WaskaCrank12

@MNfisher The closest lake to me (Lake Minnewaska, MN) has stocked the lake with 40,000 to 50,000 walleye fingerlings every fall since 1998. No mention of stocking any other fish.

Hello - This spring I will be going into my second year of fishing - I am looking to slowly grow my supply of gear/lures/baits. I am watching videos/reading reviews on flat-sided crankbaits - yet much of that stuff appears to be people shilling for their sponsor/company. In this post I am specifically looking to find if you as BR community members have recommendations for Flat-sided crankbaits. (ie, brand/model/colors) I live in MN, the lakes I will be fishing have fairly clear water. Thank you for your time and expertise.

Heading into my second year of fishing I beleive I will stick with the two lakes closest to me. I still have so many things to learn about the craft of fishing that expanding out to other lakes seems it would do nothing but overly complicate things. Going to go with the KISS principle until I gain more understanding/skills.

Thank you @A-Jay for the Mayo Clinic info - good stuff Although I have clicked into my 6th decade, last summer was my first in fishing. As a long time University soccer coach I have kept myself reasonably fit/decent nutrition/hydration (to set a solid example for the student/athletes) - and I continue to focus on having positive fitness/health habits. With that said I found my shoulders/elbows/wrists could get sore when thowing crankbaits or going out on the water multiple days in a row. I am sure part of this was gear (I was using old/mismatched yard sale rods/reels), part technique (now that I have taken time to watch videos on casting techniques I can see that I was creating some of my own problems) and part of it was I was performing movements my body was not used to/trained for. This winter I am focusing on building strength/mobility/endurance in my upper body to be more well prepared for fishing next spring/summer/fall. I will continue with core and lower body work as well. I love to hike/walk but the frozen tundra here in MN makes that challenging in the winter. A few years ago I purchased a Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike (works your lower and upper body) which I have a love/hate relationship with. They say "Do hard/challenging things" - and the Airdyne bike meets that criteria for me. Good health and positive days ahead for everyone.

@bulldog1935 @MickD @Bass Rutten @WRB @GetFishorDieTryin Thank you for your replies and information. Based on the information each of you provided and a bit of additional research I am going to purchase the Stradic 3000XG. In researching it seems this FL model of the 3000XG comes with the carbon fiber drag - which seems a real positive from what I have read. I currently have a 2500HG from the previous sale so I figure I will give the 3000XG a try. I will see how these work for me next spring/summer and if they are not meeting my needs I might (as @GetFishorDieTryin and @Bass Rutten have suggested) look in to a JDM version with a lower gear ratio. I am newer to fishing so I am still in the experimental phase of things. Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge/expertise.

Hoping everyone had a happy holiday ! Tackle Warehouse has the Shimano Stradic FL spinning reel on it's Clearance Sale -- it had been at $179 on Clearence and now it is an additional 20% off of that price (so about $143). In the fall I bought a Stradic 2500HG as part of their wacky holiday sales set-up (essentially for the same price as it is on sale for now) because I was not sure the Stradic would be part of the Clearance Sale or if there would be any left once this Clearance Sale came along. To my surprise there are some left - so I might purchase a second one. The one I purchased in the fall (2500HG) was being targeting to be used on an EverGreen Combat Stick (7'1" MH/F - Line 8-17 - Lure 1/4 to 1oz) (that I purchased from @NorthernBasser). Since then I have purchased 2 more rods (St. Croix Mojo Bass - 6'10" ML/XF - Line 6-10 - Lure 1/8 to 1/2oz - from a BPS Sale) and a Diawa Rebellion - 7' - Heavy/Moderate - Line 14-25 - Lure 1/8 to 1oz - from a local guy who bought it several years go but never used it. So given that these are three rods I will look to use next spring - what size Shimano Stradic would you suggest for me to purchase ? If I were to purchase two Stradics in this sale (not sure I can swing that) would you suggest I get 2 of the same size or of different sizes ? Thank you in advance for you time and expertise.

