MidwestBassAttack

For spinning, the max I go is 20lb braid. Never higher as anything higher is reserved for casting gear.

After hearing about some of these neighbors y’all have I’ve determined I definitely need to move!! Rangers? Vexus? Lunds? All my neighbors have in their driveways and garages are either monster mom-mobiles with the husband driving a 1999 Civic!!!

Congrats on the new reel! My father pretty much reacted the same at 75 years old. Of course, his Abu Ambassadors are still going strong. In fact, he still has some of the originals still brand new in box that he hasn’t touched since he bought them in the early 80’s. Ill still happily stick with my Metaniums ?

Rookie…….real tackle junkies panhandle on the streets for their gas money

Fall bite is on boys and girls…picked up a nice late-summer bass of almost 3lbs today at Whalon Lake. Double-Colorado spinnerbait. Was glorious fishing today without being drenched in sweat! Let the feast begin!!

I endorse this post…because it’s true and because it gives me many reasons to succumb to the bait monkey. Most importantly; when the next gear/tackle order gets delivered to the home, I now have a scapegoat…….”A-Jay told me to do it dear”

In the words of my wife….”accidental bid?? Sure….just like that time you accidentally fell into that blonde at the bar?” I would suggest for future accidents on tackle purchases…that the “someone hacked into my account and bought me a rod” is more plausible. In the words of a wise airline captain…”the ones we planned are great…but the ones we didn’t plan….boy they turned out to be real special.” Enjoy the rod!!!

The only thing I’m hearing is the sound of the braid coming off the line which is completely normal. Seems like it’s packed on pretty tight as well (as it should be). Dont worry. Be Happy. Go fishin’ now.

Awesome - thanks for the info!

From personal experience…. Okuma TCS 7’3 heavy/fast have one rigged up for Texas rigs and the other rigged up for jigs. VERY “under the radar” rod

Anyone know where to purchase Medlock Double weed-guard jigs? Read some good things about them but I can’t seem to find them anywhere.

Check your internal brakes maybe? Had the same issues your describing back in my learning days with a Gen 4 STX. All the internals were off.

I’ve had this exact NRX+ model and fished with it early this season. Worms and jigs up to 1/2oz were well suited. I also pulled double duty on it and fished up to 1/2 oz chatters and spinners. The 873 CRR has a fairly mod-fast tip on it I’d say. Had no issues pulling double duty with it. But I did sell it off eventually. Some days I felt like a darn fool with a $500+ rod in my hands. I’ve found my Okuma TCS rods to be a better fit for me. Cleaner build, the needed sensitivity I prefer, and also backed by a lifetime warranty at a fraction of the NRX+ cost.

All depends…I’ve caught on a slow steady cranking retrieve about a foot or two off mat lines in open water. Also caught on a pop, pop, pause retrieve. Just make sure your slacked on the pops.

734 no doubt. It’s rated as a heavy but in all honesty fishes more as a true medium heavy.

Brush, finger, brush then toothpick to remove any excess

Smooth casting motion is key. I’ve noticed this typically happens more with a jerky cast which can happen when you go for the extra distance. Casting is a lot like the golf swing. Smooth and controlled will get you what you need (and more) without the result you describe. As soon as you try to bomb it out there; everything stiffens up and too abrupt starts and stops occur which can lead to those over-runs and digs.

I recently switched my Texas rig/jig rod to straight 65lb Power Pro to try out for this technique. Caught a few dinks on a flipping jig in mats but nothing impressive. Went to my local honey hole last night and was fishing a Texas rigged creature bait. Could see that despite my quiet entry, the fish were getting spooked. They’d move in and gander, then turn their heads and swim off fast. 2 hours went by and I examined the same behavior over and over. Not even a nibble. Took the braid off and put on my 17lb Pline Tactical fluorocarbon. BOOM. First cast nailed a 4lb 12oz beauty. 15 minutes later BAM. 3lb 8oz stud. I was fishing the same exact bait as I had on with 65lb Power Pro. After that, much more action over the next hour. Could have been a coincidence but the results were enough for me to only keep braid on my frog setup. Back to Pline Tactical on my Texas rig / jig setup for good!!! Now I could use a leader but personally; I prefer all my lines to be straight (braid, mono, or Fluoro).

Okuma TCS 7’3” heavy/fast. They label it as a frog/Swimbait rod but I also use it as my Texas rig and jig rod. Absolutely love it! $150 as well!!

Craw just sounds better…..Crawdad, Crawfish for me.

I love days like those. Everything is rigged and loaded the night before. Truck is fueled and cleaned. Excitement is high. The 4am alarm comes and it’s like Christmas morning as a kid. Fresh pot of coffee in the traveler mug, Hank Williams on the playlist, the drive out is peaceful. Not many cars on the road and before you know it your at your happy place. In fact, it’s days like those that get me through the week! Enjoy my friend!

Absolute favorites are War Eagle. Double Willow and Double Colorado. Tried Hildebrand and wasn’t too impressed…seemed really flimsy.

I just made the switch to braid on my jig and texas rig reels. 65lb power pro to be exact. I absolutely love it. Used to use Pline Xbraid and had unusual break offs, etc. Not with Power Pro. Flipping and pitching around grass and timber are even more fun Love the fact I can get it from my local Walmart too!

15lb Big Game as others have suggested. It’s what I cut my teeth with when starting out

I picked up a Halo HFX 7’3” heavy for frogging and an HFX 7’ medium crankin’ stick for my spooks. VERY impressed with them