BrianMDTX

If you’re old enough to have played Pong when it debuted, you understand lol.

Bank fishing like this with a BC are where the old pistol grip rods really shined.

I install line off the bulk spool so it matches the spool on the reel. After filling, I head out back to my fence where I have a screw hook installed about 5’ high. I attach a ball bearing snap swivel and run a hook through the ring, turn the anti-reverse off and back up slowly (don't let the reel unwind fast- control it under slight tension) about 45-50 yards. Turn off the AR. If mono, pull back and apply some good tension (drag should not engage) and hold it for 2-3 minutes. Then reel the line back in slowly under tension until you walk back to the snap swivel. That really allows you to remove all line twist, and if mono, a lot of memory.

I believe it installs facing up (2nd pic) and the drag washers retainer installs on the outer facing surface of that washer.

Very nice rigs. You do have some “fun” work ahead!

Actually, you can tell from that pic that the bass is not some skinny fingerling. It probably gave a five year-old the fight a 5# would give a grown man! Congrats to you both!

That’s my issue. But then again, I have a lot of a young man’s desires that I simply can’t keep up with lol. I have to bring a chair with me. Standing too long kills my back. My parents told me that decades ago. Like a lot of stuff they told me I blew off until I finally realized it was true. No one cheats Father Time. Or the hangman.

I bought several packs of 5” Senkos in green pumpkin with black flake and watermelon with red and green flake for $5.99/pk. But...my Father’s Day gift from my wife was given to me today a bit early. It beats the 45 year-old Flambeau I’ve been using!

I was killing double IPA’s most of last year, but for the past six months or so B&T’s have been my quaff of choice. Guinness draught and Bass Ale. Every now and then (more now that it’s summer), I’ll have some cold G&T’s with Beefeater, tonic, a lime wedge and three olives.

That sounds not so good!

You say he’s not new to baitcasters, but still, I think 12# XL is a good start. Good line, and inexpensive so if he wants to spool on braid later it’s not big $$ wasted. Besides, whatever’s left can be used as a mono leader.

Healthy lookin’ bass there!

Yeah, that's always the risk lol!

I think it depends on whether bass fishing is an infrequent but enjoyable escape from everyday life, a hobby one pursues frequently, a way of life that you indulge in weekly, or are a professional. Unless you have money to burn, it makes little sense for an angler who tosses lures 2-3x a year to spend $800.00 on a rig that their skill level can’t even begin to utilize the benefits of over lesser-priced gear. There’s some quality rods and reels to be had for $150.00-$200.00 total. Now, if you are fishing multiple days a week all year and putting W&T on your rigs, it’s better to buy true quality that lasts. But something tells me that many who pay big $$$ for rods and reels and debate the minutiae of their merits ad nauseum likely do so more for chest thumping than anything else.

I haven’t had a problem with leader knots. The problem I had with the Floroclear was with knots breaking at the hook. But, I did notice that the leader knot tied with Floroclear did seem to be bigger than the one with mono, even though both are similar diameter.

Took that Floroclear off and tied a mono leader on with 8# Trilene XL. Leader knot cinched up tight. Tied on a Gamakatsu 1/0 octopus hook (new) with a Palomar knot and wacky rigged a Yum Dinger (also new). Only caught one dink tonight (it was 93 when I made my first cast), but all-in-all a much better experience than the Floroclear. Leader knot seemed smaller even though both leaders are 8#. My biggest problem tonight were the turtles. There must be over a 100 turtles in this pond and they were all in my spot lol. Cast the lure and half the time turtles were chasing it. I also bought some 1/0 Gamakatsu drop shot hooks and may try a split shot rig with a 3” worm tomorrow.

Be convinced. I try to be stealthy, but have stumbled on exposed roots or slipped on a muddy bank and watched even 6” bass take off.

Thanks. I’ll look into that.

I’d say so far it is. Either Texas rig or wacky. Next trip I’m trying a split shot rig.

I live in The Woodlands, so I have access to many ponds, but I want to fish some bigger water. I do not have a boat, so I'm asking if there are good areas with bank access to fish Lake Conroe or Lake Raven. Not looking for anyone's honey hole lol; just want to know if there are any areas with decent parking and access to the water.

No they aren't. They all grew up watching Toy Story lol.

Looks great!

Aren’t there a lot of NYC-area bass that migrate to Florida every winter? ?

Maybe I’ll try that. I loathe having to take maintenance medication. Now...taking Motrin because my arms ache from reeling in bass all day? I can deal with that!

So do I. On the 16th. Good month and a good birth year. Being born at the beginning of a decade makes things easy lol. I take a HBP pill daily but that’s it (knock on wood). I feel 60 over 50 way more than I did 50 over 40!