Fishing_Rod

Bravo to Glen and associates! 👏 Your efforts and diligence are greatly appreciated! Wonderful to have the community thriving again. Well Done!

Greetings All, Great to be back on the system again! A big shoutout to Glen and associates for making things better! @fishingram24 you called it, "I started with 5-6 pistol grip fiberglass rods and mono line", I'm still using that similar configuration these days, with my BFS reel. I am one of the reeling with a sweep anglers. This is the approach regardless of rig. Spinning, casting, and fly rod (OK, tugging on line while sweeping). I hope you each get to try all these various hookset methods during the extended holiday weekend! Be well, Cheers!

Bravo! @MontanaBasser and others! Nice to share when you can. Over the years of going through my fishing gear, I’ve cleaned up the useable stuff and offered it to those who could use it. I bought a number of the low cost Zebco fishing rods to associate with the various reels that I’m not personally using. I’ll take them with me when I go fishing. If there is a family out there sharing a rig, I’ll offer to get them setup with another rig. This way the gear is not collecting dust and still has good use with a new person. At the beginning of last fall, there was a young family that was sharing a single fishing rig. So I paused to go back to the vehicle and brought several of my setups for each family member. Pretty soon they were tied into fish and it was great to hear the excitement. A few weeks later, I returned to meet up again. The father told me they caught a nice 3 pound catfish on one of the rigs. We all enjoyed a good smile from it. Nice to elevate joy and get more folks to enjoy angling. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings and Happy Friday All, My $ 0.05 ( it used to be $0.02, adjusted for price escalation) tossed in for consideration, it is a personal choice. I suspect we have all contemplated a whole range of considerations when it comes to the rubbish issue. I fully understand, these days you are not fully assured what you are dealing with is ‘safe’. Bravo to those assisting with the situation. Additional style points for those prepared with bags and gloves. Yes, good to be careful out there. This should not disparage those that choose not to act. You have your own reasons and those opinions ares respected. I am careful when handling material that should be in the rubbish bin. I am astonished when I’m at the urban parks and there is trash bin just a few meters away. Rather unfortunate it was too much effort to dispose of properly. On a brighter note, over the years, I’ve salvaged all sorts of angling gear. Entire fishing rigs, lures, and etc. For the most part much of it simply needed some cleaning and new fishing line, good to go again. There are a number of youth and families that I’ve given the refurb gear to. A new lease on useful gear. During this calendar year I’ve cleaned up six pairs of pliers and given most of them away to folks in need of one. Yes, I’ve used them too. A good wire brush scrub and some lubricant, many are useful again. While I don’t make a huge dedicated effort, I make a thoughtful one. It is just my personal contribution to improving the places I go to. A minor distraction from my recreation is a reasonable investment. Your mileage may vary. The choice is solely yours. I am grateful to those can and do contribute to society’s well being. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings All, Happy Friday! @Justbass11 The ole legal general answer applies, "it depends". My personal situation with angling adventures typically requires at least an hour or more travel time. Thus, fishing time is limited. Catching time is precious! The AZ weather conditions can be an influence with all that too. High winds, harsh sun, etc. Diligent precision rigging can be accomplished in more comfortable locations and conditions. So, I do a bit of prep work so that I can make the most of time at the water. It is just the little things that make it better for me. I can simply get to casting and catching. You mentioned swimbaits, it does also apply to other soft plastics too. Depending on what you aspire for the proper action, precision rigging can be critical to that success. Swimbaits may not track well if you're hook is rigged too far off the centerline and or may tear easier too. Being comfortable in good lighting all helps to promote that level of success. I put good quality knot tying in that similar category of diligent operations. If done it well, it is a benefit. Sure, I can tie a good knot in 20+ mph winds, that 4 pound mono is going to make ya work for it. I prefer not to work too hard when recreating. