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!

Greetings All, Fantastic information being shared. A good discussion on the topic. Thank You to each of you for sharing. @Swamp Girlthe thinner mono does bring a number of advantages. You've already experienced the casting advantage. Very helpful for a lower profile presentation, you don't have to get too close and risk a startle response. That rationale is one of the many reasons why I use the thinner lines. In my case I've settle on bulk lower cost 4 pound mono for my main use. Yeah, I simply catch more using the thinner lines. Like you I reserve heavier gear when there are additional challenges. Fortunately when being on the water, a yak in my case, the ability to move about minimizes the snag hazard. Often a simple angle change brings an angler advantage. Besides I'm usually dragged about to some degree with all fish engaged 'on-line'. @bulldog1935Your advanced line recommendations are sound and I may eventually get to where I can take advantage of it for my BFS endeavors. I'm almost there. I've gone through the summer and now into winter without blowing up a spool and hacking tangled line. I may have paid a sufficient line tuition to educate my arm and thumb into proper casting. For now I appear to be on more solid operations tossing those 2 ~3 grams using the 4 pound mono on a stock BFS reel (low cost version). I mainly want to establish a good level of BFS operation before I explore / invest in better options. I continue to harvest information you and others publish and develop that understanding of why it is better. I recently got in a lot of casting and catching practice. I was using the last of my Holiday leave the other day at a local lake where I was blissfully taunting stocked trout using the BFS rigs. During my catch and release efforts, I heard a diesel truck approach. "Oh could it be the stocking truck?' Yay! It was and they deposited a load of trout. There was instantly a bunch of playful trout to compel me to really improve on my casting and catching technique with that target rich environment. Bringing it back on theme, I've caught fish with all different line sizes. There is really compelling supporting evidence that I catch more on thinner line. While I'm good with six pound mono, four is better for my angling environment. When I do use thicker line it is the six pound mono. Mainly to preserve the casting ability. Our area has heavy angling pressure at all the public waters. So the advantage of stealth using long casts is helpful to improve your catching. I have discovered modulating line tension when 'on-line' with a fish allows me some level guiding the fish. In many cases when the fish is going in a less desirable direction, lowering the tension can alter the fish's azimuth heading. Not.a guarantee but it is frequently successful. Learning this supported my continued use of 4 pound mono in more conditions. I don't have as much concern using thinner line when dealing with bigger fish though gained experience. I'm also just recreational angling so a loss fish is simply a lost fish, not a monetary loss. I do what I can to prevent long distance releases from happening. I also don't have compounding factors as heavy dense structure or strong currents. My angling is more opportunistic and multi-species. Have a great time with that light line rig(s). I am continuing the fish taunting with my light line rigs. Cheering each of you on to angling success for the new year with good health too!

Greetings All, @Jigfishn10Thank You for honoring Tom and sharing his article. That was awesome to be able to read it and appreciate him. @woolleyfooleyYes, a wonderful suggestion for creation of this desirable archive.

It is with profound sadness that I hear of Tom's passing. His knowledge, wisdom, and kindness have established him as an icon to many of the BassResource members. He will be greatly missed and always cherished. My condolences to friends and family. I wish each of them peace with grace during this challenging time. I am grateful to have known him for the short time I've been associated to BR. Godspeed Tom

