desmobob

I ordered mine from the AliExpress site. It was shipped today, after a three-day processing wait. Not too bad... I bought my Major Craft Volkey from one of the on-line JDM dealers a few years ago (Japan Lure Shop, IIRC). Tight lines, Bob

I just picked up one of the Tsurinoya XF50 reels after seeing some interesting reviews. Choosing a rod for it was a little more difficult. I have a Kuying Teton rod on the way... this was pretty much the only BFS/UBF rod I could find any review information on. Since ordering these kind of rods is pretty much "buy it sight unseen" with little or no review information, I'm hesitant to spend a lot of money on a rod. What rods have you BFS guys tried? I have a Megabass Volkey UL that is excellent. I have a feeling the Kuying Teton has a much slower action that I'd prefer, but I'll have to wait to find out. Know of any sources of BFS rod reviews? I've asked Youtubers BCSG and The Reel Test to consider doing some reviews or a comparison... nothing yet. Tight lines, Bob

St. Croix Mojo Bass... third generation graphite blank at a bargain price. I bought one and was completely impressed with it. Tight lines, Bob

I picked up one of the St. Croix Mojo Bass spinning rods on sale a couple of seasons ago and it has really impressed me for the price. I don't know how to describe it, but it just feels totally "natural" to me; sort of invisible. Some rods feel whippy, stiff, soft, dull, tip-heavy, powerful; whatever. The Mojo rod feels like an extension of me. That's probably a bit dramatic, but I hope you get what I'm trying to say. Maybe my reel just happens to balance with the rod perfectly and the rod's action just happens to match my casting style perfectly. Anyway, I really like the rod. Tight lines, Bob

Forecast for my area was updated... Winter Storm Warning: 10"-16" with localized amounts up to 20". Tight lines, Bob

I occasionally use high-quality ball bearing snap swivels on spinning gear when throwing things like in-line spinners but, on casting gear, I usually tie on directly or use the Mustad Fastach clips (which really isn't a clip). Tight lines, Bob

It's a fun hobby! You don't need to spend a ton of money to get into it. After lots of reading and research years ago, I bought a Garrett Ace 250 as my first detector; about $250. I enjoyed it so much, a year or two later, I bought a high-end White's DFX. I still use the Garrett frequently and it also comes in handy as a loaner when someone wants to try metal detecting or needs a detector to help find a lost ring, etc., in their yard. If you ask around or visit the metal detecting forums on the 'net, you can probably find someone in your area who will take you out with a loaner detector and show you the ropes. Tight lines, Bob

I have one of their Volkey UL casting rods and love it. Pretty flashy looking, especially in comparison to my Kistlers. I'm looking forward to trying one of their UL or L spinning rods, and will be looking at their other BFS-style casting rods. Tight lines, Bob

Every time I get ready to take the winter tarp off the boat, we get another Nor'Easter. 8"-12" forecasted for my area tomorrow afternoon through Thursday. :-( Tight lines, Bob

I carry a sub-compact 9mm in an IWB holster. Depending on what I'm wearing, when I get out in the boat, it sometimes goes into a storage compartment. Usually I'm wearing a supplex fishing shirt or a bass jersey that works well for in-the-waistband concealed carry. Where I live, the odds are millions to one that I'll ever need it. But you know the old saying about "better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it." I also believe that when participating in outdoor activities, a handgun could be a life-saving signaling device or attention-getter in the case of an emergency. Tight lines, Bob

My problem with finding a good, long ultralight rod is action. I like a crisp, fast-action rod and it seems that the vast majority of affordable UL rods I've tried over 6' were whippy, wobbly noodles. Longer rods that I like the actions of are the St.Croix Panfish Series (6', 6'9" UL Fast; about $120). They are crisp, fast and strong. I like to spool my UL reels with Berkley's Fireline Crystal braid in 4 lb. test. Its actual breaking strength is way over four pounds. I use a five or six foot leader of 2 or 4 lb. fluorocarbon. Tight lines, Bob