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings and Happy Friday All, I encourage exploration and to go with what feels right for you. Every location has influencing factors to consider. Just as you and your equipment may require certain configurations to be optimal for you. Like overall feel, timing, casting, and etc. My experiences influenced my preference towards the lighter is better, for me. I use UL gear so snags are a bother with little forgiveness due to the thin line. The lighter package lowers the snag hazard by some amount, enough to make a difference to me. The UL gear, rod and line, work well with the lower mass for greater sensitivity. It feels better overall to me. I am willing to trade off cast distance using the lighter package. I get better precision using the lighter presentation. I'm targeting specific locations rather than blind casting. Those are just some of the rationale for my preference. The main one, I catch more! I hope some of this helps. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings, and Happy Friday All! @MontanaBasser Yes, more pitching rather than flippling, when using the BFS rig. The subtle spool drag works favorably for a softer entry approach speed. It appears to be a smoother presentation in those shallower locations. Lowers the spook factor. Very helpful out here where there is so little water and everyone is out there. I do what I can to try the non-typical spots because of the gear I use. The higher accuracy provides more reachable locations. When you do connect the drama begins. Some times it is necessary to back way off the tension after the initial sweep. This way they don't thrash until you're able to 'guide' or coax them to more open conditions where the UL gear is better suited for a protracted struggle. I find the similar feature with extra hang time to slide things under overhangs. It does take some time and practice to get it all to play properly. My neighbors are of the opinion I'm on the wonky side for practice casting in my wife's lovely front garden, just for that ability to slide the baits without penalty (I can get my bait back if stuck in the shrubs). It can be done with spinning reels but the finger feathering is not like what can be done with the spool inertia or simply dialing the magnetics. It is all good learning. OK, I admit I've not devoted as much time on the spinning gear, yet. Later, I'm having fun, right? I have only been working the lakes, ponds, and urban canals here in AZ. Later in the spring I may have time to try up in the highland streams. The trout and small mouth bass are always good times in those alpine regions. Unfortunately for me, that requires several hundred miles to get there. So, not a day trip. Soon enough. I have a truck and I'm not afraid to use it. OK, the fuel prices are scary right now. I will look into those smaller EWGs! I've used 4s and 6s with very good success. Tucson has a hardware store handy on the east side and they keep those Gamakatsu EWGs in regular inventory. Those smaller EWGs may work really well with the Micro TRDs to create a sort of Necko or simply a better proportioned weedless micro worm. @RRocket thanks for posting info on them! Sigh, almost done with document purgatory for the week. Time to go and retie some knots and get ready for possible weekend adventures. Hah, "Frayed knot" syndrome. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings, Happy Friday, @SJS , and others, First off, CONGRATULATIONS! Bravo! That is a nice one to make a moment special. Yeah, go with what works for ya. There are so many aspects of science, physics, leverage, and such. Then there is the element of good fortune too! Perhaps, lottery ticket too? Getting them pinned is one thing. Keeping them pinned brings other things to play. Many on the forum have shared thoughts and experiences on topics such as hook set approach. You bring up the amount of leverage based on rod action. All combined with the environmental factors can enhance or detract from success. I've found the fundamentals apply for the most advantage. A good enough hook set. There have been many times where things were held together by a small membrane, where I was glad I didn't swing for the moon (can't do too much using UL fishing gear). Then keeping enough line tension throughout the struggle to successfully get the situation in hand! We are collectively happy for your experience and photo! It is the weekend, time for more fun, right? Be well, Cheers!

