MediumMouthBass

You probably arent throwing expensive enough jerkbaits. Have you refinanced your home and bought some Megabass? Jokes aside since i now own a few of them, bass arent on our level of intelligence but they do learn. I wiped my local lake out completely 2 years ago, its a small pressured lake but more so for trout by the locals. There were a few guys fishing for bass but i didnt see anyone catch any the whole spring-summer (except a guy snagging them on beds in the side). I caught maybe 1-2 bass on a bladed jig and that was it. Then i started fishing a 1/2oz brown and red lipless and i did the best fishing ive ever done, each week was a new PB. I went back last year same time, same gear, and i caught 1 crappie and 1 bass the whole spring i fished there. There used to be tons of activity on the surface and under it, you could see bass on beds, hunting bluegill near the bank. None of that, didnt see or hear a single one jump. The water turned from blueish green clear to bottom, to brown and 1' visibility. Nothing but the crappie wanted the lipless😌 Lakes change, bass learn, we surround ourselves with things we know and have confidence in and get tunnel vision. We have to adapt and learn something new eventually or else we limit ourselves as bass fishermen. But to add, bass do die. Lakes go bad from algae blooms, chemicals dumped into them by the state or local community, smaller bass or esox overpopulating and eating most of the food. The winter can be very harsh to a lake or pond as well.

Maybe he was at a bigger store? I know places like certain DSG/BPS offer free line spooling and those guys are making minimum wage doing the service for free. I dont think many will do their best and put much effort in. However if he was at a smaller local shop and that happened it would be odd.

Theres also the Sienna 500, Sahara 500, Nasci 500. Although you are probably only referring to higher end reels, but i thought id add these since the OP said hes open to low price-high price options. I think the OP's answer IMO is the 1000 sized Ultegra, its super super light. Probably will feel the same if not lighter than a 500 from 30 years ago, so the balance should be there. I picked up the 2500 model and it weighs 7.9oz, the same as my 1000 sized Sienna. I tried a 500 once, it wasnt for me, the 1000 just fits my hands better, holds more line, higher drag is also a plus since i catch many bass and trout on panfish baits and dont want to fight them for 10 minutes in the heat where they may perish from it. Im a casting guy, not a spinning. So i always cheap out on spinning rods and reels, because to me they arent worth it. Well i was at the store and knew the Ultegras were being blown out for $75 but wasnt interested in buying one, i was curious though and asked the guy to grab me the 2500 only to check it out. In the first 10 seconds i knew i was buying it. The Vanford was around $125ish but looked terrible to me, it looks like something Kastking would make with those colors. The Ultegra is the nicest looking reel ive ever seen in person, i might have committed a sin in some of your eyes but i threw it on my $33 Daiwa Aird X as soon as it was spooled up. The colors match almost perfectly. The last gen (21) models are being sold on Amazon JP and Asian Fishing Portal around $96 currently.

I was looking at the Honey Badger on TW a few weeks ago to pair with my 21 Zillion reel, since i think it would look good with it, and im really fond of having matching combos or at the very least somewhat similar. But i passed on it, oddly enough today i realized i dont have a "proper" mod-fast bladed jig rod. And now with your thoughts on it, paired with the one they have on sale being the right power, action, and ratings.... Hmmmm the choices🤔

If you do go to look at them and decide you want one take a cotton swab with you and rub it on each guide, make sure none of the material sticks. These rods are great, but again they are budget rods sold in big box stores. One of mine was bad and past return date by the time i noticed it. (i do this as a standard practice for all rods sold in store though, but especially on cheaper ones)

The Aird X is an enigma to the fishing industry. So many overlook it and think a rod is only "good" if it costs $100-300. And most of them are right, because not many of the budget rods are good. Except this one. Its not as sensitive as my Team Custom Pro Lews rods, nor my Dobyns Furys but its practically indestructible, super durable, kind of if the Ugly Stik GX2 had better materials and was a nice rod. Its great for moving baits where you want more power but some bend, although its no where near a true moderate or moderate fast cranking rod bend. It costs $55, which is a steal. Although they can and have went on sale around $25-33. I might have bought a few during that sale, a few might be 14 in total. I started doing a rod overhaul where im replacing my older cheaper rods with more expensive higher end rods, nicer finishes, feel, and more sensitivity. But im planning on keeping 3 Aird X's in my main rotation with them because i love them. I use the 7'3" MH F rod the most of of the whole lineup, it excels at ripping a lipless crank or bladed jig out of grass. Its rated up to 1oz so spinnerbaits are also pretty good on it. Although the 7' MH would probably be better suited for it since its shorter, stiffer, and just feels like its got more power. In bass fishing theres only 2 things i will always praise, believe in, and spread the word about religiously, and this rod line is one of them.

