JediAmoeba

For that size I believe I run owner hyper wire size 3 and size 4 short shank hooks. I run short shank because the added split ring makes the hooks hang too far with standard length hooks.

I have 21 baitcasters I use regularly - 3 are 8 speed. If you are only running 2 reels, I would get a 7 because it is a more rounded reel for you to use overall. This year I have added 2, 5 speed reels for cranking. 8.x:1 isn't great for a lot of applications.

I have mostly broken other peoples rods. I just broke a buddy's this week when I was casting a jig and caught the rod on my backswing...I went to cast heard an awful noise, got a terrible backlash and watched my jig go flying. I had broken about 6 inches off the tip of his rod. My first phrase wasnt one of apology either - I was completely shocked and said, "why the hell did you put your rod in that rod holder?" I replaced the rod with one of my own when we got back. Sigh

Depends what you are doing with it. Also, the gear ratio is important but really look at the IPT of the reel to get the lowdown on how much line you are cranking in. For most intents and purposes you don't need to go over a 7.x:1 ratio and that 6:1 you have can pretty much be applied to any technique.

I am not brand loyal to rods but I have become brand loyal to reels. I have never owned or used a shimano reel in my life (how this is possible I dont know). I have tried or used every brand of reel under the sun and now I have almost all Daiwa. My rods are a hodge podge of brands and I enjoy almost all of them.

For any of you saying mono is superior are you referring to bottom baits as well? My experience with bottom baits is a line that doesn't sink as well and absorbs water - it becomes impossible to feel the bottom and hooksets are like you have a worn out rubberband on...

What about sink rate and wet strength? That is one of the main reasons I use fluoro...

I know the Terminator ones work pretty well for pickerel. Lol https://www.rapala.com/terminator/in-line-spinners/snagless-in-line-spinner-/Snagless+In-line+Spinner.html?cgid=terminator-inLineSpinners&taglist=Terminator|In-Line Spinners#start=1&cgid=terminator-inLineSpinners

Bass usually hit jerkbaits head on...

2 of us have been going out in a 12' flat bottom boat on some waters with unlimited HP boats in water 60'+ so I fashioned some pool floats on my rods not in hand because it gets a little hairy out there at times. My tackle is tied to a flotation cushion.

Dickies must have been a sponsor. That looks horrible...

Are we talking about coveralls? Like they wear in an auto shop?

6 hours at Beltzville today and all I have to show for it is a lot of lost jigheads, almost sunk the boat with a bad plug, lost 3 bass and only landed 1 bass. But it was a beautiful morning!

Maxcuatro is expensive and doesn't have the best reviews. I have it in 50lb test which is nice but the smaller diameter line isnt all that necessary for the price I guess.

I am right handed and all my cranks are on the right side - even on my spinning setups. My left hand just can't do it - I tried and it won't work.

Jerkbaits. If I have them with me I will fish them...I just love jerking it.

I like the 190!

This thing was on page 2 so I figured I better update my purchases. Had to replace a few lures... Not shown that I got are Simms challenger bibs and a Huk waterproof jacket I got for father's day.

I really like the flare on those gills. I just added some to my watch list on ebay...

I used to use a medium power, moderate fast action rod for cranks. I switched to a MH, fast action rod and immediately started missing fish and having them come off on airborne jumps. Went back to a cranking rod and now land almost all of them again. I prefer the way a MH, Fast feels from everything to casting, retrieve and fighting fish...but the lost fish is a no go.

That's a smallish one - MH should be enough power. Sometimes bass hit topwater lures with their nose and never even open their mouth - they are just hitting it to tell it to get out of their territory. I wouldn't get too hung up on 2 missed too water fish but if the hooks are thick, you may want to go to a strong thinner wired hook; just dont horse them in too much once hooked.

Along with the size whopper, what power rod were you using?

I never saw a jointed model but it wouldn't be too hard to make a jointed model....hmm.

@Smells like fish you need the musky sized one! I have 2 of those and I have never hooked a musky on one, but caught some huge bass on them in my younger days