BrianMDTX

So have I. In fact, I was fishing with a Zara Spook this morning with a Black Max spooled with 12 lb. YZH on a Daiwa Aird-X MF rod, and it was bombing them. But I have it set on a light brake setting and rely more on my thumb. Still, for such an inexpensive reel, it casts pretty smooth and pretty far.

By “action”, I mean the action of the lure (caused by me), vs actually catching fish lol. Also likely to using a rod better matched to the bait.

I think my skillz have improved, as I do not recall getting that much action the last time I fished it lol.

Oh, the one that got away! I started off “walkin’ the dog” with a Zara Spook, which I haven’t fished in a long time. Had one take a swipe at it on the second cast and simply missed it, but the next strike was a true blow-up. It took it down and started running, and hard enough it started to pull line from the drag. It went deep, then came up near the surface. I was prepared for the jump, but it ran again and the line.went.limp. It threw the Spook clear. Don’t know how big, but it was big. Tried to see if I could catch him again and this guy decided he wanted it. Caught four like this (three on a Zoom Trick TR). Disappointed I missed a big gal, but I know she’s there. And this is the first bass I’ve caught on a Spook. I need to try it more often.

I’m with you. I try jigs every time. I’ve caught one bass on a jig. And as that was as soon as it hit the water, I didn’t have much to do with it.

Only fished an hour. Caught two dinks and one I though was 2.5 lbs., but the scale switched to ounces, so it was 25.4 oz., or 1.5 lbs. lol. It was battle-scarred for sure. Not sure from what. No boats with props. No gators. Maybe a bird of prey?

It happens with mono as well. I have some clear mono that’s now green lol. Other than cosmetically it doesn’t seem to impact the integrity of the line.

The best part of that SMB video was the plethora of “Holy Smokes!” If I caught that bass, the video would definitely be labeled NSFW x100 lol.

Weighed: 5.18 lb. LMB on a weightless Texas rig with a Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Macho on a 3/0 Gamakutsu EWG. Not weighed: est. 6-7 lb. LMB on a #6 Eagle Claw snelled baitkeeper hook, half a nightcrawler and a bobber. Ps- that’s when I bought a scale!

You’d think the Bait Monkey would take an active role in fraud prevention.

Not yet. I’ve been trying more chatterbaits lately, but no dice. Also frogs. Got popped but no hookups.

I’ve been in aviation maintenance since 1978. Fletch came out in ‘85. I think every aviation maintenance technician active at that time had that quote memorized verbatim. And if you appeared to be some jackleg “know-it-all” wrench turner, guess what your new nickname was? ? The “Fetzer valve” was the real kicker. That’s actually in a Fender amp lol.

I have two Black Max’s. Do I like my Fuego and Tatula better? Yes. Do I still fish with them and like them? Yes.

Hey! It's all ball bearings nowadays. Now you prepare that Fetzer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads, and I'm gonna need 'bout ten quarts of anti-freeze, preferably Prestone. No, no make that Quaker State.

You are a victim of Bait Monkey telepathic manipulation. He has tools in his arsenal to force us to purchase things that boggle the mind. It’s like the Force. “This is not a rod you’re stepping on”

I was gonna ask about what trailers to use, but I see you covered that. I like the look of those!

I tried it just to see. Yeah, it’s a crankbait rod, but I fish a lot of soft plastics. And I figured what the heck. The action makes it simple to cast lighter-weight lures, but the surprise was the hooksets with a 3/0 EWG. It set the hook quite easily.

I use my Fury 705CB primarily for crankbaits (squarebills, lipless). I’ve also used it quite successfully with weightless Texas rigs with Senkos and Zoom Tricks. I don’t like it for spinnerbaits.

I have a MLXF Bass-X. I use 20 lb. Sufix 832 with no issues. It’s my main Ned rig rod. Although I like it for weightless TR with Senkos and Zoom Tricks as well.

Good video. Especially about up and downsizing weights.

It’s not that far from NW Houston. I’ve never seen a sign that states “Residents Only”.

I agree with you 100%. I’d rather have numerous choices than only a few.

To add: Boat or bank fishing Rod power and action (unless the choice of lure automatically decides that)

?? 16 is too young to have to deal with major trauma, but on the other hand, the young heal better and quicker. Hopefully she’s ok with no lasting effects.

Nice bass and a great read!