BASSHUNTER1961

Thanks to all for the tips.... I solved the problem, and that's all I will say

Stren Sonic Braid with 12# test leader....... I bought just to try and it may no be very good.

OK, I went out and bought some braided line for the very first time, and gave it a try. Equipment notes: AG Vendetta 6' 6" M Rod Pflueger President 6935 10# mono backing 40# braid equal to 10# mono 5' FC leader Alberto knot for line to line connections. I have lost a great deal of casting distance with this setup compared to using a spool of 10# mono on this same setup approx 15-20 yards. So, is this normal when using braid? I have the braid to leader connection set so it is just above the first guide (closest to the reel)........ The feel is very good, but I'm not impressed with the loss in casting distance.

This is very interesting. I am in the market for a new baitcast reel, and was debating over which model I wanted to go with. I have used spinning and conventional reels all my life, and have always thrown with my right and reeled with my left using sinning gear...... But when using conventional gear, I always throw with my right, switch and reel with my right. I'm considering a baitcast reel in the 150-200 range and I do not want to end up with a reel I will not like, but I really want to try a left hand baitcast.

Please help me to understand why two exact set-ups other than the line? Both rod's and reels are the same and I'm not understanding this choice.

Thanks for all the helpful information, it is much appreciated.

Thanks for the tips.... I just was unsure if the braided line would harm the guides.

The MH would be nice for frogs and fishing the lilly pads and heavy cover....... I would have picked up a 6'6"- 7' M for finesse fishing. Why 2 7" MH rods? I would return one if possible for a M JMO.

I was looking into a heavy spinning rig for the pads, but I'm not not sure at this point. I took my St Croix baitcast rig out today for the first time in a few years and I think I'm going with this one for the pads. It's a 6'6" MH Legend Series IMS Graphite baitcaster, and it's about 15 years old. It handles a 3/8-1oz lure and 10-20# line and it's in excellent condition. My question is, will using 20# braided line be safe for this rod or will it damage it? The reel is a 15-18 year old Quantum EX200 which is pretty useless, and I'll be looking for a replacement soon. This would be my fist attempt with braided line as I've never used it before and do not know much about the stuff. TIA

A buddy of mine gave me a brand new Shimano Solstace 4000 FI Spin Reel, and I'm thinking I might spoolit up with some 50# braid to fish the pads. Any suggestions on a decent rod to put it on with plenty of backbone? I'm not looking for a $100 rod, just something for the lilly pads.

Anytime....... Really.

Are they not decent rods? Seems like a good rod for the money. I read two reviews where someone broke it in three pieces reeling in a fish, but I can't imagine that happening to this rod.

Here are a few pictures of the pond....... It's not big or deep but it's full of big fish It's about 400 yards long and 150-175 yards wide, and 4 feet deep on average with a few spots as deep as 8 feet. Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us

We didn't weigh it but I would estimate 4-5lbs. I'll try to get a good picture of the pond tonight and post it. It's not very big or deep but it holds tons of bass, and some really nice ones. My biggest was 7lbs about 2-3 years ago from this pond and a 8.75lb bass from a pond just beind this one.

Thanks for all the wonderful replies...... I'm very lucky to have a great boy like him! That pond is a 5 minute walk from our front door, and we are so lucky to live near so many great fishing spots.

My son is having a great season so far...... He hooked this nice one last night with me around 6:00pm The smiles tells it all. Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I'm hooked on Gamakatsu EWG worm hooks. I use 2/0-5/0 most often. I've not had any problems with not hooking up, and I like how the point angles in a bit making it almost completely weedless without tucking the point into the worm.

I picked up a Tec-Spec at Dick's Sporting Goods this week and think it's an outstanding value. It's the 6'8" M XF designed for finesse fishing weightless worms, lite jigs and grubs. The rod casts a weightless worm with ease, and has great sensitivity and feel. I really like the reel seat as it has a double lock down and will not come loose. I put my Phlueger President 6935 on it and the balance is very nice. They were on sale for $49.00 and could not pass it up.

Yes, you can use heavy line on you reel.. Here is how to adjust the settings.

I was looking at the Berkley Lightning Shock Rod (spinning) at BPS and it seems to be a fairly nice rod for the $$...... How do these handle with Mono, as they seem to be designed for braided line? The bottom guide seems on the small side and wonder if it will hinder casting with Mono? I was looking at the 6'6" M and I really liked the action. Thanks in advance......

SPAM

I'm the only one in my office who bass fishes.... One of the guys who works as a technician on the road bass fishes, but we do not work together. I live in Massachusetts just outside of Cape Cod. It's kinda funny that I live in saltwater heaven and I only fish freshwater.

Happy Father's Day to all....... So, did you get any fishing gear for Father's Day? My son gave me a Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Rod 6'6" M and a 6935 Phlueger President reel....... What a great gift, and we will spend the day fishing, then a fire in the pit latter with smores

I'm generally out by 6:00 when in my canoe, but if fishing from shore not till 8:00 or 9:00...... My Personal best was caught at 8:00PM in fading light on a weightless Wave Worm (Tiki Stick) from my canoe on a cranberry bog reservoir .....

Same thing here in Wareham, MA....... I try not to let them swim too long with the lure as a gut hook is the result, so a few missed fish is what I deal with. I've been hammering them on a KVD 5" Finesse worm color (dirt), and 6" Zoom Trick Worms (red/black). Zoom Lizards work very well too! I have an incredible stump pond 1/4 mile down the road from my house, and a canoe is great there.