MSPbass

Thanks for the replies. They were helpful. Mostly I actually put off asking for weeks for fear of the flaming I thought I might receive. Like I started it off, I know that this is not really a "problem". What I didn't hear though is: You're an idiot if you think you can do better.

Almost all my reels are TD Advantage 153HSTA. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with them. They are a more than capable reel. Nonetheless, I can't stop looking at the new Tatula SV TW. I have one T3 Ballistic that sold me on the TWS. I loved that reel but it's had the infamous grinding on retrieve for a couple seasons now. But that was one of the first TW reels and I know Daiwa has refined the system over the years. The HSTA is about as solid a reel as you could get, just a little on the larger side. Anyone happen to have experience with both the HSTA and Tatula SV yet? T-Tour gave the HSTA the highest score I think I've ever seen them give a reel (9.0). But that was 10 years ago. I looked at the original Tatula when it came out but it's the addition of the SV spool and the smaller frame that has me going now. Do you think it's a good time for a change or should I stick with what I know? Thanks for helping me think this through.

My OCD prevents me from fishing a fluke if it's barrel rolling like this and not gliding and turning around on the snap

The hook absolutely needs to be straight; which is why I always use EWG hook on flukes with either an exposed tip lying in the top groove or Tex posed. Try that in place of a round bend maybe?

Black Vision Lures Honeybuzz - with the rusted rivet.

HA!! I am 100% with you sir! I read that wrong. Thought it was buy it for 2.48.

You might very well be shocked by what sharpening your own hooks can do for your hook-up ratio. I've had one like this for years. The plastic is almost all gone but the stone still works great. It's like a good luck charm even. I never don't have it on me. Under $2.50 and free shipping.

I actually think the T-wing thing is magic. I have never flipped and pitched as easily and effortlessly. I don't think I have ever had a backlash either. I also love that I can engage the spool with my thumb, by pressing the top down, while never changing hands after a cast. I seem to be one of the few who likes that design; I know. This new T-Wing is intriguing. I'm excited to actually hold one and feel it for myself.

My jig rod is a 6'6" Fenwick Techna AV.

Listen to that guy ^^^

I have other Daiwas, but people seem to really be loving the new Lexa 100's. I mention this because earlier today I saw several going for $100 flat on eBay.

You might be surprised by what a good cleaning and proper grease and oiling does to your reels thopugh.

A tip for the electrical tape. A little piece on the spool does help when first spooling braid; but it can help with the line digging in as well. Either on land, or on the water, tie on a heavy jig and cast out as far as you can; then strip a couple arm lengths more off your reel. Lay a piece of the tape (you can trim it if you like) across the braid that's still on the spool and then reel the line back in. Now, if you do get into a jam, the line will only cut in as far as the electrical tape.

@BAssfisherman94 - I have Fenwick rods from the Techna, HMG and World Class lines. The new HMX, with the split grip (Half cork/half TAC) is my newest and is pretty awesome. I was surprised, to be honest. It's not like the old HMX. Also, I've dealt with Fenwick customer service on two separate occasions and they were fantastic. I can't imaging you'd be disappointed. $20 off is a great deal too. P.S. My drop shot rod is a 7' M HMG.

I picked up a few lipless crankbaits, from a guy in Maine, that suspend. I'm pretty eager to test them out.

What?

dam0007, it's still a good technique to use from shore. It just takes a little practice to keep the weight on the bottom. Stick with it. And yeah, some folks do keep a drop shot moving; like they were using a Carolina Rig.

Oh no, I wasn't not going to order the OEM parts. I was just thinking about doing something so I could try it out over the weekend. I'll wait 'till it's in proper working order now though.

Sweet. Thanks bud!

I picked up a, supposedly, new T3B on eBay and the cast control knob is busted. Actually, it's not broken but it is missing the 2 spacers that should be inside the cap. Without these the knob is useless. There's 1 small one and 1 larger one. I have the part numbers to order from Daiwa but, in the mean time, anyone know a DIY fix that I might be able to use? Thanks

The Daiwa DB Minnow is $5-6.

Light Purple Shad or Tennessee Shad swim jig with a white NetBait Big Bopper. Anywhere, everywhere, all year long. For fishing the bottom, it's a Premier jig with the alien head in the Alimony pattern. That Alimony has to be my favorite color on a jig - ever.

Thanks guys

I have a trip planned (WI) for this weekend and the forecast has changed to rain. I’m looking for some tips on what to throw. I have abuzzbait tied on almost all the time as it is; so that’s covered. Got a few Baby Torpedoes at the ready too. I’m hoping you guys are willing to share some newer, maybe surprising, baits that are producing during and after some good rain. Thanks

Learning to pitch and only 2 birdnests so far? Sounds like you're a natural.