SproDD79

Just picked up a couple of these, do you tie directly to the split ring or would you use a snap to connect to the split ring? When I fish poppers I use a snap to connect to the split ring, but this isn't quite a popper, looking to see what type of connection setup other anglers use. Thanks.

I switch between 2 ML spinning rods for topwater, I use a 6'1 Daiwa Blazon and a 6'8 Major Craft Benkei, both do double duty as jerkbait rods, but I prefer the Benkei for jerkbaits.

Anyone have any info on what's on the horizon for new fishing tackle? I found some info on Fenwick revamping their rods. I would love to know if Shimano has anything up their sleeve. The monkey is getting restless, I'm hoping some new stuff can calm him down. If you have any info please post here.

Lower gear ratios often equal lower ipt, sometimes spool diameter and the amount of line can impact ipt as well, but that lower gear ratio lowers fatigue on the arms and shoulders and gives you better torque making it easier to throw a moving bait like deep diving crankbait all day. I would imagine my arms and shoulders would feel very different cranking with an 8 gear ratio all day versus a 5 gear ratio.

I like a 5 gear ratio for moving baits. I say go with a gear ratio as low as you can get when picking a moving bait reel.

Great story. Kudos to this angler for releasing the fish. https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2023/06/upstate-angler-smashes-his-own-ny-state-record-lands-monster-9-pound-smallmouth-bass.html

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I had a similar experience with 20lb smackdown in gray. I have not used it since, I have been very happy with the power pro V2 and the the Berkley X9 as of recent.

I prefer the Expride B light over the Edge 711, I like the handle grip on the Expride, I find the Expride to be more comfortable. I felt the Edge 711 was too soft, sensitivity was similar between the two, maybe a little better with the Expride.

I throw them on the Sierra 703c, I find the moderate action of the Sierra to be just right for the mini max.

I was going to say try Vibrax Foxtail #3 or #4,another option to consider could be a Shad Rap RS, both lures should be able to perform optimally with the boat constantly moving.

Anything Major Craft is a winner, I really like the 7ft MS 1 medium jerkbait casting rod, it's wonderful for blade baits as well. The only issue I have with Major Craft is some of their rods have really long handles, I prefer shorter handles. In terms of price and build quality , they are hard to beat.

The jika rig and spybaits, I loaded up on both never caught a fish on a jika rig and got one big sunny on the Duo Realis 80.I have not totally given up on the spybait, when the fishing is tough I still throw the spybait but have yet to catch a bass on them. I see a few guys not having any love for the dark sleeper, I have had very positive experiences with the dark sleeper, it often surprises me how well it shines when the bite is tough.

U40 for the win! I put it on every rod own as soon as purchase it. I have been very happy with it.

BPS Fish Eagle Spinning Rod - FEG66MHS, sometimes they are on sale with a pretty good discount. BPS Pro Qualifier Spinning Rod - PQD66MHS, is currently on sale for Memorial day. The Arid X is a great value.

My first choice is Owner when it comes to hooks, then Gamakatsu. If I'm fishing weeds the fin tech title shot is a winner. For neds I really like the regular eagle claw pro v, they are affordable and the hook seems to be fine for a full day of fishing, but what keeps me coming back to this ned hook is that plastic bait keeper, it doesn't rip up delicate plastics and it keeps the elaztech stuff pinned on without the need for glue. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Eagle_Claw_Lazer_Sharp_Pro-V_Finesse_Jig_5pk/descpage-ECLSPVJ.html?from=gshop&gclid=CjwKCAjwpayjBhAnEiwA-7ena2r2EClUVKj6QZX-ahoxlY1r7rdTXef1--F795Q1boGBdqQLRsD1NxoCcgcQAvD_BwE

Curado 70 mgl is super comfortable to grip, I have Metaniums and Bantams, but I find the Curado the most comfortable to grip. The Alderbaren is super comfortable to grip but it's sweet spot is for finesse or lighter weights, the curado can handle heavier applications. See if you can get your hands on a Lews SLP reel, they are tiny reels that are comfortable to grip as well.

I have 10 aluminum rowboats. Where I live once you place the boat at the lake , it's a long complicated process to move it, so if you want access to multiple lakes , one needs multiple boats. I have experienced many small undetectable leaks, leaky rivets,cracked seams, this stuff works like magic and it lasts, you just need to measure the mix correctly. https://www.go2marine.com/Coat-It-Waterproof-Epoxy-Sealer?gclid=CjwKCAjwgqejBhBAEiwAuWHioEH_XC4bUMxjPH9CisBc_fb0h1PsTpltvsMpQni-Yz06xuQxvPp6MxoC-wwQAvD_BwE

I know he is interested in a casting rod, but if he were looking for a spinning rod, my Dobyns Fury 662 has a really short split grip handle, is well balanced and has a comfortable grip.

I just picked up the Major Craft Days 69ML spinning 1 piece, I really like it, outstanding workmanship and its crazy light and sensitive.

I put this on my face before I leave the house then wash my hands. I do wear a sun hoodie and a face buff as well, so far so good. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Beauty-Ultra-Light-Sunscreen-Lotion-SPF-100-6-fl-oz/301345446?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=3420&sourceid=dsn_ad_cd426585-6fa8-4080-880c-d278c015958a&veh=dsn&wmlspartner=dsn_ad_cd426585-6fa8-4080-880c-d278c015958a&cn=FY24-SMLB-Weekly-Trips-PMax_cnv_dps_dsn_dis_ad_xcat_s_n

They are the outstanding, try them you won't regret it. I like #5 & #6 for senkos. Probably best to order multiple sizes.

I have used the GLX and the Posion Adrena, for sensitivity, I would go with the Posion Adrena.

I've been happy with these, the tungsten makes a significant difference in my opinion. https://www.omniafishing.com/p/woo-tungsten-ewg-ned-head/color*green~pumpkin--weight*1__6~oz?utm_medium=google-shopping-paid&utm_source=google&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPKiBhDvARIsACn-gzB5GuR64Bm2BS1zr7czB3XvfkxdG9o-o6VvfhhZF4QRIrDVwbVc3V4aApPBEALw_wcB

If you can find one, the Daiwa Steez A TW 1016-CC is a wonderful cranking reel, comfortable to grip, low ipt ,5:3:1 gear ratio, just a straight up winner. Those who mentioned the previous generation Bantam PG are spot on, that's another outstanding cranking reel.