Brian Needham

when it is ever financially wise to drive 800+ miles to live and fish with complete strangers for a week? or as the kids say, YOLO!!!

east winds are normally seen (at least here in the south) post frontal, blue bird skys and high pressure.

^^^I believe and follow this rule, I seen it and heard it too many times for the old timers and when out of the south it will land in their mouth!

I think you are right......I just need more time with the tuned reels. I really loved them before and rarely lashed....but now with peak preforming reels I have to rely on my thumb and that is something I really never did. i am also trying some lighter weights as well ..... 1/4 oz shaky heads and such with the cores. I am not sure how big of a fan I am of the cores, time will tell there to. and I hear ya on the lure weights too, I been really trying to dial in the perfect head/lure combos for my reels, even to the point of putting it on a scale, lol Dont get me wrong I am not knocking DVT at all, I was ansering to the point with tuned reels you may need a little more experience with a trained thumb. And that is something that I really do not have at the present. Bearings and tuning is well worth the money, if your experience matches the level of work you paid for.

I had dvt super tune and install abec7 ceramics in my shimano cores and lews TP......I still aint used to them yet and they backlash at a drop of a hat. I am really hoping to get out more to use them more so I get used to them. tuning and bearings really speed up the spool and they take some getting used to once back. proceed with caution first few trips out.

crickets and bluegill is a pretty good way to start as well. More action (fish caught) = more excitement, which bring more people back..... then progress up to bass. JMO

is there anything that doesn't cause cancer in the state of California?

we grew up baiting our hooks, biting our own split shot on/walking around with it in our pockets then taking a bite of our sammich......I think you'll be ok.

http://floatsunlimited.com/specialty-peanut-float.html I love these with a small splitshot and cricket. I have friends that use these as well with 1/16 oz jig head and black beetle. reason I really like these floats is they are small and do not create a splash.

I use the t stop I guess....its strands of rubber that come in 100 count packs.....I admit I have no idea how to use those that Roadwarrior posted, but I always wanted to try them

zona does like the heavier side of music , thats for sure.........I used to be "eh, whatever" about him, but now I really look forward to his show every friday. They might be opposite in so many ways but I think I could listen and watch Zona and spanish fly (RIP Jose) all day every day.

"Zona's Awesome fishing show" is one of my favorites. while I am not a fan of Ike persona I really like Zona's, as it seems more real and genuine excitement. CATCH A FISH!!!

local blackouts may apply

I have a 702dx finesse with a core50 ... haven't used it yet other than pitching in the yard, sub 1/4oz and you gotta be careful with the back lashes

1 drop boca lightening will work well

I hate to be cynical......but does anyone else notice the group sticks laying together that "look" like a ramp for the keel of the boat? not that I am calling staged, just saying looks weird.

yeap, I am going to get some saddles, and do the crossed o ring until then. I did forget to mention, senko was soaked in JJs.

the 1st baitcaster I had was a BPS carbonlite (2.5 years ago)......and those are POS, POS I tell ya even compared to the $75 entry level speed spool.

yes big$grip.........once the new hooks and saddle arrive I will just do the "drop shot hook set".

not by using your own description, which is very accurate. I either get a THUMP and line moves or the line just moves.........sometimes just pressure. also, bream/sunfish don't strip drag like the big bite I had yesterday. it was also not a 2.5 pound bluegill that rocketed out of the water 3 days ago. I am not dealing with sunfish this time around

easy to make sacrifices when sponsors are paying the repair bills.....

true Detroit.......I don't worry about grass either.........but treetops, laydowns, and lilly pads you better be weedless.

wow that is some clear water...

seems easy fix.........shock them, then feed the homeless....

yeah, I wait.....watch the line move sideways for 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or more then reel down.....I have done all the variations in between. It totally may be technique, but from my readings and responses here I highly doubt it. Bass don't spawn in 50 degree water, so it aint that. I am got some new hooks coming and will see how that goes, as it seems to be a good idea from long time wacky riggers