BrianMDTX

There are alternatives. I wanted either, but storage was the issue. With two cars in the garage, I would have had to store either a canoe or yak outside, in the backyard. So I decided to buy a small inflatable. Like 7’ small. It was a nice boat for years but it was too small and I was too heavy for it (not obese- just that the boat really wasn’t able to handle me and all my gear). Plus it was oars-only, which was ok, but I had this old trolling motor staring at me saying “Do something!!!” So I upgraded to a larger pontoon-type inflatable. It’s 9’, extremely stable, lightweight, has a wood floor you can stand on, and it’s capable of using trolling motors or small outboards up to 2.5 hp. I keep mine inflated, but it’s easily deflated/inflated if storage and transport are an issue. It will navigate waters 1’ in depth and get into places many boats can’t go. And before you ask, I also fish waters with gators lol. So far, so good! Sea Eagle 285fpb

Can’t argue. It’s pretty big! 🤗

Ok, let’s recap from the end of last week. First and foremost, Friday was my last day with American Airlines after almost 37 years. Yay! No more waiting until the weekend to go fishing and hope even then something doesn’t happen to interrupt the day! So of course, the weather has been yuck since lol. So, no fishing but, that’s ok! I can get my fix on Bass Resour…Gah!!! The site’s still down! So finally, even though it’s still gray and overcast, I went. First bass was on a Whopper Plopper 90. I used my net and the trebles got tangled bad. While trying to get one of them out of the bass’s mouth and the net, one of the hooks on a treble snapped (bass was fine). Caught another bass on top a little while later and then bang! The bite was off. Fished for three hours with nothing but a couple nibbles from bluegills until I finally caught one on the Bitsy jig with an Easy Shiner trailer. So three on the day. Nothing of any size but fun nonetheless. It was nice to come home and see that BR was back up!

Now how did you know I went fishing today for the first time in a week and a half and have pics to post? 🤣

I’ve used them for a long time and just bought a new pack of blackberry. I agree with the “don’t overweight” comment. 1/4 oz. is about as heavy as I go. They don’t work all the time, but when they work, they catch a lot of bass quickly. And they last for quite a few fish.

I got skunked the last two trips. I mean skunked. Not even a nibble. We got a ton of rain two days ago and this morning the water was stained and very cloudy. But it was a beautiful morning so I went. Started on topwater with zero action then switched to what’s been my best bait so far- a Bitsy jig with an Easy Shiner trailer. Just like that- two bass. Not big, but two bass in five minutes. And. That. Was. That. Not sure why the bite’s been off, but it’s been tough. But man, I’m having the most success with a jig this year than ever.

First thing I thought of!

@casts_by_fly I would agree with your assessment. I’d say it’s a true fast action but the butt and middle seems beefed up compared to my other MHF rods. It’s great for jigs and Texas rigs.

I have an LT2000 and a LT2500. Neither one has ever had one single issue. Line lay is superb. Reels smooth with no geary noise or sensation. No roller on the bail but even after years of using braid, the line has never worn. You’d never guess they were as inexpensive as they are if you weren’t aware of the price they sell for.

The Lefty Kreh leader knot is all I use for braid-to-leader knots. It’s simple and strong. And takes 30 seconds to tie.

Although I prefer the Daiwa Revros, I have no issues with my Shimano Sienna. The only thing about the Sienna that I wish was different is the AR is small and awkward to locate in a hurry. But the reel performs fine.

And here I though it was because I still have a iPhone 8.

Those are nice crappies!

No, I passed!

Next up! Create your own catfish stink baits!

My preferred method is foolproof. 1- buy new buzzbait 2- tie on and fish it 3- catch nothing, like always 4- throw in back of tacklebox, never to be seen again 5- buy new buzzbait Rinse and repeat over the years

Scrolling through the Rods, Reel, Lines and Knots forum and I see this. Ok, is BR trying to tell me I’m lacking fiber in my diet? 🤣

None taken! Just made me feel as old as I am lol.

Maybe I look at bass differently, but dinks? A dink to me is a sub 12” or so bass. Those are not dinks to me!

I catch bass for the fun and challenge. I go to the fishmonger, say, “wrap that and toss it”. Go home and say “I caught dinner!”

To be honest, I don’t reset brakes all that much. I use my thumb more than the brake system. I set it about 1/2 and let it fly and it was good to go. I will say the line laid on the spool absolutely perfect. So kudos to Daiwa, MN Fisher or both lol. I put it on a Daiwa Aird-X MF, but now the BM is whispering that Kistler is just a 20 minute drive lol.

It’s a very smooth and quiet reel. Very easy to palm (no Seinfeld man’s hands here lol). And looks good, too. I know the Fuego is supposed to be a better reel, and I guess time will tell, but initially I’d say very comparable.

Remember I said no rain until 4:00? Never trust the weatherman lol. A slight drizzle turned into a hard rain. The second cast after the rain started the jig got hammered. Nice 2.5 lb. bass. No pic as it was pouring. lol. I must have been having a senior moment. I did take pics lol.

Received my new (to me) Daiwa CA-80XS reel yesterday (thanks to @MN Fisher I bought a new (also to me) spool of Sufix Advanced co-poly mono on Friday. Spooled the line on 20 minutes ago. Spooled great- nice and even. Meticulously set the spool tension and the drag. Tied on a Whopper Plopper 90 and saw the pool in the backyard and figured “let’s give ‘er a few test casts!” First cast and 😱. Bird’s nest like a mofo. Spool tension. Check. Drag. Check. Brake. Che…brake? Oops! Forgot to set the brake and it was in free spool lol. Took five minutes to get it out, but after reeling in the line and setting the brake, it casted great. Better at home than on the water.

Here’s the link