Finessegenics

I'm taking a look at the Okuma Aria to make a cheap setup I can bring on trips where fishing isn't the main focus. Probably only going to use it a few times a year. Anyone have any experience with this reel in any size? What do you think? Would you spend a bit more money to get something nicer? Thanks in advance.

What’s your budget? I’d say anything with a 6 speed or 5 speed gear ratio would be suitable for cranking.

XZone Finesse MB Craw, Berkley Chigger Bug, any 3.5” beaver and lastly, any appropriately sized chunk. I’m not picky about my chunks or beavers.

Why not swim it?

Maybe it doesn't really matter, but the rage bug has those flailing appendages which move a lot of water. D-Bomb won't do the same, the appendages do not kick. A rage craw is even more aggressive and has a slimmer profile but why not?

I think OL is pretty unisex as well, there's almost this sweetness to it, which reminds me of fruit.

I did not know that, that’s really interesting. Thanks for sharing!

That’s really cool! And I was embarrassed to admit I own about a dozen bottles! How were you involved with the industry? If you don’t mind disclosing what your job was.

I also have Nautica Voyage ,which is very affordable, Tom Ford Ombré Leather and Givenchy Gentleman Reserve Privée. I have some others that are dirt cheap as well, not worth mentioning. It’s become a little side hobby of mine, but a very materialistic and pointless one at that. Oh well, I enjoy collecting them! If you’re ever on the lookout for affordable but quality fragrances, let me know! I can steer you in the right direction.

I have the eau intense version as well. The people around me love it.

I actually have a modest collection of colognes, more than I'll ever need. I like to wear it, not sure why, it's just something I kind of got into after a cologne I got as a gift ran out. I was like huh, I need one and ended up buying a few over several months. I like Dior Fahrenheit and Dolce Gabbana light blue. And like others have said LESS IS MORE when it comes to the number of sprays.

Woot woot! I’ve been waiting for this. Haven’t been active on BR for a while but I’ll definitely participate in this

I don't know how strong this current is, but I have not been successful when using suspending jerkbaits in a strong current situation. I have had a bit of success with them away from the main channel, in calmer areas. The bait actually gets to suspend and move ever so slowly. In a stronger current, I imagine floating the bait into a high percentage area would be effective. In general, jerkbaits are not really my thing anyways so I'm definitely the wrong person to consult. I like the Rapala X-Rap and Yo-Zuri SP 110. The Yo-Zuris are on sale at TW right now.

I'm a big hockey fan but in recent times, I must admit my passion for watching the sport has dwindled. I played hockey all of my childhood, mostly at the recreational level but I played competitively from the ages of 14-17. You can even find my stats online if you search my name. I quit playing organized hockey when I was 18 to focus on my education. Nowadays, I help coach a minor hockey team when I have the time. I am on the ice 1-2 times per week. Being a born and raised Montrealer, my team is the Montreal Canadiens. We're doing far better than expected this year and I'm feeling pretty optimistic about the future ever since the new management took over about a year ago. We've got some good young guns, hopefully they live up to their potential!

The swammers do work as stand alone baits but they excel as jig trailers. They have an aggressive rolling action, so much so that even your jig will rock a bit if it is light enough. Try the swammers on a 1/4oz or 3/8oz swim jig. Berkley Gilly for me. I rigged one up this whole year and did not get a bite on it. I only fished it for a few dozen casts though. I have 5 unopened packs in various colors and sizes. I will try to make more use of them next year but it's hard to pick them up when your other trusted baits work so well.

Winter smallmouth are a complete unknown to me!

Shad Raps and Flicker Shads are great. They’re thin baits and have tight wobbles, so they can be pretty subtle. The flicker Shad’s have a rattle though. I’ve seen the silent vs rattle make a difference first hand. They were slamming the Shad raps but not the flicker shads.

Ned Rig as always. 1/16 oz jighead with half of a Zinkerz. A new surprise for me this year was the megabass dark sleeper. The 2.8" 1/4 oz was highly effective for me.

The thing is, some of these tributaries are still quite large. For example, while my “home” river isn’t very long, only 30 miles or so, it has depths of up to 30-35 feet (according to navionics) but it is mostly quite shallow. Some smallies definitely winter in here? Right? I feel like the majority do migrate because they seem to genuinely disappear.

River fishing gets extremely tough here when it gets cold. At a certain point, it seems like the bass just disappear. Either they are completely out of reach from the bank, or they migrate into the main river (st lawrence) as I mostly fish the river's tributaries. I haven't been able to find them on the yak either, where I can access deeper areas. In this cold weather it's mostly just walleye and perch.

As a lot of others have mentioned already, a 7 MH/F baitcaster setup is definitely something that you're missing. Side note, the 300 reel is overkill for what you're doing. If you're just making use of it because you already owned it, then I understand.

Spinnerbaits, in-line spinners, and casting spoons are great for all esox species

What weight jig hooks are you using? And that leads me to ask on what rod? I'd love to get into fly fishing but my wallet and schedule can't afford another hobby, though it is still fishing. Wondering how I can 'fly fish' with conventional gear.

I like to use the thinnest diameter I feel like I can get away with. For your use, I'd say that's .33 mm / .013 inches diameter. Some brands that's 12#, others 15#. It is personal preference though, with experience you'll find what works best for you.

You're right on it. I don't mind a gold blade either, as long as the other is silver. Take a look at the Screamin Eagle's in Aurora, Mouse and Silver shiner.