This is a wonderful time of the year to spend with family/friends. We have the freedom to travel and spend this time due to the commitment/sacrifice of our Vets. If you have the means and are compelled to do so -- please consider a donation to the Take a Vet Fishing cause. Wishing each of you good health, safe travels and positive days ahead.

Thank you @gimruis and @MN Fisher I went to the Omnia site and purchased some of the Sufix 832. I use spinning reels and had not used this line -- yet both of you and several others seem to really like it -- so I figure I will give it a go for fishing next spring. Hopefully our relatively warm MN weather continues and that we have an early ice out in the spring.

Thank you @RRocket -- that was a question I had -- posting your picture and info. answered it for me.

In watching some videos on Youtube they mention that some of the Shimano spinning reels are "power" reels and some of them are "finesse" reels (my guess is this means they are best used in "power fishing" applications or "finesse fishing" applications). An example is: --they say the Shimano NASCI reel is a "power" reel and the Shimano Miravel is a "finesse" reel. My questions are - --Is there a place online that people here know about that would list which reels are designed for "power" vs. "finesse" ? (Shimano or other companies) --Is this is a real thing ? (ie, some reels are made more for "power" vs. "finesse") --What techniques fall under "power" fishing ? --What techniques fall under "finesse" fishing ? As a newer to fishing person I am learning by the minute. If these topics are already covered in Bass Resources please just direct me there and I will read those posts/articles. Thank you in advance for your patience and expertise.

Things I will strive towards in 2024 (2023 was my first year fishing) - -continue to have gratitude that I have the health, time and means to get out on the water -continue to learn about the basics (what reel goes best with which rod, what line is best for each reel/rod/application, what lures/baits are most appropriate to use on each reel/rod/line/application/weather conditions, how to read and best use the Lowrance, ect....) -continue to leverage the tremendous library/resources offered by each of you and the Bass Resource site

Ok, I got really confused for minute -- I thought I was on the Bass Resource site -- and suddenly it seemed I was on the Tackle Warehouse site..........yet in reality I was on the @NorthernBasser Tackle Monkey Junkie post !

Here in west central MN (Alexandria/Glenwood area) there were several dozen people out ice fishing on Lake Reno (with the warmer temps most were sitting out on a chair - while some were in portable shelters) -- another two dozen or so were out on Lake Minnewaska - it does look like most of them were using common sense and staying in areas where the water is more shallow/ice is thicker. I hope they are all wearing their life jackets and have safety/rescue gear nearby.

I have never -- found any of the lures that went flying off in to the distance when my line broke off (despite trying hard to find them !!)

I only started fishing this past summer (I transitioned out of a long career of 50 plus hour work weeks - and a family member said "d**n it, you need to find a hobby !") - so I bought a used boat and some yard sale rods/reels/lures and hit the water. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing -- and I still am only a few stumbling steps into this fishing journey. One of the very helpful people at the boat ramp -- instead of laughing at me and my yard sale gear -- suggested that I check out Bass Resource because "It's full of good people and an endless supply of shared knowledge." I have experienced the good people -- @NorthernBasser shared information with me about rod/reel questions I had -- and he went out of his way to meet with me and work with me to purchase a rod/reel at a very reasonable price -- as well as many others making the time to answer my "newbie to fishing questions" in a civil and thoughtful manner. As with most successful/positive communities/teams in life it's the people that make the difference. Thank you for being those people.

There were many people out on the hard water on Lake Reno (near Alexandria, MN - west central MN) this past weekend - the boat ramp areas were full. Risky this early in the year and with the relatively mild temps we have had. I was surprised to see that many people out on the ice. The crazier people (only a hand full) were going out on Lake Minnewaska (MN) -- still some open water near the drainage areas and the ice not looking very thick at all. I think that is way too risky.

