jmb27

First one is in English with a guy using them. Interesting and crazy. And yes, I have a pack or so on the way to try out. ?

Sunline SX1 12lb (or 16lb) braid with a 6 or 7 lb. fluoro leader.

Here's an article that gives some good information on different aspects of BFS gear: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewbaitfinesse.html

The JDM Mets have a shallower spool and a shorter handle than the US counterparts. That's it. For me personally, the smaller spool isn't a big deal as the JDM model has plenty of line capacity for bass fishing (mine are spooled w/12 lb. fluoro). I have heard of some US users prefer the bigger handle size, but again, for me, it is fine. Congrats. You'll love it. And have little issue reselling if you don't. ?

I agree w/your spinning rod comment. I will say that for me personally, I can cast more accurately w/a baitcaster than a spinning setup as well as having more control when skipping. I also greatly prefer using a baitcaster for hard lures. As to your last two sentences, I would suggest spending some time in ultralight/BFS forums to see what users like (and what they don't). Also, a lot of the baitcasting reels can be made into a "BFS" reel with a different spool; while not cheap, is certainly cheaper than buying a new dedicated BFS reel if you aren't sure if you will be using BFS setups a lot. And you can always try out the "gently used" route to see if you enjoy it and likely not lose too much on resell if you don't.

I have been doing very well with the Megabass/Imakatsu IXI Type 3 and Type R cranks. With the LBO system, I can cast these things a mile. I got a Deps Evoke Zero to try out. I love, love, love the MB Dark Sleeper, so I am really looking forward to the MB Sleeper Gill that is supposed to be available later this summer.

Yes. BFS is a lot of fun. I do like to use the spinning reel for certain techniques, but you do get better control using a dedicated BFS setup. As for a setup, yes, you can get things in the value price range (which is subjective of course). I would suggest first thinking about what techniques and size of the lures are you using. Specifically, I am using a BFS rod for lures 1/8 oz. and lower or when I want better control casting into cover. Are you using primarily soft or hard lures that weigh 1/8 oz. or less? Yep. I tell myself that I'm replacing a few rods w/a dedicated BFS setup, so I'm "saving" money. I'm a genius. ?

The litter one is universal, but annoys me to no end it seems. A big one for me is anglers that cry about the durability of <insert soft plastic here>. Cheap components on a lure... Not enough time to fish...☹️

Really depends on the brand here. In my experience, the stock hooks on Strike King/R2S/Rapala/Berkley are pretty terrible. The ones with split rings are awful as well. The manufacturers of those brands are interested in the absolutely lowest cost to any of the components, quality be damned. Zman has been pretty notorious for this when they bought the "chatterbait" from Rad Lures and the craze caught on. To be fair, the mass produced hooks today are a bit better than the old bronze ones that dominated crankbaits several years ago. I'm willing to pay a premium price for certain brands that use a great hook/quality split ring/etc as I don't have to swap them out.

I'm wondering if there are any Evergreen rod users out there. I am trying to get information on the taper (action) of a few rods--specifically, the Stallion 6'8" MH Kaleido model and the Egoist. If anyone has a handy guide to the actions of the Kaleido line, I would be appreciative.

"right" is within your budget--for carolina rigging, I prefer a 7' rod (or one a few inches longer) for the sweeping hookset and a higher speed reel (i.e. 7.1 gear ratio) for taking up line quickly. I like the Gloomis GLX MBR 844c with a Steez 103H, as I usually use this rod for applications between 1/2 to 1 oz.

I did mention that it is better to eat the 1-2 lber and let the bigger fish and their genetics stay in this lake, which is small at 130 acres or so. At least he was having a fish fry I guess.

This. Someone keeping some legally caught fish to eat? Good for them. Yeah, it stinks when I see a guy at the ramp taking home 4 or 5 bass in the 3-6 lb. range after he told me that he "frees the small 1 and 2 lbers to let them grow up." He has it wrong, but he was within his rights to do so. However, most of us know bucket fishermen as those that have little to no regard for the applicable fishing laws (or someone's property rights) and in addition to keeping anything that bites of any size, they often leave their fishing area littered with trash and a complete mess.

Whoa, that is a nice app.

Fishing knots is a good one. Has animated instructions on lots and lots of different knots. Also, it is downloaded onto your iphone so that you don't need to access the 'net--which is nice if you fish areas where cell coverage is spotty. I also like the Orvis app (if you fly fish at all). It isn't cheap, but I got a $10 coupon as well. Has fishing reports from literally everywhere.

Really nice site you guys (and gals) have here. I fish a lot of the small lakes within an hour or so of Atlanta. I look forward to learning and contributing (if I can, lol).

I had an issue w/the connection for my old Lowrance unit as I fish from a jonboat and need to disconnect the unit after fishing. Humminbird has a better connection (read: no pins that have to align perfectly). As others have stated, the moisture issue is very likely the seal rotting and is a storage issue as opposed to a brand issue. Perhaps, you can store the unit inside or at least have it covered better.

Careful, I will take you up on that offer. Another potential factor in the decision is the wife and kids may be coming with me, so I need to find something that is entertaining fairly close by while I fish for two days.

I prefer nose hooking it. It is hard to fish it wrong. Another dropshot bait would be the Jackall Cross-tail shad. They look like nothing, you don't impart much action to the lure, but they produce.

Thanks for the advice--I was hoping that you would chime in. I'll look up those guides and see if their availability matches up with the first week in April. I am still fishing a small boat here--I don't have the big boat yet to take you up on your offer. Really looking forward to this trip...

I am planning a trip to TN to fish for smallmouth in late March mid-April timeframe. I am thinking of Dale Hollow, but Pickwick (or another recommendation) is fine. Looking for guide recommendations as well as other thoughts on early spring smallmouth.

I caught about a 15 lb turtle on a Carolina rig. He was none too happy as I was reeling him in. Thankfully I was able to shake the rig a few times and the plastic lizard fell out. Whew...thought I would lose a finger if I had to get the hook.