dsw1204

Why the heck do you throw in a "Walmart cat fish special"? This is absolutely useless and not appreciated!

Doing some additional research I found a couple of swimbait spinning rods that look rather interesting to me. They are Dobyns Rods Fury Series FR 795SB Medium/Heavy Power Fast Action Swimbait rod and Ugly Stik Tiger Elite spinning rod. The Ugly Stik is a 7' Heavy Moderate action rod and can handle lures from 1-5 oz. It sells for about $80. The Dobyns Rods Fury Series FR 795SB is a 7'9" is a Medium/heavy, fast action rod than can, also, handle lures from 1-5 oz. It sells for about $130. Can anybody weigh in on these two rods? How does one compare against the other? How do they compare to the ones already mentioned earlier in this thread? I kinda like the Dobyns because I've read a lot of great reviews and testimonials about the company and their rods.

Looks nice, but it looks like the heaviest lure it can throw is 1 oz with the MH. I would like it to handle up to 4 oz lures. Sorry, I should have mentioned that.

I am relatively new to fishing (in my second season of fishing) and I find myself looking for another rod, but this rod is for a specific purpose. I, currently, have three rods. They are: 1. Cadence CR5 7' MHF...love this rod, this is my main rod 2. Daiwa PR-S 662MFS-B 6 1/2' M...do not like this rod, does not cast very smoothly 3. Ugly Stik Elite USESP602M 6' M...this rod is okay, use it for creek fishing because of it's size I would like a rod to throw heavier lures than what my Cadence can throw (1 oz max). I am finding a desire to throw some big rat lures and maybe some swimbaits. The rod must be one to accommodate a spinning reel. I have two...Shimano Ultegra 4000XG and Pflueger Supreme XT SUPXTSP30. I am, also, a bank fisherman, if that makes a difference. I am the type of guy who would like to have the best, but cannot afford it. I usually look for the best bang for the buck, thus the Cadence rod. I do not know much about rods, but the Cadence just feels like it oozes quality and was not expensive. What would you guys/gals recommend for me?

I am definitely going to have to keep that in mind. Does that make/model really make a big difference with the blowing wind? It's too bad I just purchased a 300-yard and a 500-yard spool of PowerPro. But, I am pretty sure I will give that FINS Windtamer a go next time I purchase braided line.

That's interesting, which one of those FINS models would you recommend?

Really, I must be doing something wrong, then. Every time I tried a side-arm cast I never got near as much distance as with my overhead cast.

Yes, I am using a spinning rod (haven't learned how to cast with a baitcaster, yet...tried it but could not cast more than 30 feet out...it was kind of a low end reel, if that makes any difference) and, yes, I usually use an overhead cast which gives the line a high arch. That's a good idea to lower my cast. I guess a side-arm cast would be best on windy days, but that would reduce my distance...better that than losing more lures.

I am a relatively new fisherman who primarily fishes from the bank. And, being a bank fisherman, I, sometimes, find it difficult to throw parallel to the shoreline. I try to do this as much as possible. The other day, I was at the corner of a pond throwing my lure parallel to the shoreline when an unsuspecting gust of wind came and threw my line (but not my Whopper Plopper) into a line of trees. It was in such a spot that I could not walk to the line of trees and untangle the line. I ended up snapping the line trying to get it untangled from the standing spot where I threw the lure. I lost my Whopper Plopper 110, one that I just caught a 4lb largemouth a little earlier. I was throwing PowerPro Spectre Fiber 20 lb. test. Is that too thin for windy days? Does thinner line tend to be blown around by the wind more so than thicker line? I really hate loosing good lures (especially Whopper Ploppers) and expensive hooks (when throwing my soft plastics).

I love The Plopper 110. It is my favorite size. Next favorite is 75, but, I only use one rod for my ploppers. I found a really good quality, but very inexpensive rod. It's a Cadence CR5 MH/F spinning rod paired and it's paired with a Shimano Ultegra 4000XG spinning reel. The rod's max lure weight is 1oz, which is what the Plopper 110 weighs, so I cannot go any bigger with them. The line I usually use is the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line, but I just recently purchased the Power Pro Maxcuratro braided line 40lb test. It's supposed to be 25% thinner, so I am guessing it's thickness is a little more than the 20lb stuff I am using currently. Haven't used it, yet.

