Hammer 4

What weight swimbaits are you intending to throw..? As that will determine which rods to look at. The rod in question is rated to 4 oz, but the sweet spot would be around the 3 oz mark.

I had 40 lb braid on my old Curado 301 E7. Never used any backing, and never had any slip issues. If the spool has holes in it, loop the braid through it and tie a slip knot, done deal.

If your pond has Bluegills. I would consider getting something like Mattlures bluegill swimbaits, they flat out catch fish. They are small enough to throw on say a 7' mh/f, so no special gear is needed.

Haven't thrown cranks with it, but I have tossed light weight swimbaits i.e. 2.3 oz and less. I really like the line, very manageable, and yes it does seem to have less stretch to it. I also use Sufix Elite mono, which I also like. If I had to only have one of these, it would be the Advance. BTW, I use the 15 lb and 17 lb.

Could use a 3 wrap uni knot, or a double overhand knot. I've used both, you really don't need a super strong knot for that

As mentioned, the Spro rat, S Waver 168. Also at just a tick over 2 oz. the 6" Huddelston works well, either weedless, or top hook. The smaller Spro shad is another option too.

I have both of the reels your asking about. As said above both are the same except for the T wing on the Tatula, which I personally like. Either one would be a good choice.

I fish mine on straight 15 lb mono

I use to stuff my fairly large backpack with as much as I could get in there. Over time I realized that maybe 1/2 of it wasn't being used, plus knowing your body of water can help eliminate a bunch of baits. I do carry 4 rigs, 3 baitcasters and 1 spinning rig. One thing I still carry the most of is plastic's, mainly different sized worms, and in a few colors. Spinnerbaits were downsized to 4, 2 3/8, and 2 1/2 oz in shad pattern. I carry no crankbaits due to the vegetation. For terminal tackle, I still carry a good selection of hooks, but downsized the amount of bullet and dropshot weights. Being almost 73 with a not great back, the lower weight sure helps. Again the key is to know the patterns of the bass where you fish, and only time on the water will help you to find out.

I think I hate you...just a little...lol

Diawa Steez A TW, would be nice..?

Another option is a weedless underspin, such as the Flashy swimmer, and a 2.8, or larger swimbait.

Scum has a new frog out that's really super soft. Tim from Tacticalbasssin did a video, he really likes these frogs. Maybe have a look see at them on TW. Also, have you altered the hooks on your frogs, i.e. slightly bent them up and out.?

I've found it's best to go to the west end of the lake first thing in the morning. Water warms up faster there. West side of the island can be good, but once again the dam where all the large rocks are warms up the fastest, and holds some good sized bass, but you have to be Stealthy. Make long casts starting parallel to the dam, then gradually move out a bit further while casting toward shore. BTW, I favor swimbaits, from 6" on up.

Don't feel bad about the skunk, many a good fisherman have been skunked on DVL, it's very humbling if you don't have the know how, and have not fished it a bunch. I always like the horseshoe at the dam..

I would move up in weights, to 3/8, and maybe even 1/2 oz. That will make things easier as far as over runs. I have the same reel, and have no issues with over runs, but I use heavier weights.

What baits are you getting overruns on, and what weight are they.?

Just curious as to why you need to lock your drag.

1970 was a good year ! Thanks to all of you guys for replying, and Congratz to those of you who or are going to have an anniversary soon.

Thank You. no, she doesn't nowadays, medical issues. She did when we were younger, at least once a week.

June 21 st will be our 53 rd anniversary. Had some rough times, and some Great times. As we get older, we don't seem to talk as much as we use to, maybe cuz we know what each other is thinking from being together for 55 years. All told, she's the light of my life. For you younger married folks, I suggest one important thing, and that is to Honest, and Communicate with one another.

Has fishing become a Fashion show these days..?

Worm and jig rods get a 6 speed, I see no need to go any faster.

If I'm in reasonably open water, I'm using my 7' m/f spinning rig for the lighter weight baits. If I'm in any type of cover, then I go heavier, same applies if I change to a heavier bait.

If your talking about DVL..? Green Pumpkin will work, or a light craw color. I've fished there when you could easily see 30' down, in which case you want keep as far away from the fish as possible, i.e. if you can see them, they can see you even better. I also agree with what Tom said about So. Cali colors.