Greetings and Happy Holidays All, My BFS experience has included great learning combined with a full spectrum of emotions. In total, it has been positive. I'm glad I had the experience and continue to use it as part of my angling kit. First off I'm a simple recreational angler that generally favors ultra lite gear as my preferred approach. BFS brought new interest in casting lighter presentations than I could with traditional casting reels. Yes, as some point out you can cast some light weight presentations using traditional casting reels with very refined casting skill. I am not all that experienced in casting reel use because it simply didn't support my preference for smaller lures and soft plastics. Using BFS reels it is 'easier' to cast lighter presentations. It still takes development of casting skill. After paying a significant tuition price in trashed mono fishing line to 'learn' how to use a BFS casting reel, I am now to point where I can 'enjoy' angling adventures without worry about wasting too more fishing line due to casting errors or flaws. I am grateful to folks on BassResource for guiding, encouraging, and providing sound information with advice on BFS and other angling matters. Folks like Tom and Bulldog have shared a great deal of knowledge and experience for which I appreciate greatly. Currently I use the BFS gear frequently along with my UL spinning rigs. Because it is trout season here in Southern AZ, the BFS gets used a great deal when casting metal spoons to great success taunting those stocked trout. I am now at the level of being able to use my BFS reel with a zero spool friction setting with a modest magnetic brake setting. I am better at modulating the spool with a better educated thumb. There is still room for improvement and I aspire to build that mastery. All in good time as I do what I can when I can on the water. On those better casting days it is possible to support an even lower magnetic brake setting on those long bomb casts. Each angling adventure is an opportunity to dial it down further just to see if I can live with that new limit. I will say my use of BFS and traditional casting reels has required a dedicated effort to be competent in basic use. It was not something that came quickly. Coming from flinging spinning rigs, that background did not prepare me for dealing with use of casting reels. Fortunately, what I've learned from folks at BR was to refine my casting for using BFS reels with a better cast technique. Which is also applicable for use with my spinning reels too. I was OK with the investment of time and effort to be able to use the BFS reel. I'm still learning and continuing to improve. Now, I've got another means of enjoying angling as a result of it. I use bulk lower cost 4 pound mono with the BFS reels. Mainly because that is what I've got. It also minimizes the frustration and cost of trashing fishing line when I would muck up a cast and blow up the spool with incredible and impressive backlashes. Yeah, it is hard to teach an old dog. It can be done, if the dog is willing. I kept at it and I'm further along than I was. The average lure / bait presentation is roughly at the 3 gram-ish range. Currently for the trout taunting is with a 1/8 oz metal spoon. I've used soft plastics such as the TRDs with a 1/64 oz bullet weight which scores for trout and bass nicely. Advantages for me is just another way to enjoy angling. It is new and fresh. I can't say that I've reached a full appreciation because of my skill building is in progress with it. Which brings me to the disadvantage, it requires the elevated skill necessary to properly use a BFS casting reel. Something I didn't have and needed to build on. I did have to explore several rod configurations until I identified what worked better with my ever improving casting. My initial experience was with a rod action that was not helpful. I realized I was using too stiff of a rod action which presented a challenge to resolve the proper release point for the cast. Currently, I'm using a slower action fiberglass rod which provides me better results along with my improved understanding. I will revisit the faster action rods occasionally but I'm more comfortable and prefer the slower, moderate action rods. Yeah, I don't want to work too hard to recreate. All the fish caught using the BFS have been great. The UL gear has an amplification factor to bring angling exhilaration to greater heights. All fish that are 'on-line' are fun, some are way more fun. Here in Southern AZ, I'm pretty satisfied and gratified with anything larger than 5 pounds. To date, there have been a fair number of large mouth bass exceeding that 5 pound threshold successfully on that BFS with the 4 pound mono. There has been one flathead catfish over 8 pounds that took some time to manage. I'm always astonished what will strike a weedless soft plastic worm. The clicking drag on the BFS reel is very subtile, it is no where near the audible ringing you get from a spinning reel. I will tell you the thrill in hearing the drag pay out on either type of reel is exhilarating for an angler. Yes, it is different. Yes, is brings me joy to use it. I couldn't say that for some time while skill building. Yes, I intend to keep using it because I purchased a second BFS reel identical to the first one. Yes, you have to service it differently than spinning reels. The spool bearings don't do well with just any lubricant. That for me was another learning point. I can say for my style of angling, BFS was a nice supplement to my kit. I didn't have to invest heavily as I stuck to a lower cost solution for the reels and rods. My combined cost of rod and reel were right about the $100 range. Note: I've got a number of spin cast rods that are also suitable for use with BFS reel too. That configuration variety is fun to explore the different handling characteristics with those alternate setups. I hope some of this has been helpful. I bid you angling success and encourage you to consider and explore BFS reels as they can expand your angling endeavors. Wishing each of you well for all the Holidays and a fantastic New Year! Cheers!

Greetings All, A wonderful Thanksgiving holiday to each of you! Indeed, life has been a great adventure and it has been fantastic to share parts of it with the BassResource community. I am grateful for each of the associations over the years. I'm just hanging out with the turkeys at the pond. It is obvious they are not worried about my wayward casting. I'm getting better, the lure does make it to the water, sometimes. Hee, hee... Be well, Cheers!