Ive had many hobbies over the years, but only a few stuck. The ones that did i feel like i was put on this earth do. Bass fishing takes the #1 spot, but because of life and weather (especially PA's winter) i cant do it all the time. So ive also got being a big car fan, mainly the great American V8 (R.I.P.) but i also like some Japanese turbos! Motorcycles too, dual sports and bobbers mostly, but i just love the smell/sound/sights of a two stroke. Im currently teaching myself to play the guitar, but ill mess around with the drums every so often. Working out is another big one for me, maintaining/gaining the strength and mobility i need along with eating as healthy that i can. Because a strong body, mind, soul, and gut (gut health can break or make the body and mind) can accomplish so much. Like many on here or any outdoor forum i am also big into the 2A, an avid outdoorsman, mountain biker, kayaker, and a big supporter of the military and the USA. I also tie flies time to time, after all i started a side business for just that. And then listening to music, i have a true love for metal, rock, etc... I say often i was born in the wrong time, back then you ladys and gentlemen had real cars, real music, and real people.... As for what defines me, id say having a strong work ethic, along with a good personality where i can talk to anyone (which for trying to get into sales soon is a miracle), paired with having a deep belief in god, even though i dont believe in any religion. As well as trying to do whats right when and where it matters, and even when it doesnt. Im also a big believer in steel sharpening steel so i may also come off as insensitive, blunt, along with not being "correct" or caving in to others just because they speak louder than me. Nor do i sugar coat everyones feelings but i try to be a good person. As you can imagine the younger people my age dont like me.

Im talking about Walmarts strict ordering rules, they are known for ordering product X from Y company but product X in other sporting goods stores is always better quality when compared side by side. Because they want product X for the lowest price possible and usually something is skimped on at the manufactures quality control team to deliver it at the price they want. From tv's to rods and reels, its not all products but quite a few. I know their clamshell packaged Siennas and SLX's arent up to par with the exact ones that come in a box sold elsewhere even though its the same reel. Wasnt sure if these rods are like that or the opposite. But it sounds like they are good to go, especially for the sale price

Im more so thinking he means if 10lb fluoro is breaking at the knot often he would upsize to 12-14lb line to counteract that. And the line being thicker would be more visible to bass making the whole point of fluoro (being invisible) pointless. But fluoro thats good quality, Palomar tied correctly (but SDJ would give best results) with the line wet so it doesnt burn would negate any knot breaking concerns and still let you use thinner diameter/lower lb test fluoro and keep the invisibility if you believe in that.

Since these are Walmart rods will the quality be bottom of the barrel like everything else they sell as far as Walmarts buying rules from companies for rods and reels? (On reddit ive been seeing this alot especially with the $12 Siennas failing many times, along with the clamshell SLX's being cheap feeling) Has anyone used one of these rods and had on the water experience yet?

Upsizing doesnt make sense to me either, knot weakness is only a issue when burning the line or incorrectly tying a Palomar/not wetting the line. Theres many guys who use 17-20lb fluoro only for jigs mainly but also flipping, swimbaits, and even maybe Texas rigs. I dont think they are losing any extra fish because of the thicker line being more visible. But how much does line visibility even matter anymore? Has anyone done a study or test if bass actually are more inclined to bite a bait tied to fluoro vs mono? Now this would be interesting, because after catching trout on bright green mono i dont put much stock in that anymore. And they are 100x more paranoid and sensitive than bass. And then all the guys here using Big Game that are still catching bass. If anyones done the study or knows of one please link it!

FFS is like if Major League baseball guys played Tee ball But its where the money is. On this world people will do anything for money. So it will more than likely be regulated 0% or just a little bit.

More than likely the guys who commented he put the wrong price are right. But on that auction site specifically theres been many times people put something for sale for an absurd price knowing no person would ever buy it. Except the one person they sold something else to in person but needed a legitimate sale to show the IRS for how they made the money. So you never know.

