K_Mac

None so far but I just got it this spring. What are the problems supposed to be? I have read some people are concerned the guides will not hold up to braid. I have not heard of that actually being a problem.

This article by Mike Iaconelli gives some helpful tips about crankbaits, some specifically about line diameter: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/iaconelli_crankbaits.html

Come together, right now...over bass. Ohoh darling, if you leave leave me, I'll never fi-ish alone...

Really good advise. Too shallow in the spool is aggravating.

I love the quotes. ;D This is a case where lack of drugs is a problem. I am glad they found no evidence of vampires. I wonder what vampire evidence typically looks like?

I need to have someone show me how to tie a uni to uni knot. A lot of you guys say it is easy to tie, and I've seen pictures of a uni knot being tied, but putting two together just doesn't work for me. I can tie a blood knot or albright knot with no problem. There is a possibility my brain is not wired quite right... :-/

KVD uses 12# fluorocarbon in most deepcranking situations. He seems to know what he's doing. 8-) I use 12# YoZuri Hybrid, but much could be written on what I don't know about deepcranking.

My guess: What is the best...?

Jake_P I sure hope things work out for you. Sounds like no one was seriously hurt. That is a blessing. Most of us have done stupid things for a variety of reasons, both good and bad. Not having time to buy insurance is not one a judge is going to accept. I do understand struggling to keep all the plates in the air...been there. Good luck man.

Well said. I think the adage, "the harder I work, the luckier I get" applies. KVD may be luckier than most, but he pays close attention to details and works harder than most of his competition. I also love the challenge of figuring out what will work on any given day. Some days the difference in catching fish and having the skunk in the boat, is all about presentation IMO.

That is a great question shimmy. 8-) I think in the answer is the reason some are better at always finding quality fish than others. Attention to details and understanding how fish relate to subtle differences is the key IMO. With that said, there are a couple of spots on my "home" lake that looks like they have all the necessary elements, that rarely produce. There other spots that look less attractive that always seem to hold fish. There are likely some subtleties involved that I haven't figured out :, but I will continue to study hoping to put all the pieces in place. That challenge is what keeps me focused and what makes fishing fun.

I am sure they will make it right. Their service is as good or better than any. I rarely buy any tackle on-line from anyone else. Give them a call.

That is the kind of behavior that gives all tournament fishermen a bad name. As in any any activity there are always a few... I would find out who put the tourny on, and contact the Director. Maybe it helps in the future. As far as what I would have done; I would have told them very clearly that I didn't appreciate their pirating my spot, and that I had their hull number, intended to notify the Director and the Dept. of Natural Resources (or whatever the controlling agency) of their conduct.

You have a point regarding the guides on the Carbonlites. I guess time will tell. I don't use braid so it's not as big a deal... The last non-fisherman I had using my tackle did all he could to break an Extreme rod. They must be pretty tough. I was wishing he had an ugly Stik by the end of the day. :-/ The Ugly Stik Lite might make a decent beater rod. I haven't used one but some swear that they are not bad for the money.

Happy birthday Long Mike!

The BPS Carbonlite rods seem like a good value in the price range. The one I have is a BC. I don't have a spinning version, but that will probably be my next purchase. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10205013_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2

It really depends on the power of the rod IMO. A MH with plenty of backbone will work fine for single hook moving baits like spinnerbaits and chatterbaits; a lighter power rod not so much. Just my $.02

Here you go: http://www.netknots.com/html/blood_knot.html

Up until the last few years Zoom would easily have been my choice. I use several others, but Netbait is a strong contender for the top spot.

For those applications your 7' Med Heavy power, Fast action rod will work very well. It is a good multi-purpose rod. For light jigs and plastics a 7' Med Fast or Extra Fast (in the range indicated) will make a great addition IMO. That's how most of us justify the amount of tackle we own.

Nice job. Catching bass on a jig is as good as it gets IMHO.

I'm not sure how to define your search, but I can tell you this topic comes up often. It really comes down to personal preference IMO. There are many fine bass fishermen that don't carry a spinning combo in their boat. There are others that don't use baitcasting at all. Most of us use both. I use both on every fishing trip and would be limited without either one.

The line you use will greatly effect distance. Lighter, softer lines will generally cast farther. KVD Line and Lure applied to the line as directed will also make a difference. At the lower end of the rated weight range of the rod, you are probably OK with those distances. As you get to know the reel better you'll likely get more distance and accuracy. Good luck.

Goose the Carbonlite is the only split grip rod I have. For pitching, and shorter one-hand casts it is fine. I don't throw frogs often, so it serves its purpose well. For most other applications a full grip, with no fore grip is my choice. The hook keeper is much like the Extremes or PQ rods. I like it. 8-)

My favorite is a dark colored 1/2 oz. jig or big t-rigged worm/creature on a 3/8 or 1/2 oz bullet weight. I use rattles much of the time. Last night the jig was the best choice at about 20' on my favorite lake.