WRB-2.0

Catfish like bass have several species, let’s talk about the common; Channel Catfish and Largemouth Northern strain bass. The major spawn for LMB occurs when the cold water period warms to 62-67 degrees in wind protected areas. Channel: Catfish start the spawn 70-73 degrees, same water temps as Bluegill (bream), after the bass have spawned. There will be overlaps between all these species but not the majority of the population. Large lakes have up to 3 spawn cycles as is the nature of LMB. Common carp (Asian) also spawn in similar areas between 63-78 degree water temps, lots going on at the same time and place. Tom

We are not talking about a poly sleeve that slips on and easily slides off the rod. shrink sleeve must be cut off. Tom

SC Victory didn’t! Tom

The lure comes with Gamakatsu #1 trebles. I would wrap a SuspenStrip around the shank of each hook before thinking of changing to size 1/0. Tom

Yes, heavier XXX treble hooks are harder to hook set and the weight gain isn’t more then 1 SuspenStrip. Easy to remove and add strips and dots, expensive to change out hooks and split rings. Tom

ALX and IRods are a hidden gems.

Simply slow down. Easiest method to add or reduce weigh is using Storm SuspenStrips or dots. Tom

Who still supplies rods with plastic covered cork handles? Tom

Not legal to use Bluegill in California except Colorado River. Bluegill are not the preferred baitfish do to the spines. Live crawdads nose hooked and big night crawlers (Canadian) fly lined are far better fished slowly like a soft plastic. Fished live bait during the 60’s and takes skill if done right. Today suggest Owner #5185 circle Mosquito hook, light weight and strong. Tom

The OP has braid filler with 20 lb/ .018D Vanish FC Top Shot trying save a few dollars. Why 20#? .018 diameter will take a set and coil in time on a small diameter casting reel spool. Suggest considering down sizing the FC to .013D/.015D Max. Sunline Sniper 16# is .013D not that much higher cost the Your 20 Vanish. Tom PS, stretching FC weakens the line!

Trying to comprehend the OP’s issue isn’t easy. Looking at the photo helps as the line is being held about 45 degree angle upwards and that can pull the line out of the TWing level wind slot. the line should be no higher then the rod guides. Simple solutions is run the line through the rod guides as noted several times. Do not lift the line upwards as shown in the photo. Welcome to BR, the critiques are met to be helpful. Tom

Making visual side by side comparisons try adding accurate measured rod diameters, takes away the subjective guess work. Most fishing rod blanks are rolled tapered tip to butt before adding rod handles and reel seats that are not expanded blanks to accommodate the components. Tom

Racing was a sport I grew up doing with my family. My dad was sponsored by Yellow Jack boats and Mercury/Keikhaefed racing engines. Our 1st boat was a 14’ Yellow Jacket with 2 Mark 55’s Quick-Silver direct drive over drive lower units with Michigan 2 blade chopper props. We raced marathons at the Salton Sea and coastal ocean events. Top speed clocked was 83 mph. When Merc came out with the Mark 75 6 clylinder we changed to a 15’ Yellow Jacket and single Mark 75 racing engine and ran at 80 mph but could race close course events because the new boat could turn corners with ease. Good memories. Tom

Sonoma fishery is in balance prey to predator. Catching juvenile size bass is fishing where they live in lieu of targeting adult size bass where they live. Tom

Bass boats and batteries have always been an issue. Today use Marine deep cycle AGM’s, they are maintenance free and hold a charge longer then wet cell plus no corrosive gases. If you have a 24V TM you should be using 2 each group 29’s minimum prefer group 31’s for longer daily usage. Cranking battery the Marine AGM cranking battery size 24 should be adequate for your amp draw. Always add a battery switch to isolate the electronics when charging. Tom

Digital instant thermometer placed in the bass throat to determine it’s body temperature, the only temp that is meaningful. Bass are cold blooded and their body temp is the same as the water they were caught in. Tom

California regulates fishing tournaments/derbies making it difficult to have simple club events in lieu of sanctioned events with prize money. Most “clubs” opt for points and schedule TOC with money awards. Tom

Now I know what use for bait in my rat traps? Tom

Sonoma Lake is typical steep rocky sparse aquatic plant cover with newly flooded brush do to heavy rain run off rising the level drastically. Both Clear Lake and the Delta have heavy aquatic plant growth, not Sonoma Lake. Swim jigs with or without under spin, Senko’s, jigs, T-rigged worms, spinnerbaits, chatter baits, drop and slip shot soft plastics are go to presentations. Tom

The larger diameter rod lower half with thinner wall cross section are common with composite construction and fiberglass blanks to increase hoop to yield strength reducing weight. Smaller diameter high modulus graphite blanks are stronger then composite and can maintain strong wall construction with reduced blank diameters. The newer rod designs are adopting graphite light weight rod handles in lieu of building up butt diameters to accommodate reel seats saving weight. Comparing diameters for performance is like apples and oranges, meaningless. Tom

Lake Sonoma is rated in the top 10 LMB bass lakes in California for quality size in the 4# to 6# range. With Clear Lake, Berryessa and California Delta as neighbors Sonoma gets over shadowed but 15 lb tournament limits are common. Sonoma Lake LMB Record 15.75#, bass over 8 lbs are rare. Tom

Another option using hollow braid is make up a wind on top shot leader using 80 mono joining the wire leader using a swivel and crimp sleeves. Tom

60# Maxima UG copoly (.031D) to 5’ 49 strand AFW steel 175# leader with 130# Spro swivel crimped to leader.60 # pound is stronge enough to withstand shark tail abrasion and pull the fish onto the beach. Standard Improved Clinch knot works with mono/copoly line to swivel. Tom

Big wary bass the quieter less intrusive you are the less likely you will alarm them if your presence. Sonar pings are just one of several sounds the bass are aware of, they know the boat is there because it displaces a lot of water, big engine getting you nearby the bass can detect prop wash for a greater distance same with Trolling motor prop wash. Been using sonar since the 60’s. General bass fishing I used it without evidence of shutting down a bite. Trophy bass fishing I didn’t use until leaving the area to check out if any bass are there. It’s mine game and easy to resolve the nagging thought by simply turning the sonar off. Does it matter, only if it bothers you. Tom

Fastest bass I owned was a Skeeter SF175 low 80’s but not a stable ride over 75 mph. Faster boat I have driven was the Mortician at 150 mph blown fuel flat bottom before the boat killed Buzz Coats. I watched several 200+ mph boats race. Tom