Greetings All, @Rucksack You are most kind. I do put in a good effort to be clear. I suspect it is that English as a second language thing. By the way, here is a photo of the 10 minutes of high drama dealing with the channel cat. Somehow I've not figured out how to get them to hold still while the countdown timer rolls. Oh, so it goes... @Motoboss Yes, that is a fair characterization of general BFS marketing. One of the reasons I chose to investigate was to figure out how it could be of utility to me. The overall weight and handling are pretty similar between my two rigs. Where the difference became clearer is retrieve characteristics. This was very evident over the colder months here where I had fun with the stocked trout using metal spoons. I did do several side by side comparisons using same line and same Kastmaster 1/8 oz. Both caught a bunch of trout. It was more the user experience that was the difference. Sending the spoon and starting the retrieve was easier on me with the BFS. I did not have to confirm the line was taunt before starting the retrieve. Mainly due to thumb action required to halt the spool at cast conclusion. The spinning reel has a bit more user engagement needed to administer to the reel, even when feathering the spool in the winds. The wind issue highlights a difference too. Tossing the BFS into the wind required adjustment of the magnetic brakes by several clicks. Then when the wind changed to gain the distance compelled adjustment of the magnetic brake to gain back that distance. So, in the gusty, swirling conditions, you are fussing with the BFS to optimize and control the spool. Using the spinning rig doesn't matter much when dealing with wind other than keeping the line associated to your finger for cast prep. There were a few occasions the wind gust were strong enough to blow the line clear of my finger. Yes, crazy wintertime AZ weather. I manged to catch trout even during 'red flag' conditions. I greatly appreciate the click style drag on the BFS just as it is with the spinning reel. I'm not a fan of the silent drag on traditional bait cast reels. This is just my comparison of how I use dynamic, moving, baits. I don't find much of a difference when using the two using slower baits like with soft plastics rigged weedless. Those operate at a slower pace. Because there is no open hook you've got all the time in the world. The other difference is attributed to the limited window of happy sized (weight,mass) baits with the BFS. My reel has a bottom level at about 1/16 oz. Just too much diligence required to go lower in weight than that. If there is a way I've not discovered it, yet. I try from time to time and do what I can without blowing up the reel. My spinning gear does not have the size (weight, mass) limitation. I frequently use 1/64, 1/32 oz rigs. Those are fine on the spinning UL rig. No drama. I like that. Yes, the fish, bass, like it too! At this time I'm not prepared to identify if the BFS constraint is the reel or me. The lower cost BFS reel is not known for adequate magnetic brake force for those smaller mass baits. Then again I've been re-learning how to cast better through the use of bait cast reels. More learning for sure. Hopefully, much more catching associated too! The BFS has a place for my use case. Not quite equally as versatile as the UL spinning rig. I did have a great time doing the initial comparison. I got to enjoy a fantastic number of trout meals. Trout season is my time to harvest. In my region there are consumption advisories due to the tainted water quality. The trout are not native to these waters and only available for that limited time. So, they are safer to harvest. I greatly enjoy recreating during my angling adventures. That means, plenty of catching, with minimal effort. I don't want to work too hard to have fun. I hope some of this has been of assistance. Wishing everyone well, Cheers!

Greetings All, Wishing each of you well. Interesting point to ponder. Especially as I’m considering retirement soon. I can tell you that I’m enjoying every angling adventure just as I did when my age was way less than my shoe size. Each outing is an adventure and an opportunity to explore and learn. As a recreational angler, I’m not subject to other outside influences. I can simply enjoy the path taken at the moment. It has been and continues to be a wonderful journey. As an example, realizing my preference for UL gear. Which does not imply exclusion of heavier gear, just a preference which provides me greater catching success with occasional ‘high’ drama involved. Another example is developing a skill set for bait casting reels, both traditional and BFS. That in turn refined my casting technique to also include and improve my UL spinning gear experience too. Yes, increasing age and being medicated require adaptations. So, personal safety is a priority. The changes I’ve had to do are OK by me and don’t prevent me from goofing off. Yes, I do things differently than I used to. If you reflect you’ll realize that has been happening throughout a person’s life. Making changes because you have to or just to make it comfortable. Yup, given the AZ weather, my age, my medication considerations, along with the required travel, it all makes for a full day of taunting fish. Yes, I still make it home for dinner, and I don’t venture too far out of communications range. Cell phone coverage is still poor in many parts of AZ. What is that frequent common saying, “too young, then too old to know better”. My accumulated fishing experience has been robust with lots of learning. However, the enjoyment is still a high and fulfilling as when I was a young lad with the cane pole. These days it is more a UL fiberglass pole. I can say that every day on-line with fish is pretty good. I am so glad I can. I currently don’t have enough data to build an opinion on where I am. I guess I’d better go fishing more and get that data! Be well, Cheers!

