Mobasser

A-Jay, when I started my reel didn't have a thumbar. An ABU 5000. My older brother taught me to keep my thumb on the spool when setting the hook. I think I still do this at times, even though all my casting reels have a thumbar now. Worse case for me would be to push the thumbar, putting your reel in freespool. Bad habits from years ago. Sometimes they stay with you

Most bank trips are 2 hrs. Boat trips around 6hrs. Longer in spring or fall.

Riverat. Good to hear! Hope all your folks are safe, and damage not too excessive. Stay safe.

Same here. 1 rod/ reel and a few baits in a small bag. I've caught just as many fish this way, as I ever did carrying a lot of stuff. I'm to old to lug all that stuff around.

I still sometimes use two spoons. The Johnson Silver Minnow, and the Heddon Moss Boss( plastic) spoon. Both work well over thick weeds and moss.

I think because there's so much competition among reel manufacturers, every few years they change them and make an upgrade. But, these upgrades are not always good. Had they left the President as it was, you'd see no complaint. They messed up a good thing.

Just remembered my wife has a small Trion( wooden handle) that she's used for crappie fishing. Probably ten years old, and still works well with moderate use each year. Here on BR, you can read lots of past threads about the President reels. Lots of guys using them , and recommending them to others. Kind of sad to see them go downhill.

Yes. All stay safe, and best of luck to all of you dealing with this storm.

When I'm bank fishing, I carry a small 8x8 soft bag, which clips to my belt. It can carry all I need for a 2 to 4 HR trip. I realized years ago that lugging too much stuff around just wasn't productive. If you can get the bite dialed in you don't need much. Traveling light is the way to go...

Both the rods I have are a straight graphite tube also. When I've used a cork TN handle, I would first put one layer of tape over the cork. Then wrap over this layer with tape. When I changed reels, the first layer would stay on the rod. This seemed to help with pulling cork off the handle with the tape. The graphite is easier to work with , cleans up better etc. But, I love a good cork grip also.

" you actually use electrical tape to attach your reel"? Yes. This is the reaction I got from a friend of my grandsons recently when I showed him my TN handle spinning rods. Years ago, I knew a couple of guys who bought straight cork grip spinning rods, and sanded the butt section of the handle off, to let slip rings fall off. Then taped the spinning reel on with electrical tape. I have two of these rods now. An older Lews Speed Stick, and a rod made in Arkansas by Ark Tackle. The advantages of this are, you can balance the reel at any place on the handle, and the electrical tape provides a smooth, comfortable grip. Use a good grade of electrical tape. I like Scotch or 3m brand. These brands hold when you wrap them tightly, and never get gummy or sticky in hot weather. I'm not sure if this handle style was invented in TN, but that's the state it is named for. If there's any disadvantage, it would be changing reels, or cleaning them, but, this is not a big problem. One roll of good tape can be used many times, and it doesn't take much. As far as I know, I'm the only guy in my area, that uses this handle style anymore. They're few and far between. A favourite handle style of spinfisherman Billy Westmoreland, Charlie Brewer, and Bill Dance years ago. They've become my favourite spinning rod handle now. Do any members here on BR still like or use the Tennessee handle?

Read up and learn about fish location, seasonal patterns etc.

This is why I went with a Lews Speed Spin. Thick bail wire, smooth, and lightweight- and still has an AR switch. I like to backreel also. As has been said, Diawa makes some nice options here also in this price range.

You got it Catt. I think he was using a Zebco 404 his 1rst Classic. No one else knew this one!

I still think some of the top end Phluegers are probably still good.

I'm not sure what happened with Phlueger spinning reels? Have an older Trion( wood handle) that's worked great for years, and still going. Bought a new President several months ago. Felt grindy and rough out of the package. Returned it and got a Lews. It's good so far...

Who was the angler who won the Bassmaster Classic using a spincast reel? Here's a clue: he was a young man.

Big fan here. I have two sizes, shad and chrome.

I agree Catt. Lots of sloppy stuff out there. I think all this talk on 3/16 or 1/4 oz weights comes down to experience. A skilled angler knows and can feel the difference here. A novice, probably not. It no doubt affects rate of fall, which is super important.

I rarely go over 1/4 oz weight, and use lighter most of the time. The 1/16 oz difference probably and does affect the rate of fall. Most times, lighter weights have worked best for me.

Catt, as you know, the difference between 3/16 and 1/4 is a saw blade width. I know you understand my example. Carpentry is not fishing, but I still think this example applies- as a visual. And not all carpentry is precision work. Tell a concrete form builder to measure in 16ths on a 100 degree day. He'll tell you to get off his job.

If you've ever done any carpentry work, look at this on a tape measure. 3/16 and 1/4 are almost the same. I think the same holds true with weights in fishing between these two. It cant make much difference.

On the drive to a fishing spot, I'm too fired up about going fishing to let my mind wander.

I still fish with mono for everything. I tried spider wire years ago, and didn't care for it.

My older brother Tom, taught me about bass fishing in farm ponds during the late mid to late 1960s.