Greetings All, My recreational angling approach is supported by several personal considerations. I'm recreating, so my level of effort is based on what brings maximum recreational value. OK, it may depend on the morning's caffeine dose. Because I frequently use a paddle with my kayak, there is that level of effort involved too. If the wind is involved, I'll try to use that to my advantage. Most of the time it is not helpful to my ambitions. It depends on how much I want to do at the moment. Over the years, the low and slow angling approach has been more successful for catching quantity and quality fish. Generally, that is what I do the most. That does not prevent me from mixing it up to try different things. I've always done what I can to be an honorable custodian of my outdoor resources, so I've gathered up rubbish when practical. In doing so, I've salvaged a good number of baits and lures. Many which are in good to go condition. Some do require refurbishing. When appropriate I'll give them a go. I generally approach top water using floating soft plastics with a slower presentation. I realized I had gathered up a couple of smaller "plopper" type baits in the bag. OK, let's try them out. Yeah, that was fun! It is better on a bait cast reel with the retrieve mechanical advantage. Nice to be able to try things at the no-cost investigation level. Exploring alternatives can be helpful and it can rejuvenate your angling ambitions. Although my data driven decisions persuade me towards my low and slow approach for better catching rather than just casting practice. Old habits, right? Your mileage may vary, and it should, based on what your spirit guides you to! Be well, Cheers!

Greetings @wasabi_VA I was going to second @bulldog1935 recyou'llommendation of a viscus oil as the easier preferred solution. However, it is possible to get grease in there but it will be messy and require additional effort. If you are using the larger tube of the super lube food grade grease, you could attempt to press the tube right up to the opening on the reel handle and forcefully inject the grease. You'll need to make a hard seal by pressing quite hard and holding it in place while you squeeze the grease. The super lube uses the same thread on the tube as many other common tubes like those with silicone RTV. Those come with a multi-size cut to fit nozzle that screws on the tube. Be cautious of how much squeezing force you apply as you can burst the tube and then there will be more of mess. The other option is use a little heat. What you show in the photo is a good start. You could add a bit more. Keep it in that vertical position while adding some gentle heat from a hair drier. This will help the grease to flow in. Rotating the handle helps work it in too. Of course here in AZ we simply set it outside and let the sun do it. It gets plenty warm fast so things work well with the sun and gravity. Just $ 0.02 put in for consideration. Good luck!

Greetings @Swamp Girl, and others, All the photos offered tell a wonderful story, each with a unique perspective on an angling adventure. BRAVO to each of you! Much of the time I'm solo on my angling adventures. I have a phone case with a small kickstand on the back side that folds to prop the phone for use with the self timer feature. It is a handy feature that gets used frequently both when in the yak and also along the shore. I tried a small portable tripod before and it was a hassle when in the yak as it wasn't all that stable when placed on the front deck. So the case kickstand was a wonderful feature that works easily and doesn't not add significant bulk or fuss. When in the yak I also have a landing net which acts as a livewell for me to collect myself in preparing for a photo and the fish is able to simply soak in the water contained by the net. If you watch the YouTube channel NDYAKANGLER, he uses the landing net in much the same way. You can see how he does it to get a better idea. He also catches larger fish too! Yes, I'm envious as I aspire to his level of angling success. I do OK for what I have here in the high desert. The images from the yak have a typical appearance as there are very limited options for positioning. The phone, the fish, and I are pretty much constrained to be shown in a consistent fashion. The self timer does allow me to fully support the fish with both hands. The key thing is to work with the wind to make sure the yak is positioned not to have the sun shining into the camera. Shining on the fish is better for viewing the grandeur of the catch. When shore angling I've got more challenges as I don't have as much equipment. So I've typically got a hand devoted to keeping the fish in the water, while the other hand deploys the kickstand on the phone case and sets the phone up for the self timer image. Yeah, there is a lot going on with that single hand. Being comfortable using either hand does help, some... The primary goal is to care for the fish, so if things aren't going well for me, the fish gets to swim without the photo shoot. So it goes, I've still got the memories. Here in middle of summer in AZ, the fish can really only be out of the water for a few seconds. In this heat the damage to full exposure is real. Heck, I don't want parts of me exposed to the sun for more than a few seconds with the extreme intensity. Given that understanding we make it as quick and easy while being grateful for the opportunity. Let's be careful out there! Be well, Cheers!