Greetings @Red Beard , and others, There are a number of very nice UL spinning rigs available at the popular retailers. Easy to shop and find gear within your comfort zone. The rig I use frequently is made up of a Shimano Sienna 500 series reel, with 4 pound mono, mounted to a Shimano Stimula 5.5 foot UL rod. Back when I purchased each the total was close to $50 USD. I believe current day costs are similar. A few years ago while at my local big box retailer, I saw a packaged combo rig by Shimano with the 500 series Sienna reel and a very similar rod. The rod was not marked with a name as I believe it was a dedicated combo package. I bought a couple of them and they handle similar to what I compiled for my rig. Those combos have color coordination with visual appeal, stunning! The other rig is a lower cost basic BFS reel, also with 4 pound mono, it is mounted to a Shakespeare 5.5 foot Reverb rod. The rod was part of a low cost spin cast combo. The rod had a nice action for my needs. It works well for me tossing things around the 1/16 oz ( 2 ~ 3 ish grams) weight range. The BFS reel is a right hand retrieve, so I cast it using my left hand. The spinning reel is left hand retrieve and it gets handled using my right hand. It makes the angling adventure go smoothing switching back and forth between the two. Both sides get a nice workout, it keeps me balanced. Also both configurations are similar in overall weight. Both are pretty light so again, easy on me while facilitating those precision casts due to the low mass. The main advantage is the modest cost. The other is the high utility to me. The 5.5 foot package fits easily inside the cab of the ole pickup truck. Similarly, when using the kayak the length makes things easier for me when catching and releasing, I’m not fumbling or fussing with overly long whippy rods. Even when I put them on deck, there is minimum overhang so minimal snag risk when poking about the reeds and weeds. I hope that helps provide perspective with rationale for an understanding of my approach. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings @Rucksack and others, I've got several decades of recreational angling adventures. Yeah, just another old guy. Through the years Ultra-lite gear allowed me to catch more fish. I'm all over that as that is just fun. It is rare, that I am compelled to upsize. I do OK using the UL gear. I mentioned that UL gear cattches more for me. It is also easier for me to make very accurate casts. The lower overall mass makes it easy to manipulate for that level of precision. Out here in Southern AZ fishing waters are limited. They are also very pressured. Stealth with accuracy helps put things in your favor. The UL gear is easier on me too. Keeping the load to a minimum is very helpful. I don't have to work too hard to recreate. The other day I was out at one of the fishing locations just over 100 miles distant. So I had limited time there to do my thing. Being spring time, I figured I might find more spirited fish in the warmer areas. So I did upsize to rigs with 8 pound mono. After some time in mid-morning it was time for a change. Things were not happening. I went back to the truck and brought out the UL gear. Using the UL gear, I had caught and released in the upper teens bunches of small large mouth bass. A great time to have any fish on-line using the UL gear. Right about lunch time there was over 10 minutes of high drama as I hooked into an over 5 pound channel cat using the weedless worm segment. Both fish and I were pretty tired. Yeah, I have many reasons to prefer UL angling. Yes, you can catch double digit sized fish on 4 pound mono, just do it carefully with some good fortune! Enjoy the UL gear and catching fish! Be well, Cheers!

