got started, my older brother taught me the basics. When he left for the service, I was on my own. Before any internet, I bought all kinds of magazines, and tried to learn from them. My hero was Larry Nixon.

When I got started, my older brother taught me the basics. When he left for the service, I was on my own. Before any internet, I bought all kinds of magazines, and tried to learn from them. My hero was Larry Nixon. When I got started, my older brother taught me the basics. When he left for the service, I was on my own. Before any internet, I bought all kinds of magazines, and tried to learn from them. My hero was Larry Nixon.

I did the same, and bought all the new baits that the pros were using. It took me some time to realize that not all this stuff worked for me.

I don't have anything either A-Jay. I've always tried to be a forward facing person. Made plenty of mistakes, but learned from them.

Many of us have been fishing a long time. 50yrs and longer. If you could go back, is there anything you would change? Are there any techniques you wish you would have focused on more? Looking back, is there anything you would do differently with your fishing?

I like mm111, Folkstead Special, and Oxblood / red flake. All have been good in clear water

I'm best at light line fishing, because I do so much of it.

I have five grandchildren, two boys, and three girls. I spend a good deal of time with them, whenever I can. In November, I'll become a great grandpa for the first time. My granddaughter Natalie, is having a baby girl. She's 24, and her husband is very nervous about this, they're first child. I think it's great. Becoming a grandparent is a great thing. It's one of those things that creeps up on you, and before you know it, you've got grandkids. My fishing partner for several years was my oldest grandson Aiden. Now, Aiden is a junior in high school, and busy with a part time job, school, and a girlfriend. When he graduates high school, Aiden wants to join the Navy. He's not the young boy that went fishing with me so many times. In his words" they need good people granpa, and it's a good thing to do, to serve your country". I agree with him. And, I'll miss that boy when he goes. Enjoy your grandchildren whenever you can. Time marches on. Do you have grandchildren? Do you get to spend time with them?

I've never liked a shot in the rear, but otherwise needles don't bother me. Recently got a shingles vaccine, and took the shot in my arm. Not a problem.