Greetings @Bazoo and others, I've used lower cost products with reasonably good results. It is a matter of budget and ambition. What is your motivation? Usually, better quality comes with a higher price tag. That being said, it is important to understand what you are dealing with. Many in the forum have pointed out the budget quality products generally use cost saving processes. Different heat treatments, different materials. A quick point on surface hardening, once you get through that thin surface hardening then you are into the softer materials. Understanding that will support the rationale of why frequent sharpening may be needed. Again, as many have pointed out, when using jigs there is a tendency to relinquish them to the rocks or trees. Yes, snags are simply part of the risks for those rewards. My ambitions as a recreational angler are most likely very different from a tournament angler. Although we both share the goal of catching fish. When it comes to jigs, they can be considered a consumable. They wear out, you loose them, and etc. A lower cost unit may provide more freedom for a variety of inventory. Different sizes, colors and such without breaking the bank. Just $ 0.02 tossed in for thought. Be well, Cheers!

Greetings @jsmackle, and others, Spin cast reels are a nice alternative for simplified operation. As a recreational angler I don't want to work too hard at recreating. I've been using spin cast reels for several decades of angling adventures. They have suited my style of catching fish. I used them frequently in my younger years. These days I have other alternatives which better suit my ultra light ambitions. I will still pull out my Zebco Omega Pro from time to time to taunt fish. I'll have a go at getting you information you asked for. These days it is really difficult to find a 'bad' reel. There are different price points for the different features and levels of quality. It is really based on your opinion if something does or doesn't meet expectations. Realize the lower cost units are ment to be available and will simply function at that basic level. A better build quality is going to cost more. A Zebco 33 is at most every retailer at a modest price. I'v'e got many of them and a few are over 35 years old and are cherrished for all the great experiences and memories. Similarly, my Zebco Omega Pro is at the upper end of the Zebco quality offering and is a great option if your budget allows or if you seek that level of performance. It has many features the lower cost Zebco reels don't. The Zebco web site will tell you all about it. I have not found much wrong with the closed face, spin cast reels. Again, if you seek a simplified operation than it is helpful. There are only a few higher end, higher quality spin cast reels that will be as smooth as other style of reels with ball bearings. The added cost is due to materials like those ball bearings rather than polymer bushings that will provide a different level of user experience. This is where your wallet and ambition will guide your selection. These days I do use spinning reels frequently because of my preference for ultra lite fishing. So my selection of reels and rods are based on that type of fishing. Using your description of the family's angling ambitions, it appears a medium lite, or medium moderate spinning combo with a length that works for you could be helpful. This is one of the most common spinning combos available at your local retailer. This past spring I bought several low cost spinning combos that ranged from $10 - $25 and had a great time with each of them taunting trout till it got too warm. Then I messed with the bass, bluegill, and catfish with them too! So all good, even at that modestt investment. I used them just as they came from the store and had fun. Yes, I have much better equipment but it was something different to try and say I did it. OK, like any tool, proper operations is helpful for a good experience. There is a lot of helpful information on this forum on how to best use a spinning reel. Pairing a spin cast reel on a casting rod can work. You may find different performance wiht differnt rod actions. A too stiff rod may not cast as easy or as comfortable. Others have address the "broom handle" aspects where you have great strength but getting a good cast is a challenge without some flex. What I've noticed as a factor with the different rod handles is the overall weight. Generally, if you want a lower weight package, the split handle configuration uses less material, thus lower overall weight. This can be important as a handling quality. If you intend to hold the fishing rig for several hours it may be helpful to minimize fatigue using a lighter weight setup. Then there is the consideration of sensitivity, to help you feel what is going on. This is difficult if the rig is heavy. As for the "cool" factor well that is up to you and your style of angling. Some like the split grip for using a two handed casting technique. Just $0.02 put in to help in understanding. Your mileage may vary as you determine what you want and your budget will allow. I'm sure there are plenty of retailers and stores happy to assist you. All the best to you and family, best fishes! Be well, Cheers!