There seems to be quite a range of fishing gear offered, depending on the Walmart's location - some stores have only one isle while others have two full isles or more. I had usually just quickly cruised the isle/isles (most often not getting anything) yet since a "Clearance" bin had been mentioned here I started looking for that bin/box and yesterday picked up a few Storm Arashi Vibes for $4 at a Walmart.

Hello - I hope everyone had a positive holiday I have several questions about how people go about storing their rods/reels in the winter (I live in Minne-coldah so even the garage temp gets down pretty low in the winter) -Do you bring your rods/reels into the house for storage ? -What type of "holder"/storage rack do you use for the rods ? (I looked thru the forum so I would not be asking about a topic already posted yet rod storage solutions seemed like older posts and the pictures no longer showing/not clickable) -- if you have a picture of what you use and can post it that would be great. -Is it best for the rods to leave the reels on them or take them off for the winter ? -Is there a "best" way to store the rods/reels to avoid damage to them ? (ie, horizontally ? vertically ?) Thank you in advance for your input

@RipzLipz -- thank you for the heads up on the Tackle Warehouse sale with the reels going on sale today - to my surprise (and happiness) the Shimano Stradic that was listed as a Clearance Item (for $179) is actually part of the reel sale - so I was able to order a 2500 for $139. Seems to be a decent price.

Hello @thunderblack - I am new to fishing/this forum so I am not sure of an answer to your question -- I have no doubt there are people on this site that have the knowledge of where the Evergreen International rods/gear are made. With a quick Google search it looks like Evergreen International are a Japan based company.

American Legacy Fishing has the Daiwa Fuego LT spinning reel at 50% off (now at $54.99, I believe this is only for the 4000 size) Daiwa Fuego LT Spinning Reels - American Legacy Fishing, G Loomis Superstore I have never used a Daiwa reel so I figure this is a good chance to give one a try at a reasonable price, so I will order one.

Hello @NorthernBasser -- Do you have a price in mind that you would be asking for the rod ? I do have a Pay Pal account -- also I will be traveling from MN over to Milwaukee, WI to visit with my brother/nephews next week and could potentially meet with you to pick up the rod (at a location that works best for you) when I am on my way there or on the way back vs. shipping it. Just a thought. Thank you

Hello @NorthernBasser - thank you for the info. and pictures - the rod looks good ! - I certainly would have an interest in it if you are looking for it to find a new home . I am new to the Bass Resources site/fishing so I am not sure how best to move forward with a potential transaction. I live in MN. Just let me know. Thank you.

Hello - I am new to fishing/forum and in my quest to move to higher level gear (I have a few "yard sale" South Bend rods/reels, which served me well in this first year of fishing). I am seeking a spinning rod that could be a bit of a Swiss Army Knife type rod ($150 range) - and in watching some vids it seems the Evergreen Combat Stick 7' 1" MH (Spinning) might be a decent choice to fill that role (ie, MH/F, lure range of 1/4 to 1oz, decent quality, on sale, ect....). The guy on a Hook Up Tackle video makes a compelling argument for it as it is the rod he has for his children (my guess is he could give his children any rod he wants to as he owns the shop) to using for a spinning rod (due to it's versatility). But, he is one guy and a guy who is selling rods, -- so I would prefer to see if people on this forum have an honest take on the rod/their experiences with the rod. Or if you have ideas/experiences with an "all purpose" type spinning rod in the $150 or so range I am open to hear about those as well. (I just purchased a St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'10" ML/XF for $119 from Cabela's as none of the South Bend stuff I have is anything like it - and now I am looking for an "all-around rod" as the sales approach - and that will probably do it for my rod purchases for this coming year - I would continue to use some of the South Bend rods/reels as needed and then the following year look to continue replacing them with higher level gear as I learn and grow in fishing) Thank you for your time and expertise.

I have a similar interest in this post/question - @MiceNReets you mentioned KTS having a sale on the Levante - I am new to fishing/forum - what is KTS ? (I googled KTS Fishing and was not finding anything) - thank you