Hogsticker

Hey guys. Looking for the good, bad, and the ugly. I'm mostly looking for thoughts on the IVCB braking system. I've been strictly Daiwa/Shimano 4 ever, but this new braking system has me intrigued. I don't mind the over sized gear box so we don't need to comment on that. I'm looking for a reel that can TRULY handle 3/16 to 3/4 with confidence, and no upgrades. Thanks

This is a very good topic. Let's keep it rollin! I would explore the shallows of your favorite body of water at all times of the year. This will give you an idea as to what hatches when. Bait fish tend to stay in protected shallow water for survival/feeding purposes. If you fish for trout, or anything else you plan on keeping for table fair, make sure you check the contents of their stomachs upon cleaning!If you can determine your lake contains perch or craws, these are some staple favorites for smallmouth. Algae bloom and other plant life is also an important thing to keep an eye. This attracts the bait fish, in turn attracting feeding fish.

I picked the spool up for 45 bucks which is not that bad at all. Not sure if the poster above has actually tried this or not, but I can tell you with the Gigas spool I can now cast a 1/8 oz. finesse jig or 3/16 oz jerk bait a very decent distance. Something I could not do stock. It really all depends on what you want out of the reel. I would much rather drop the cash on the spool upgrade than a 4 bearing carbon fiber handle. Even the TDZ handle is gonna run ya 60 bucks. Yes, ceramics tend to be a little noisy, but it doesn't bother me. For me the 95 for the reel, 45 for the spool, 20 for the bearings, and some personal polishing make this the best 160 dollar reel money can buy IMO. For persons interested in tuning/upgrades - the Fuego is one of the best, most cost effective places to start. It doesn't all have to be done at once, but for those who can't/won't drop 3 bills on a Pixy/Alphas and then dump even more cash into upgrades - again, the Fuego is the place to wet your whistle and decide if it's your cup of tea.

Never!!!

If you have 2 bills to spend I would look at the *** Black rods for 100 bucks, and spend the 2nd half on a reel of your liking.

Line and rod action play a part as well. Just make sure the fish has a hold on it and a soft sweep should stick them. If they are throwing the hooks perhaps lesser drag pressure would help. If they are slapping at it vary your retrieve. Lure selection as to subtle vs. erratic action, size and color can make a difference too. just keep playing with it till ya get it right.

Yep. Bring both. Square bill for banging, traps for ripping over the tops of weeds (stick with the lighter ones). If they have a bright colored belly, orange is quite nice, you should be good to start!

Swim a double tail grub on the lightest jig head you can get away with right along the bottom. If that don't produce drag a tube, again, lightest weight possible.

I picked one up some time ago for 95 bucks. At that price I added a TZD 100-M spool, spool bearings, drag upgrade, and four bearing handle. Not much this reel won't do. Fits my hands great!

I have a guy over on that other site pour the jigs for me. 4.50 for a dozen. I fish 1/8 to 3/16 on a 6'10 *** Black, Daiwa Pixy, and 10 lb. Perfromance Braid with a fluoro leader. Reins bubbling shaker or Lunker City ribster.

A mono with near zero stretch??

It's a solid reel that should last you a long time if you don't plan on throwing a lot of light stuff with it.

Two different animals IMO. If your looking for a good rod to handle jerks to mid depth cranks I would suggest a Gen. 1 Cumara reaction, 6'9. The new Kistler KLX line is also very nice with some of the best guides currently available. If you want to spend some more cash you really can't beat a Dobyns Champion.

Walleye only type of deal for me - with a night crawler of course!

On a 1/8 oz scrounger I like the Keitech swing impact FAT, 2.8 inch. On a quarter ounce, a reaction Innovations little dipper usually does the trick!

I bank fish on a river channel at times. I recall using a 9/16 oz. lipless crank, letting her rip, and beaching the lure on the opposite side of the river. A few days later I went out on my yak and counted the distance between both side best I could, and came up with approx. 80 yards. Keep in mind trap style baits cast like bullets, and I was using a TDZ with a really light spool, ceramic spool bearings, and braided line. Needless to say, I could cast it much further than I would really ever need to. Of course these results are gonna very based on the shape and size of the presentation.

I started my early fishing days on Henry Hagg Lake. Very fond memories. I believe the current State record smallie came outta that water.

Egg shaking or feeding most likely.

If one wants to be successful you need versatility IMO. Versatility with having a good cross section of baits, versatility in being able to best present that presentation with the correct equipment to help you achieve that. Does that mean you have to spend a fortune to do so? Of course not! Familiarization with the body of water your gonna be fishing is also crucial. I enjoy chunking and winding all day as much as the next guy, but there is a lot of satisfaction is putting all the puzzle pieces together too! When in doubt tie on a big swim bait and hope your gonna get that ONE BIG BITE!

River2Sea Humbug minnow. The secrets out but that's okay, I'll share the love. The 65SU model is dynamite in just about any condition. Weighing 5/16 oz. and being only 2.75 inches long it casts fantastic. It also has the most erratic action I've stumbled upon. It looks like a maniac in the water. I've had some of my best days using the gold fish and green tiger patterns. Best of all, it won't break the bank!

Oh yes! So many things you can do with a trap. I love em. I've caught more smallies (fish in general) on a lipless crank than any other lure to date. The Spro Aruku Shad is a great bait at an outstanding price. Nice color and size selection with superb stock hardware.

If I were stuck with one bait I'd choose something I could cover some water with, fish slow or fast, and vary my retrieve. A jerk bait no doubt. Well, several jerk baits that is, sizes, colors, depth, etc.

Dry Creek Skirt Chaser in the Bronze Back color has boated me a lot of nice fish for sure.