RDB

There you have it...lockdown ?

Absolutely...we call it the Al Bundy. ?

I would definitely agree that if you want to stay on the lower end, this is a great quality reel that punches above it’s class. I used them regularly before I started upgrading to higher end gear.

You should follow for the comedy relief. Some of the exchanges are quite entertaining. I don’t use ShareLunker program submissions for vanity, I use them to draw traffic away from the lakes I want to fish ?...JK.

I grabbed another Metanium last week from Digitaka for $285 (free shipping). I’ve never had a bad experience with new JDM reels but I have only bought through Digitaka. I’m sure there are others that are good as well. I have never bought used.

Since you know you like the Shimano/St Croix combo, why not consider taking that up a level. One of my setups is the Avid X with the new Shimano Vanford reel and it’s a great setup. The Vanford is next evolution of the Stradic CI4+. Only problem is it’s tough to find the Vanford in stock.

Completely agree...and it does make sense. I would also venture to say you are likely a pretty seasoned angler. I would suggest that if the angler has challenges slowing down, I would go with the slower ratio. IMO, the biggest mistake most anglers make is fishing too fast, not too slow.

IMO, it’s going to depend on you. It takes a certain degree of discipline to slow down a retrieve. I have fished all my life and still have to remind myself on occasion. If you are comfortable adjusting your retrieve speed based on the presentation, the 8 will probably cover a wider range. If not, the 6 is probably the safer bet.

And I agreed with you. That’s why my first post said I was going to try some shrink tubing (and I like your rubber band idea). The box will be perfect for some...others not. Hence, the universal comment. I wasn’t directing it at you but more at those who have no problems. Hopefully we will get some other ideas because I have this question as well.

Ya beat me to it...I was going to say wet water.

Before & after...channel hasn’t moved...just flooded.

I would be surprised if the spawn is completely done in your area. We still have bass in all 3 phases in Texas. Even if it is done, they should be in more of a post spawn phase than a summer phase. I would look at areas between the spawning spots and the summer spots.

You know you’re tempted...don’t fight it. Have you ever smelled some of the scents on the market? The only downside is you’ll pick up a few catfish as well.

This guy is obviously trolling. Some of these claims are straight nutty.

We are just goofing...I think we would all like to find ways to lower our tackle expenses. Now who wants to sign up to clean my garage. As additional incentive, here is another peek at what you can get. This one is endorsed by my bulldog.

Since the OP hasn’t registered, I am willing to open up the offer to the board. These are very unique lures and have likely not been seen by the fish in your lakes. I have included an example below for additional motivation.

This is pretty much my experience. When I do have fit issues, it is usually because the shirt is too thin and the jig slides in the direction of the hook, not the head. If I replaced with a bulkier skirt, it would fit fine. An example of a fairly common bladed jig that won’t fit well is the Jackhammer Stealth. Out of 3 boxes, it is only an issue in 4-5 slots per box for me. It is going to be hard to make a perfect universal box with all the jigs on the market.

It is a problem...especially with hand tied jigs. I was going to look for some type of tubing that shrinks to fit when heated. I know I have seen something like that at Home Depot but I haven’t had time to check.

Not sure where here is but I assume you are up north because you fish smallmouth. I personally have never seen a pro use straight braid on a light spinning reel and a drop shot. I have also never seen a pro on any of the major bass pro tours run straight braid on all of their setups. I run straight braid all the time...on my pitchin’ and frog rod.

When in doubt, do what the pro’s do. It’s never a bad idea to follow the lead of someone who makes a living catching fish.

Agree...raise your $ amounts for your bottom contact rods where sensitivity matters. For the others, you can find great rods in the $120-150 range that will give you everything you need.

Since you live in Texas, I’ll give you a few free lures if you help me clean out the garage this weekend. Just sign up here:_________.

Sounds like you are following those threads as well. There are some passionate opinions but some of the replies are hilarious.

True...and you could argue that tournament anglers running around with 8, 9, 10 pound fish in their live wells all day is more harmful than a handful of lost ShareLunkers that may have died anyway.

I think you nailed the anti program side of the debate. The anti side is fine continuing the stocking of Florida’s. They want to stop taking bigs out of our lakes and allocate additional resources to habitat management.