WRB-2.0

Suggest Shimano NASCI FC size 1000 and spool with Maxima 5# UG copoly line. Tom

Go to Tackle Warhouse-Terminal tackle- jigs- underspins; over 80 to chose from! History, George Kramer started writing articles on Blackmore Roadrunner crappie jigs for finesse bass fishing in SoCal late 70’s. The 1st popular bass under spin was Swarming Hornet Fish Head under spin. Aaron Martens had Blakemore make a “Pro” under spin horse head design and the lures took off across the country now more choices then could be imagined. Tom

Caution targeting big bass is addictive. Tom

Smitty’s sold his worms at Bunkers Tackle on Victory originally then several local shops. I worked in Glendale (Glenair) for 45 years. There are pictures of Smitty worms in my In-Fisherman article on Lake Isabella, A Rare Chance for a World Record. Tom

Fresh Yellowtail are good eating fish. Maybe a Tady back then. Tom

No proof no catch. Record catches on California must be validated by DFW warden/ biologist examination where caught , can’t move live fish away from the lake. This made releasing live healthy bass very difficult getting someone to validate a catch. Tom

Nice pair of Yellowtail👍 Tom

By April our bass fishing started 4 months ago. I am talking cold water under 45 degrees. Tom

Shore anglers transport fish and bait taken from somewhere else introducing all kinds of invasive aquatic plants and critters. Your friendly neighbor dumps their aquarium into the local waterway to release the kiddo’s pet fish or turtle etc. thinking they are doing something good. California transports water from Northern California and Colorado River, both systems have invasive plants and mussels that made the trip from the Great Lakes. Sort of like closing the barn door after all the animals escaped. Tom

I don’t bother fishing for warm water fish like bass in cold water or weather when they are just trying to survive. Target cold water fish like Trout or Salmon that thrive in cold temperatures. Tom

Anything tied to the rear treble tends to change the lures action so decided paint was the most effective and simple choice. I do use chicken feathers on several surface lures and structure spoons. Marabou feather tend to tighten into a string and puff out when stopped and doesn’t work well on crankbaits for me. Didn’t have any advantage trying red treble hooks during that time period, white worked better. Tom

Thank everyone for their input, doesn’t sound like a reel I would want. Tom

White appears to be more like a tail and has increased strikes for me. Tom

Bait fish colored diving crank baits I paint the rear hook white. Tom

Irod IRG763CC MH Crank bait rod, 3/8-3/4 diving lures can handle the lures mentioned at $150 price point. I suggest using your boat to troll deep diving crank baits to learn how deep they actually dive and ideal speed. Simply make a long cast and troll at a slow walking speed to detriment how the lure feels and rod loads up, tip bounced plus determining strikes. Cover lots of water at ideal depths using a lazy S boat pattern. Tom

For 30 years my custom 7’ Fenwick custom popping rod was my deep crank bait DD22 and Poe’s 300 lures. Do you need a 7’6” crank bait rod…. Not really but you do need to cast 40-50 yards. Tom

I wouldn’t be in a hurry until a thermocline sets up. Tom

Happy New Year looking forward to 2025🥂. Talk to the living while you can and take someone fishing! Tom

I have been sharpening my Gamakatsu jig hooks for decades because not throwing away a hair jig because it hit a rock and dulled the hook point. I use 600 grit diamond hook hone works great. Watch Glenn ‘s video, exactly how it’s done👍 Tom Happy NewYear🥂

Owner Range Roller 3/32 oz w/ size 1 Hyper Weld snap with 3-3 1/2” soft plastic of choice. Tom

What Spinning reel has a lower IPT then finesse casting reels? Lower gear ratio but IPT averages 34”. Tom

Weight of a lure is one factor but the aerodynamics of the lure must be considered. A bullet weight that weighs 3/16 oz is diffident that a potato chip that sails, ie Shad Rap. Rods cast lures reels hold line. All a reel can do is reduce the line drag reels can’t change the aerodynamics of the lure or line diameter, that is your choice. Longer rod has the potential of increasing tip speed, doesn’t increase casting distance without changing line diameter and lure aerodynamics….weight. The rod a moderate action medium power 7’+, .010 D line a 90’ casting with a Shad Rap is decent distance. Tom

Jason Lucas in his book Lucas on Bass discusses a time period when Eppinger sales fell off dramatically, the red/white spoon the most popular color. It turns out Eppinger had to change paint suppliers, the paint wasn’t catching fish like the original. Eppinger studied the paint under Infra red light and the new suppliers paint looked very different. Eppinger changed back to the original paint supplier and sales returned quickly. Buy Eppinger spoons specially the 2/5 oz Imp for bass. Tom

Tom Mann sold his company in 1972, the new owner passed in 2021 and Manns bait Company is now out of business. Tom

Should have a serial number under the reel mount and model number on the side plate. Call Shimano for part number order Tom