I still had rust even with Flambeaus "Zerust". Threw some silica gel packs (desiccant bags) i got off Amazon 200 for $10 and theres no more rust regardless of what tray i use. I leave my chatterbaits and jigs soaking wet in the tray and have all been good. However i go through many of them since i put 1 bag in with each and every 1 lure. I think from all of my tackle trays i have had atleast 3 bags now. And if they go bad just throw em in the oven/microwave and they get brought back to life. Only time theres rust is on cheap metal (cough cough Original Chatterbaits) or i leave a highly infused salt trailer on for months. Id suggest looking into these packs, very affordable and its an extra layer of protection.

Swim jigs: Green pumpkin, Dirty Shad (white with green pumpkin and chartreuse), a perch or bluegill one too, along with a white or electric shad one. Chatterbaits: Red/orange, black and blue, green pumpkin, white or dirty shad. Spinnerbaits: White, white with chartreuse, chartreuse, and golden shiner. Shad colored baits will work country wide, just like trout ones. Bass are opportunistic and need to eat to survive, if they see something that looks different they may think of it as an injured fish or an easy meal that stands out from everything else. The nice thing about not having shad, is more than likely the other guys fishing wont be using shad color lures. So if you are fishing pressured ponds it may give you a benefit.

I am a big Shimano Sienna praiser, i think every spinning reel they make after that but under $75 is junk. The Sienna is just something else, i havent ever cleaned a single one of mine and they are 100% except for the 2 that dropped onto rocks and look like they were eaten by a shark. For a PSA avoid the ones sold at Walmart as they are known to fail because of Walmarts buying specifications. But the Revros thats on sale frequently around $30-40 is a noticeably huge improvement. Nicer finish, much smoother, feels better just in general. Aside from these 2 reels i dont know of anything else thats nice, budget friendly, reliable, and majority of the reviews are good.

Please give me any feedback if you own these reels and use them for what i mentioned, or if you have any suggestions for a different reel that would do a better job for what i am looking to do with them. (Im open to recommendations from any brand if you know of a better option, my only preferences are a durable, high quality made reel, with an aluminum frame) Daiwa Tatula 200 (2025 version), or Daiwa Zillion HD. For 1-4oz swimbaits and glides. Im leaning towards the Daiwa Tatula 200 (25) because i like the new redesign and the "long cast" concept Daiwa says they added, and i know my Tatula 150 can handle these weights. So if that can i know the 200 will. But if the Zillion HD can handle casting these heavier baits over and over again id probably just spend the extra 40 bucks or so on it instead. Whats the biggest you guys have thrown on the Zillion HD's? Or will it not be able to take it in the long run? Daiwa Tatula 150 SV TW, Tatula SV150 Kage edition, or the Shimano Curado K/M, one of these would be to upgrade my last gen Tatula 150 for casting 1-3oz swimbaits. I dont love the shape or design of my last gen Tatula 150, like the new 200 i really think id enjoy the new design better. But i dont want to buy another Tatula 150 if theres no significant upgrade aside from a redesign. So the 150 with the SV spool or the Kage id say theres plenty of differences to do so. The Kage specifically looks amazing for a factory reel out of the box, but id go with whatever Tatula 150SV i could get a deal on. I also like the Curado K and M too, and heard they handle 1-3oz baits great as well. In the past i wasnt to fond of the SV spool in my Tatula SV TW 103, it didnt cast very far. But it skipped great, and the casts were very controlled. I think the downfall of the SV spool for me then may be my salvation now as it would make skipping Magdraft freestyles under stuff easier and also keep some of my backlash prone hard swim/glidebaits in check. But i dont know enough about Curados to dismiss them already, how are the Curados for bigger baits? Distance, ease of cast, backlash easily on non aerodynamic stuff? Daiwa Tatula 100 (2024 version), this would be to replace Fuego CT, for more so heavy duty applications like swimjigs/chatterbaits in grass, flipping, spinnerbaits, frogging. I love my Fuego CT, i really do. Im big on colors and accents so the black and red really works for me but i just cant justify the price. A new 100 from Japan costs about $4 less and from what ive heard is a far better reel than that and the Tatula CT too. Shimano SLX DC XT? Not even sure what this reel is for or what it will do good/excel at but i know i want it. My 2 favorite Shimanos are the SLX MGL 70 and SLX XT, but finding the last gens for sale at the right ratio, in left hand, for the right price is almost impossible now. The new SLX 70 and SLX XT A are getting poor reviews and i really dont like their new colors so those will be a pass for me. The only thing in Shimanos lineup that calls out to me is this reel, not even sure why? But it looks phenomenal. What would this reel be good at? Would it be similar to my XT or better? Is it a finesse reel, all purpose? Anyone have info or even own one? Theres not much on them. Daiwa Tatula 100 SV TW (25 SV TW for Japan), an alternative to the Zillion. My Zillion had a rocky start with me, i didnt like it at all at first. Now ive come to love it since i found its place in my lineup, but i dont think its worth $220. Its a little smaller in size than i would like since im used to to 100 (150 Shimano) reels, but i can fish with and enjoy time on the water with it now on certain rods. I think the Tatula 100 SV is more aligned with my needs and hands and is much cheaper. Heard from multiple people it casted 1/8-1/4 baits out of the box without needing an aftermarket spool very well, so this would more so be a reel for jerkbaits, flat side cranks, and lighter soft plastics in that 1/4-5/8oz range. Unsure what to pick for an all purpose reel. I usually use Tatula CT's, and like the Fuego i love them but the price is too high for whats available on JDM stores, plus they are kind of getting old and boring to me. Mainly looking for a reel to fish 1/2oz lipless cranks, 3/8-1/2oz chatterbaits, 1/2-5/8oz jerkbaits with a weight transfer system, 1/8-1/2oz Texas rigs, and 3/8-1/2oz swim jigs + football jigs. I was thinking about the Tatula 80? I know its a bit more geared towards more finesse baits but heard it palms better than any other reel and can handle bigger baits as well, is this true? Lasty a long distance casting reel. I love my Tatula CT and BB1 Pro for this exact thing. But id like something new to go along with them. What else is on the market aside from them? Was looking at the Tatula Elite, is this the only other option?