Greetings SJS, and others, I am just a recreational angler sharing observations on the topic. Occasionally, I will purchase a new package of soft baits. Based on those limited experiences, I don't have anything to confirm that 'freshness' makes a significant difference in my catching. I can confirm, the fresh baits are generally softer, thus may have more action based on that suppleness. I will share that when I'm shore fishing, I'm often cleaning up after folks. I fail to understand why people leave stuff all over when there is a park trash bin just a few meters away. Anyhow, over the years of cleaning things up. I've harvested usable bits of soft plastics. I do ultra-lite angling. Which works out to make use of the broken portions of soft plastics. Over years, I have collected and used those bits to the point where I've really not been compelled to buy new stuff. The bits and pieces work really well. Well enough that even being exposed to the AZ UV and heat, those bits catch a lot of fish. As an example, stick worms. In the past I would purchase the 3 inch versions of those popular brand(s) of stick worms. I use the smaller size 4 EWG hooks so that works with just a couple inches of soft plastics. Frequently folks use the 5 or 6 inch stick worms. Through use the bottom half breaks off. I find it and use it with the smaller hooks with plenty of multi-species success. Given my observations, I believe as PhishLI where it is more important to put it in front of the fish. They can decide. Most of the time there is very little hesitation which is why accurate casting is helpful. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings All, Even though I am tardy with my response, I still encourage some level of fish catching adventure. Of course pleas apply appropriate measures with reasonable caution. We should all be doing that at all times. I recently watched the latest from “NDYakangler” on his YouTube channel. Great content with high regard and respect. His recent video shows ice on the water with similar concerns, will they play? I hope you are able to enjoy the video as I have. I am sympathetic as I used to live up in northern AZ where I have eagerly waited till ice out. I hope and wish you efforts to be out on the water exceed you expectations. Happy Easter! Be well, Cheers!

Greetings All, Interesting theme. I'm not sure I meet all the criteria but I'll share my experiment over the past year. I decided to give heavier line a healthy go and used it at several locations across Arizona just to see how it would go. Typically, I'm an ultra lite angler using 4 pound mono to taunt multiple species. A few years back I salvaged a rod and reel combo from a lake. I snagged it with my crappie jig and manage to haul it in close enough to get it. The reel was a nicer 4000 sized spinning reel. By the appearance of the reel along with the deterioration of the rod grip, I wasn't sure if there was much to salvage. To my surprise the reel was rather well sealed. The higher tier products do have advantages. It didn't take too much effort to get the reel back in working condition. So I'd spooled it with 10 pound mono and was looking for the opportunity to put it back in action. I do a lot with weedless worms, and TRDs. So I figured I'd simply scale the rig with a heavier weight and see how it all goes on this 4000 sized reel combo. It didn't take me long to realize that it was just too heavy of a presentation. I went back to my tiny 1/64 oz bullet weight and all was better. The heavy line worked out to make me fearless in the weeds. Although I couldn't cast as far, I was catching fish in places I wouldn't use the UL gear confidently. Using the heavy rig, I was comfortable pitching that TRD into the reeds or deep into the tree bases and connecting with bass. I did have to upsize the hook from my typical fine wire EWGs to the basic 2/0 EWGs at the big box stores. I tried this out in the urban canals of metro PHX with great success. It was great where there wasn't too much current. I could slip it into areas gently and get hooked up. The heavier line rubbing on the concrete was not as much of a concern as I had more line to work with. Yay! It was good fun for me to be able to be in the comfort zone knowing I've got more leverage available. I was able to broaden the scope of fish catching by using the heavier rig. Now that 4000 reel works great and casts well. It is really heavy. So using it for a few hours and you'll know you been using the heavier gear. It also requires more diligence to make a precision cast too. There is a lot of rotational mass to manage in making a precise cast. These days the heavy rig is in the rod holder when I'm in the yak and it gets used when there is a high probability location that is full of snag potential. I just swap for the heavy rig and do it to it! I am glad the effort payed off. I got to restore the reel to functional glory to catching fish again. I learned that while upsizing the line, I didn't need to upsize the lure. I'm happy I've got another rig to use. Be well, Cheers!