MidwestBassAttack

I suggest either performing a full teardown, clean, and relube. It’s simple to do. Or send it in and have it fully serviced…..then buy another one so your not without the reel ?

Hi everyone, I can’t tell you how appreciative I am with everyone’s words of encouragement. I’ve gotten several PM’s from members offering their support, words of wisdom, and even tackle offerings. You all have reminded me there are still great, caring people in this world and that this hurdle isn’t the norm. I’m forever indebted to the community here and the companionship so many of you have offered in reminding me that no one goes through these storms alone. Thank you so much and Happy Holidays to all of you, Steve (dad/me), Charlotte (10), Greyson (8), and Maverick (5)

Sweet mother….that’s one epic haul….love it!!

Halo HFX 7’11 extra heavy with 60lb Sunline Plasma

Not much fishing-related items this off season. Have some significant life changes so most of my time will primarily be spent with my Martin 000 guitar

Well folks, looks like my tackle fun is over indefinitely. The past week has been littered with complete hell. My spouse (soon to be ex) has been struggling with alcoholism for a number of years and as a result, required me to contact our local PD back in September. She was removed from the house, placed in jail, and has three domestic assault and battery charges against her. Imagine trying to explain that to our three kids ages 5, 8, and 10. On top of the divorce proceedings, the past week (Monday) she admitted to infidelity and within the same week, I was let go from my job (Global EHS Director) on Thursday with zero severance. All I have to say is the the fishing gods better bless me with a double-digit come open water season. Until then, I’ll be running into the boards posting as usual but living vicariously through all of you in the latest tackle purchase threads!

You actually take online meetings at home??? My “remote” days were always at the lake…just don’t forget to mute when a flock of geese flies over or when your fishing buddy starts screaming “that’s at least a 9lber”

Get a large piece of dark, lint free material and give yourself plenty of working space. Prevent anything falling off your work space as much as possible. Make sure your work lighting is sufficient. Have parts diagram layer out and as you remove items, put them in a line in the order you take them off to assist in order of re-assembly. Take your time, be thorough, never force things apart or back together. Eliminate any distractions out of the equation (dogs, pets, kids). One adult beverage is also a must with Mozart lulling in the background.

Buy first….think later

The last time I stuffed my neighbors bin it cost me 3 years of maintenance!!!

I have been very, very impressed with the HFX rods….build quality, blanks, sensitivity, actions, etc.

I don’t recall if I read it in this thread or somewhere else but someone posted when their “outie” becomes an “innie” ?

My absolute favorite……Halo HFX 7’3 MH. And this is coming from a guy who had an NRX+ 873CRR…..

I did the exact same to one of my Halo HFX rods. Total user error on my part from over tightening. I contacted Halo, paid a $25 replacement fee, and had a brand new rod in my hands 2 days later. They even suggested I keep the rod with the cracked reel seat and fix with Crazy Glue and baking soda which I did and it fixed it flawlessly.

Cork is just fine. Unsealed.

Now that’s a great day out! I’ve got a 3/8 jig tied up this morning and ready for some action

I absolutely LOVE them. I’ve had my bouts with some Abu’s and Lews but it’s no comparison to Shimano. The Metanium is my all time favorite…plus it retains heat which is perfect for this time of year in Northern IL.

I used a Dobyns Sierra 734c Micro for the better part of a full season about 4 years ago. Pretty darn sensitive, clean build, and still have it although it’s sitting in a corner thanks to my bait monkey and trying other brands. I would go Sierra all day long. 3, 4, and 5 powers will pretty much cover a lot of a bass anglers needs. Never fished a Lews…and I don’t plan on it. Was never impressed with any of the builds I’ve handled. Much better rod options out there.

Alright you Northern IL guys and gals…..we have the first snowflakes of the year falling here in Naperville and sadly temps are set to plummet this week with lows in the teens at night…I’m braving it out on the water all day tomorrow but I’m dreading that hard water coming soon. I just bought a Shimano Zodias rod for the final weeks to play around with. I can already tell this is going to be an expensive off season…Metaniums from Japan will be trickling 2x each month between now and March ???

I’ve used the Halo HFX 7’3” MH as my spinnerbait/chatter bait rod. You will be hard pressed to find a better suited rod for the technique. SUPER sensitive rods those HFX rods. Im presently trying a Shimano Zodias but quite frankly, I see myself building up a full fleet of HFX rods for the 23’ season

Curado K or Curado 150 MGL without a doubt if you are buying within the USDM.

Look at the bright side….time to go rod shopping!! Use boat flipping to your advantage boys and girls….boat flip, rod breaks, return home to your spouse all bummed out, throw a pity party, get sympathy, buy a more expensive rod!!

Spro 65. Only two colors you need….white and black.

Xtra Tuff deck boots, layers, bibs, and jacket. I’ll often find some nice pockets sheltered from the wind which makes it super cozy

Not familiar with the 13 reel but I would go with a slower ratio so you have more torque. The Bantam is no slouch and would be my reel of choice between the two