I use Skirts Unlimited tabs and i buy them on sale through TW, ive been able to make some really cool jigs with them so far. I really like their half wire, and fish scale patterns. I think when mixing those 2 with a plain one it makes a very nice looking skirt. Youve already got some great recommendations so heres all i have to offer to add on: On TW or FishingSkirts check out the Skirts Unlimited Barbwire: Dark Green Pumpkin, Black Blue Crystal Halfwire: Green Pumpkin, Black & Blue, Chartreuse (great for Summer Craw) Living Image: Magic Craw Blue Swirl and Magic Craw Green Swirl, these 2 colors combined or even with a Black/Blue added make a phenomenal jig. Dalmation: Peanut Butter Solid: Glimmer Blue, Pearl Solid W/ Flake: Black Blue Glitter Fish Scale: Black Silver Holo Chrome (coolest looking skirt ive ever seen), Rootbeer Black, White Not all of these are the colors you asked for, but they can make some very nice jigs when added to Green Pumpkin or Black and Blue skirts.

I never really liked or threw crankbaits, so i bought a bunch of squarebills, mid divers, and deep divers to try them out more. Got an actual cranking rod to, i tried it for a bit and still didnt like them. Now that ive been buying the remaining stock of 13 Fishing cranks, Spro RkCrawlers, 6th Sense my minds been changed, i bought several cranking rods and want another or 2 as well. However i dont think ive once been able to grind bottom with any of them except for when it gets near the bank in 1' of water, but its a really fun way to fish now that ive found which cranks i actually like. I think you and i fish similar waters, even though PA and ME are a world apart most of the places i fish are smaller pond sized lakes filled with weeds everywhere during and after spring. half the places i fish i cant throw a crank anywhere because the weeds vary from bottom, middle, or even on top of the water colum, the only thing it would catch is a 10lb bag of swamp. Until i discovered the Strike King Hybrid Hunter and Hunter Jr. I can fish these right through the weeds, may be worth checking one out.

The LFS is a basic reel, nothing fancy. Not the best looking when next to the competition. Nor is it a smooth reel, mine feels like writing on a chalkboard when reeling. Many people look down on the LFS because "its not a Daiwa/Shimano", but its a very great reel when bought on sale. Has a really nice braking system too, and it can take a beating over and over again and keep going. They make really good frogging reels, well they are just good reels in general. Before you buy the reel on TW, check your local Dicks Sporting Goods as they may have some left in store (in store only as online are out of stock), they may still have some LFS reels on sale around $22-45.