Well, it happened to me again. Decided to try putting on a fluoro leader (8lb test). Went fishing late this morning and within 5-7 minutes caught my first largemouth (about 1.5 lbs). But, the next cast something weird and bad happened. Was not a good cast. It was one of those line drive casts but suddenly, during the cast, the fluoro leader snapped. Lost one of those swinging tungsten football jig head hooks with a Netbaits Paca Craw attached. Did not care about losing the lure, but the hook is a little pricey. I am starting to think that maybe the knot is not a good one for fluorocarbon. Did a little research on YouTube and l found that lots of people don't like the Palomar Knot with fluoro. So, I searched the best knot for fluorocarbon and found numerous videos tying the same knot, but nobody gave it a name except one and he was not sure of the name...he called it an Eugene Slip Knot. Anyhow, I dropped the 8lb fluoro and tied on the 20lb fluoro, as a leader...about 12-15'. And, figured out hot to tie that Eugene Slip Knot. I will give it a whirl tomorrow, hopefully before the rains come in...won't start fishing until early afternoon. I am hoping this new knot with the 20lb fluoro will do the trick. I'm giving fluoro a lot of chances, here. If I lose any more lures (and, hooks especially), I will drop fluorocarbon for good. All of the ponds and even the Great Miami River has rather unclear water. So, according to kayaking_kev, I might be better off with my moss green braid, anyhow. Except, this new hidden pond I went to today was extremely clear. I will give that pond another shot, one of these days.

The only way I have set my drag is by hand. If I can easily pull the line off the spool, that is where I set my drag. If I hook a big one (and I've caught a few big ones) and she is taking the line too easily, I will adjust the drag, but I have no idea what poundage I am at. That is what I have done since I started fishing last year. I'd like to know if I am at 10lbs or12lbs or 8lbs or whatever with the drag setting, however. I'd like to know how to set it with a digital scale. Just to know.

I was using the 8lb fluoro leader attached to 20lb braid, today. The leader was about 12' long. When my line broke today, I really did not check to see if it was the knot that failed or if it was the leader. I just assumed it was the leader line that snapped. When it comes to knots, I always tie the Palomar Knot to tie to the lure. My line to leader knot is always the GT knot. I chose the Palomar because a seasoned-fisherman friend recommended it and a lot of people on YouTube say it's the best with braid. About the only other knot I know is the Improved Clinch Knot. Would the ICK have been a better choice on the fluorocarbon line? Also, how in the world do you set your drag with your scale? I do have a digital scale and I assume it is accurate. I would like to know how you set your drag to 25% - 30% of your line's rating?

Well, I am officially done with fluorocarbon. I am throwing it all away (or giving it to a friend). I took the fluoro off the spool and re-spun braid. Put about 12 feet of fluoro (8 lb trest) on as a leader. Today, when I hook up the first fish, the leader snaps when I go to set the hook. My fluorocarbon experiment is a complete disaster. I will never go back to it. I used braid all last year without a single incident. I don't know how fluorocarbon flourishes in the fishing industry. For me, it sucks. I chose fluorocarbon because of it's (for lack of a better word) invisibility characteristics. I hear braid is far more visible. Does any manufacturer make a braid with invisibility characteristics? If so, who is that manufacturer and what model is it?

Basically, yes, only spinning gear. One of these days I will try baitcasting in earnest, but for now it will only be spinning.

I've gotten pretty good at tying a couple of knots. The Palomar knotf for tying hooks and lures and the GT knot for braid to fluoro leader. Both pretty easy knots to learn. What tackle are you referring to? I did not know there was spinning tackle and baitcasting tackle. Outside of rods, reels and line the only other tackle I use are the lures and terminal tackle. Do the lures and terminal tackle come in spinning and baitcasting versions? A friend gave me a Johnny Morris baitcasting reel (a low end one, I do believe) last summer. I tried it but could not cast it farther than 12-15 feet. Did not get many birdsnests, just could not get any distance. I figure I will stay with a spinning portfolio for the time being and maybe try baitcasting after I get a little more experience under my belt.

I am under the impression that fluorocarbon is much more invisible than braid. That is why I am trying fluorocarbon, hoping I will catch more bass. If I lose a big fish because the fluoro breaks then I will drop the fluoro and go straight braid.

