Flushdraw

Thanks for all the replies. I think you guys have convinced me to go the dark side and get a baitcaster. That Tatula SV looks tempting.

Problem is money. I'd have to buy a reel and from my understanding, cheap baitcasting reels aren't really worth it. I'd have to spend an extra $200 to $300. I typically throw unweighted bottom baits...senkos and Fat Ikas. I mix that up with a Caffeine Shad. Would I be able to reliable throw these on a baitcaster without a birdsnest? I'd run braid to a flouro leader. I wonder if that little bump in the connecting knot would cause problems. Thanks to the other posters for their recommendations. I was unaware that St. Croix had heavy rods.

Hello from Texas. I'm fishing small ponds from the bank. My current set-up is a 7' medium heavy spinning rod with 30lb braid. The best bass fishing down here has some seriously heavy grass. Luckily, it scares most anglers away, but I'm in love with it. My MH rod just isn't cutting it. I had a bass pinned in the grass today and felt like I was going to break my rod. I barely landed her, and she was under 2 pounds. I really need a heavier rod. Looking around, there's not much available. Most of the really good rods I know of only offer heavy rods for casting reels. Anyone know of a really nice heavy spinning rod under $300. Should I just turn to the dark side and convert to a casting set-up? I'm generally hopping either Fat Ikas or Senkos off the bottom. I want to stick to hi vis braid. Recommendations?

I had a good hook set and started hauling her in. She came up to the surface and broke water. There were submerged weeds between me and her. She dove down about 15-20 feet from shore and buried in them. I try to haul bass in as fast as possible, but this one got the better of me. I'm going to buy some heavier braid for the next time this happens. I also have tendonitis in my elbow and arm, and this does effect the power I have. Would having a more moderate action tip help out in these situations?

Should I go with 30# or do you think 20# is good enough? I'm using hi viz power pro now and will stick with that. Any problems tying on a flouro leader? I fish weightless bottom baits most of the time and flouro sinks a lot better than braid. If so, would a 15 or 20# leader do it? Thanks I'm the same way. I was catching large sheepshead, bass, and redfish on 6lb mono. Nice bass pictured above! I started with a Walmart special which I've since given away. I've collected 4 more rods and reels this last year. My tackle collection has already gotten pretty impressive. I'm a widower with 3 kids and just lost my job a few weeks ago. I may have to wait a while for my next rod combo...got to pay the bills first! It's a great hobby and the more I fish, the more I love it. You didn't sound harsh. It's a tough call to make. Next time, I'll keep a tighter line if I wait. This new pond I found is a true gem. I got a feeling I'll be pulling my PB out of here soon. This was my 3rd time fishing it. The first time, I pulled my PB sunfish out. I honestly thought it was some kind of bass until I sent a picture to my friend. It swallowed a Fat Ika and a 3/0 hook!

To all the other replies: Thank you. I've been considering buying another spool or two and putting both 30lb and 50lb braid on them for heavy grass situations. One consideration is the wind. I fish pretty close to the Gulf and it stays pretty breezy here. I fish a lot of baits weightless...Senkos, Fat Ika, etc. The thicker the braid, the more effect the wind has on the line keeping my bait from hitting bottom. I may just change to a 20lb or 25lb and just go straight braid. The longer I fish, the more I think bass don't care about seeing the line. I'd like to get a nice heavy weight rod this year as well.

Fantastic reply...thanks! I've been fishing for 13 months. I fish quite a bit and have learned a lot, but I'm still new to this addiction. Some really good tips you posted and I'll use this info next time this happens. I generally pump my rod and try to move the fish on top of the grass and drag them in. I've been lucky in the past. The info on rod position is new to me and some golden info. Concerning patience...let me be clear. I would have waited an hour without complaint. I know that bass don't get to this size without being smart. I was afraid she'd gain leverage on the hook and work it out. That's why I chose to just yank her in and risk breaking off.

Down here in south Texas, many of the ponds I fish have TONS of submerged grass. Today, I was throwing a Strike King Caffeine shad. Twitch, twitch, pause...boom! I reeled down and set the hook on a monster! As I reeled her in, she broke surface and I could see she was a tank! She dove deep and wrapped herself up in the grass. My pole was a medium/heavy fast action with 15lb braid to 12 lb flouro leader. She wouldn't budge, so I let some slack in the line and waited. Less than a minute later, she bolted and my drag went out. It was set pretty tight, too. I let her run a little and then reeled her in pulling my rod upwards trying to get her on top of the grass. It was no use and she dove again. I walked about 20 feet to the right and 20 feet to the left trying to free her. I did the same before. She was in there good and my rod tip was bent way forward. I didn't know what to do. I waited a few minutes with a lightly taunt line. She never moved again and I was afraid she would work the hook loose. I decided best plan was to muscle her out. I got as close as I could to her and slowly pulled the rod upwards. She freed herself and got away. My line was unbroken. The whole event took 7 minutes. Yes, I timed it from the moment she buried in the grass. My question: what is the best course of action in this situation? Should I have waited? Is it better to risk your line being broken and just pull them in? What would you do? This is the 3rd time I've fished this place. Water is slightly stained and have no idea how deep it is. I'm guessing <8ft. Going in was not an option...possible Darwin Award. The bank looks fairly steep. There's a very good chance this will happen again in the future. Any advice is much appreciated.

This happened a lot to me when I started fishing senkos. I've since changed my technique and keep a tighter line. I might get less bites, but gut hook a lot less fish. Sometimes, you don't feel the bite and the line doesn't move...or you can't see your line due to sun/wind. I love the fish I catch and it hurts me when I hurt them.

It really depends on what weight lures/baits you want to throw. For baits less than 1/16th oz, I'd go with an ultralight. They're a lot of fun and 1lb fish feel like monsters! I have a cheap Okuma Celilo ($30) rod. It's alright for the price, but I plan to upgrade. I hear great things about the Daiwa Presso and TFO rods. For throwing baits 1/16th oz or more, I'd go with a light power rod. I own the Cadence Essence 6'6". Fantastic rod for ~$50. I have that paired with a Cadence 1000 Ideal reel...great cheap combo! I use 6lb J braid grande which is a game changer for casting distance. I own 2 Cadence rods and 3 of their reels. They're worth 2 to 3 times what you pay for them. Best of luck.

One of my goals is to stop chasing after that next magic bait, and concentrate on using what I have now. I also want to focus on improving hook-ups and casting more accurately. Now off to Tackle Warehouse for one last order. ?

It's the same down here. The majority of anglers I see fishing have one technique and one type of bait. If that doesn't work, they go home empty handed. I'm not that skilled (yet), but I'm not going to throw a senko for 3 hours if it isn't producing. I used to do that myself.

Thanks to everyone. I've already learned a lot here. It's a great community of like-minded anglers. My good friend lives in The Woodlands. His neighborhood has 5 large ponds that nobody fishes. I enjoy visiting him. On my last visit, we went to New Caney and chased the white bass run. That was fun.

I'm happy to be here. This is a great board! I've been fishing for one year, and am totally addicted. I fish three to four times a week. I'm located south of Houston in the Texas City area. I was widowed about three years ago and have three children. Fishing has helped bring peace in my life in many ways.