Thanks. Spools I've found are very pricey. I'd prefer to do some tuning on the inductor. I guess the options are to beef up the spring a bit or shorten the induction cup. I'll drag the little SV105 into the secret basement laboratory and commence with the experiments! Tight lines, Bob

I've probably bought more than half my reels from eBay sellers... reputable sellers with lots of sales and impeccable feedback. Tight lines, Bob

Thanks for the information. Will I be giving up the ability to easily cast light baits if I put on a different (non SV) spool? Tight lines, Bob

Congratulations on your KLX purchase. That's a great rod. Most of my rods are Kistlers, and most are from the KLX line. I will continue to buy them. And Kistler has some great sales at times. One time, they had a "buy a KLX rod and get a Carbon Steel rod free" sale! I picked up two new KLX rods that I love and expected to keep the Carbon Steels as back-ups. After trying them out, they ended up on the starting team with the KLXs. Tight lines, Bob

I bought two three-piece Daiwa Ardito travel rods for inshore Striped Bass fishing and I've been very satisfied with them. They offer them in casting and spinning versions, plus 11-foot surf-casting versions. Great rods for the money, in my opinion. Daiwa Ardito-TR travel rods Tight lines, Bob

In my experience, upgrading the bearings helps get a negligible amount of additional casting distance while adding a lot of casting noise. I don't do it any more. What IS nice to have is an inexpensive bearing flushing tool. The bearings in our reels have very small moving parts and all it takes to degrade their performance is a tiny bit of silt or debris. An annual flushing and re-lubing can have surprising results. You can buy the bearing flushing tool and an assortment of lubes to try for a lot less than the price of one set of ceramic bearings. Tight lines, Bob

I like InvisX but a lot of areas I fish are infested with Zebra Mussels or have a lot of sharp rock, like shale. InvisX gets shredded in a hurry. (I use AbrazX for leader on my braid lines.) I think YZH is more durable (and cheaper) and it handles fairly well. I use it as the main line on a few of my set-ups. Tight lines, Bob

May I ask what spool you replaced the OEM spool on your SV SS with? I have the SV105 and, although it casts light lures fairly well, it really feels too controlled on longer casts or with heavier lures. I really want to like this reel but I can't quite get comfortable with it. I'm wondering if a different spool will change things. Tight lines, Bob

I know it's exciting to pick out and buy new fishing tackle, but I'd really recommend hooking up with an accomplished fly fisherman to get some information, recommendations and pointers. I'd guess that 75% of folks getting into fly fishing give up soon after trying. It's just not intuitive like other types of fishing and it REALLY helps to get some help from an experienced fly fisherman. Beginners gear is more forgiving for casting, but you'll soon grow out of it. You might be able to find someone who will give or loan you a good set-up. Look in your area for fly fishing or fly tying clubs/groups and make contact.... Tight lines, Bob

I have a ball with a Daiwa PXR and MajorCraft Volkey rod, casting light stuff. Also, TW has the Daiwa SV105 on sale right now... that's another good finesse reel. I have one and like it, but prefer the Pixie. Tight lines, Bob

The FG is not (yuk yuk) that difficult to learn. Look for the Youtube vid by "Tackle Advisors" where he even ties it with heavy leather gloves on. If you can't get the knack of the FG, the Alberto is a great second choice. The Albright is good, too. Uni-to-Uni is last choice for me. (And this order is also how the knots usually finish in strength testing.) Tight lines, Bob

I have both the 10.3x13 and the 10.1x14 Spitfires. The optimum for my boat rigged and loaded as it is would be something right about in the middle of these two props. If I know I'm going to have a couple of people out with me, I put on the 10.3x13. Alone, the 10.1x14 works well. It sounds like you might want to try the 10.3x13 on your boat.... Tight lines, Bob

I stretch them a couple of times while holding them in the water. This rinses the salt out quickly and makes them buoyant right away. Tight lines, Bob

Those look pretty nice. I'll see if they have them in my size. Tight lines, Bob