I am kind of new to fishing, this being my second season fishing. Learned a lot last year and have learned some already this year. Last year, I fished with a straight braided line almost all of the time. I put on a monofilament leader for one fishing venture into the Great Miami River, but the rest of the time it was straight braid. And, I love braid. I never had any issues with braid. It is easy to tie, spools up nice, and is very sensitive. And, had a fairly successful first season with it. But, throughout the year many people have ranted and raged about fluorocarbon. I really liked braid so much, I did not try fluorocarbon. But, was curious. This year, I tried spooling up some fluorocarbon. And, boy, talk about frustration! I bought a 300 yard spool of 20lb line. When I spooled it up and as soon as I cut it from the main spool, the line just jumped off the reel spool...lots of it. Probably about 10-15 yards of it and it got all tangled up with the reel. It took forever to untangle. When I tried again, the same thing happened. This time, I could not get it untangled. I had to cut it off and throw it away. So, I went to Bass Pro Shops (how in the world are they considered essential?, but I am glad they are) and they were kind enough to spool it onto my Pflueger Supreme XT reel. Actually, they said my line was too big for my small reel and he sold me some 8lb fluoro and he spooled that up for me. So, yesterday, I go out and try it for the first time. And, sure as shoot, early on the line jumps off the reel (not as much this time). I was able to get it back on the reel and continue fishing. But, this happened quite a bit. Towards the end of my 5-hour fishing venture, it was not happening so much. But, one time, when I changed lures to a lighter lure, the line jumped off so bad it got tangled so bad with the reel that I had to take the whole spool off and found the line wrapped around that part of the reel (I don't know it's name) that holds the spool stable about ten times. Wasn't sure I was going to get it out, but after some time, i did unravel it. All in all, I think I am finished with fluorocarbon. I will probably use it as a leader, but never again will I spool it onto my reel. How do you guys who like fluorocarbon deal with the issues I was having?

I live in Ohio and this is my second season fishing. Don't have a boat, so only fish from the bank. Last year (2019) I caught a 5lb largemouth on a Teckle Sprinker Frog. I did a little cheating this year, went to visit mom & dad in Florida. While there I caught a 5.5 pounder on a River2Sea Whopper Plopper and the new PB 6.39lb on a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver.

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice and all the info. It was all helpful and informative. I have been back from my Florida trip for about a month, now, and the fishing was fantastic!! My previous PB was 5lbs. That is history, now. I caught numerous bass over 4lbs and a 5 1/2 pounder and a 6.39 pounder. Didn't see any snakes. Did see numerous alligators, although. Well, really only 3 but, one did come within about 30 feet from me and watched me fish for about an hour. I kept a close eye on him, but he never got any closer. Even caught a couple of fish (one a 4.5 lb bass) while he watched and but never attempted to get any closer. I did experience something a little different while I was there...baitballs, lots of them. I was standing on the bank and all of a sudden lots of little fish were jumping out of the water (and, of course, landing back in the water). The first baitball passed from my left to my right. I did not know what it was, at first. It was quiet outside and happened just after dawn. It was kind of spooky, at first. I did not know what was going on for the first few moments. But, did figure it out by the time the first one passed me. I was throwing a Sweet Beaver and when the second one came by (a few minutes later) I tried throwing the Beaver at the baitball, seeing if I could get a hit. But, nothing. A total of four baitballs passed by me over a 10-15 minute period and I got no hits on the Beaver. This happened not just one day, but three of the days I was there. The last day, I just happened to be throwing a Whopper Plopper in the Phantom Shad color. I tossed it just behind one of the baitballs and a 5 1/2 pounder got hooked. Next year when I am there, I will be throwing Ploppers early in the morning just in case more baitballs come my way. But, boy, what a neat experience! After fishing in Ohio, it seemed like I was cheating fishing in Florida, I was so successful. I am already waiting in anticipation for my visit to Florida next spring!