Thats odd, havent heard of a smaller acreage state owned lake with homes on it. Where i am in PA every lake is owned by all the homeowners or a small group of them and its their lake. Most are private with no public access (There is one however thats owned by the state, but they gave access to the home owners across the street to put docks up) The ones that are public access are still private owned lakes where they give a small parcel of land to the PAFBC to make a parking lot and boat launch and we are their guests to fish. Which is what i was talking about, if they spend a ton of money they should do so as they please in my case, in yours thats a much different one. Then the state should have some restrictions if not alot.

Im guessing if Lews doesnt include a manual anymore for $200 reels they arent doing it with this one either. Like Jar11591 said the internal brake is more than likely if not guaranteed to be causing the issue. Heres a youtube link on how Lews braking systems work to save him some time I cant understand how companies refuse to offer a small piece of paper explaining how their reels work anymore. Especially their ones marketed for beginners, it makes 0 sense. Heres the online manual right from Lews website though https://lews.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/27140387214103

The lakes i fish are around 20, 50, 90, and 120 acres. Theres only ever bigger boats with high horsepower engines on the 90 acre one, because its a lake community full of potoons, speed boats, wake boats, big bass boats, jetskis.... The 120 acre lake is limited to 60HP and no boats over 20' allowed (not many guys here are using their engines though), the other lakes and ponds are either owned by the PA Fish and Boat Commission, or are county/state owned and have electric only restrictions. Without these limitations i would probably chose to fish somewhere else, the 90 acre lake i only fish because its got great smallmouth and walleye population and i hug the bank whether on the kayak or jon boat. But i have to be very cautious on this lake during the summer months. Sometimes it wont even be worth the trip since if its crowded its nothing but wakes that will make it impossible to fish. And the guys with the bass boats are usually doing the same thing i am, the jetskis and wake boats would crash into them if they tried fishing deeper water. I think for places owned by the state, county, or something like a park should be limited to electric only if under 100, if over 100 but not by much maybe 10-25HP. Since these are more for people to fish, kayak, enjoy nature. For lakes that have many homes on them i think it should be up to them, the people fishing there are only guests, the ones who paid several hundred thousand or millions should be the deciding factor for whether or not they want to run jetskis, wakeboats, whatever else.

Sounds like hunters using scent or calls, use something big, flashy, noisy and draw any potential big bass to your area. And then try throw a confidence bait into that area thats a bit more bite sized just working it a little slower. Ill have to try throwing some Big Blade Chatterbaits and 6oz wakebaits to chum the waters in my favorite pre spawn area. Then follow up with a lipless or a jig.

Im a long distance caster above all else. I take pride in casting many more yards farther than everyone else that fishes from the mostly bank fished over pressured smaller lakes and reservoirs. I just love to throw a 1/2oz lipless crank, for several reasons. One of them being how aerodynamic they are, ill throw them on a 7'3" MH F rod, i know for how i cast anything less in length including 7' will result in a drastic change resulting is less distance. For other rods i need atleast a 7'3"-7'4" as i know this will give me the optimum success. And for reels even though im young im old school, spool tension set as close to side to side play as possible while still letting the lure fall controlled. And the brakes are set between 20%-40% depending on which brand reel im using since the Lews dont like being low where the Daiwas and Shimanos shine there for me. I also prefer to rely on my thumb than some fancy braking system. Ive learned for me that the rod has more to do with my distance and lack of backlash or birdsnest than the reel. If i start casting with too much effort i will notice a decrease in distance, and then maybe some loose line laying on top. If i turn up the brakes it worsens distance but the spool and line are fine. Now if i start casting with a more free flowing gentle motion i can start gaining that distance again, and then i just turn the brakes down even lower. That distance grows and grows, and no backlashes. But if i see or hear a bass jump in the distance and get excited ill put more effort into the cast, and that reels toast for 10 minutes. I find the balance is the same for me regardless of what rod or reel i use, bait or lure too for that matter. As long as the rod im using is 7'3" and i keep my cast motion a certain way i can get very good distance without backlashes even on lower braking for any bait except 3/8 cranks and weightless soft plastics (dont have the right rod for either yet). I also set and forget my brakes on most of my reels once i get it dialed in btw, so maybe ive just become accustom with how my reels will act time after time.