Motoboss

These terms are specific and not interchangeable in our local fishing environments. Most reservoirs are flooded farm land and a “ditch” is just that, a shallow depression that is commonly straight(ish) or even a former road bed. A creek channel is exactly that, a varying degree of depth that twist and turns, formed by water erosion. Both being roadways for fish travel. Visualize an aerial view of a large section of farm and forrest land with a small river running through it, then add water over it.

I’ve heard the phrase, actually have used it, although referring to a “soft tip” in a crappie rod. It’s a good description for rods ranging between 8 to 10 foot as the difference can be minute.

This statement made me think of my Grandpa. Not calling you old, but the same type of wisdom I learned from him. Thank you

The cynicism in this thread is disappointing. As a tournament angler I could see not divulging critical information but as just a fisherman not sharing is sad narcissistic view of the sport. Folks out fishing get more enjoyment from actually catching than not. Good thing the likes of Jimmy Huston, Roland Martin, Hank Parker, Bill Dance and most of all BassResource have offered valuable insight throughout the years in order to share the fishing experience. I talk to anybody and everyone who ask “how’d it go today” in an effort to hopefully enhance their opportunities and enjoyment. If in return I gain some helpful knowledge or local information, much the better. I hopefully never go to my grave knowingly being stingy with life experience.

Ahhh, I figured it was a wider boat.

Hummmm, sounds like a hard decision. A bigger boat set up already with storage and rod lockers seems like an advantage. Some new wood and carpet would be an easy fix if you have the time and funds but could result in an upgrade for you or a profitable seller. Decisions, decisions……………

This is what I use and they are bulletproof!

From the looks of the water you fish Fluro may be a benefit due to its better light refraction properties. The abrasion resistance of fluro is the greatest characteristic with better refraction quality are the main reasons to fish it. Additionally a “soaking bait” may benefit from the clearer line in clear water. The purpose of a fluro leader for many. If you fish weeded waters it really doesn’t matter as fish see all kinds of water debris constantly and another thin, stringy line isn’t unusual. Welcome to the site and it looks as though you have beautiful fishing environments. Nice Bass 👍🏼

Probably thinking of the roadrunner

Was straight braid on baitcaster for years, still do but have added a fluro leader for some clearer water applications. T-rigs, swim jigs, spinnerbait all are straight 30lb Power Pro green and hi-viz green Suffix 15lb on spinning with a fluro leader for finesse setups.

Ok homie, let me know,,,just between us. I won’t tell 🤭

For me; Glide Baits, just don’t get it. Ned Rig, just a short worm on a bloated jig head. Wacky, never out performed a t-rig or floating worm. St.Croix rods, nice quality, American made, thick, heavy and overpriced. Fluro, I tried but it’s a hard pass other than as a leader on a braid spooled spinning setup. Jerkbait, right time, right place maybe but I’m never there. Any “dedicated “ rod. Buy one rod that can fish several baits, buy four and there isn’t a bait you can’t throw.

^^^ good video with sound reasoning. Me too. The twistlock just seems to let the fluke be more free and natural for unweighted. Now, if wanting to fish it lower in the water column most definitely a gammy 4/0 ewg weighted.

The trip most times is the win.

One thing to consider is leader length. I would recommend a length long enough to be reeled to the spool when a fish is near the boat (or bank) as to not have the knot exposed while fighting the fish. I typically use one and a half to two rod length as a guide. Only downfall is having micro guides and not tying a small enough connection knot. With the extra length a poor knot can reduce casting distance more as the cast slows.

Never really been a swim jig guy throwing mostly spinnerbait’s. After Bill Lowen’s win, a local guy I had a chance to talk with him and decided to have a dedicated setup for swim jigs and spend most of my time learning to use it this year. Funny how that Bassmaster article was in last month’s magazine and just recently posted. A good read for sure.

McCoy Mean Green on casting braid on spinning with fluro leader

I separate by type; worms, creatures, craws, swim etc.. then by size, then subsets by color. This way I can go to the box with the bait I want to use, pick the size then select the color(s).

https://billlowen.com/ at the pro level along with https://www.youtube.com/c/bassresource/videos for entertainment it’s https://www.youtube.com/@GregBlanchardFishin and https://www.youtube.com/@ndyakangler

Thank you for your reply @bulldog1935 In the past I have read about folks opening up new reels and the bearings were dry or the gears were without grease, makes me kinda nervous. I have no issues with maintenance but I think I’ll use the new reels as shipped and trust the factory condition as being sufficient. They operate smoothly so I see no need to over lube!

Now, now let’s not be casting aspersions! 😆

I recently replaced one on a 7’ Abu Vendetta MH/f . Not hard at all. Lightly heat the old tip while applying pulling pressure. Once off I scuffed sanded (red scotchbrite) the very end of the rod, applied hot wax to the inside of the replacement tip and the rod end. placed the tip back on the rod while applying light pressure and a very small amount of heat. Cleaned off the excess off the rod. Done

Just bought a couple new reels, a Shimano Vanford spinner and a Curado mgl caster. Haven’t had new reels in thirty years. Should I oil/lube these before putting them in use?

Whatdaya mean ancient!! I’m the same vintage as that reel. put braid on on…………..

Here’s how I roll………errrr……..float.