Well, I just got back from my Florida trip and with this coronavirus scare, I could not do much with my mom and dad. They are both in their 80's and was told my the rest of my family not to take them out for fear of getting them sick. So, I did a little more fishing than I planned. And, boy, did I have fun!!! Now, remember, I am pretty new to fishing. I've never fished an entire season in my life until last year. And, fishing is pretty tough where I live, or so I am told (Cincinnati area). Last year, I rarely caught more than 1 or 2 fish in a 5-hour fishing session with my PB being a 5-lb largemouth. On this trip, I probably averaged 5-6 fish during a 5-hr. session. And, I have a new PB...6.39lbs!!!! I, also, caught a 5.5 pounder and a 4.5 pounder, with numerous 3 pounders and quite a few between 2.5 and 2.9 lbs. And, this was all from the bank of a pretty large pond. I guess I found a honey hole in that pond. Oh, I gotta tell you guys this: Almost every day, early in the morning while I was standing by the bank just casting away and something kinda spooky happened (well, spooky because it was quiet and I had never experienced this before). But, numerous bait balls passed right by me as I was just casting. Little fish were just jumping out of the water left and right. Lots of them. The first time it happened I just stood there and watched it pass by. Then, a second one passed by, and a third, and a fourth. I knew about bait balls, but only by watching Nat Geo Wild nature programs and that was in salt water. Never thought about it being in a small body of water. This happened just about every day. Most of the time I was throwing soft plastics at the time they passed by. And I got nothing. But, the last day, I was throwing a Whopper Plopper 110 Sexy Shad when they came by. It was trailing one of the bait balls and the 5.5 lb bass attacked it. Wish I would have been throwing that bait the other days!!! I visit my folks once a year. I can't wait to visit them next year. LOVE FLORIDA FISHING!!!

Yeah, I see it, now. That kinda sucks. There are other ponds that are nearby, but I'll have to look a little more closely for fences. I did PM the poster who offered to help, but no response as of yet. What lures are working best down there? Is topwater working? Still a little too cold here in Ohio, but hoping it will be a lot warmer by the time I get back from my Flroida trip.

I"m a new fisherman, this season being my 2nd season of fishing, so I do not have a lot of equipment. I have three rods, two reels. The rods are a 6' medium Ugly Stik, 6 1/2' Daiwa PR-S 662mfs-b medium, and a Cadence Fishing CR5 7' MHF. The Cadence CR5 rod just seems to be a very nice rod. I am not a connoisseur of rods, but it just seems to ooze of quality. I like it. My reels are Shimano Ultegra ULT4000XGFB and a Pflueger Supreme XT Supxtsp30x. The Ultegra is new and have not used it, yet. Will probably be my go to reel this year. Plan on pairing the Cadence CR5 with the Ultegra reel. The Daiwa will be paired with the Pflueger reel. When I head to rivers or creeks, I plan on using the Ugly Stik.

Thanks, Redux. I did give a look through Google Earth 3D and I did not see the fences you mentioned. You are probably right about it being private property, although, mainly because of the pier being there. And, I did see a couple of small boats parked on the shoreline, as well. I did see a small building a hundred feet back or so from the shore, but it did not look to be a house. But, who knows. On another note, what is a good color, for down there, for soft plastic craw lures? I've got black/blue, a dirtiesh brown color, and a green pumpkin. Would an orangeish or reddish color be a good acquisition? Anyway, I am excited to do some Florida bass fishing, as long as I don't get eaten by an alligator! LOL

I am taking a trip to the northwest suburbs of Tampa on March 12 - March 18 (coming from Cincinnati) and will be doing some bass fishing...from the banks. Actually, the purpose of my trip is to visit mom and dad, who are in their 80's. But, in the early mornings, I plan on hitting some of the local ponds and lakes while they are still asleep. So, I was wondering, are the bass spawning or is it over? This is my second season of fishing. Last year was a blast! I am so looking forward to this year's fishing. Hope the sophomore jinx does not hit. Looking at Google Maps, I see a tiny lake called Lake Dan. Anybody ever hear of it? Looks promising. It's in the middle of nowhere and even has a pier. There are no buildings anywhere near it and is probably about a quarter mile to half mile walk once I park the car. I don't know if I want to walk that far every day, but looking at Google Maps I see ponds about every 100 feet!!! I am exaggerating, but there are ponds everywhere. Some are big and some are tiny. This should be a fun fishing adventure. Hope I am not getting my hopes up too high! LOL