FishTank

I live in central Indiana (Indianapolis) and the bite has been slow for me as well but the fish I have caught have been slow to bite and deep. Instead of big hits, they have been slowly gulping lures. The key I think is to get them to hold and set the hook as soon as you feel something. I found the ned rig, senkos and big slow crankbaits have been the most effective but fished really slow, maybe a 2-3 minute cast. Out on the water there has been very little next to the bank. I have been finding fish maybe 40-50 feet away from shore near channels and bridges and maybe 15-20 feet deep. Tubes and deep crankbaits have been working.

Mega Strike and Smelly Jelly is what I have used on occasion.

Awesome deal. If I hadn't already blew my cash on reels this year, I would jump all over it.

I get what you're saying.... I have been using Invizx for awhile and like it but I have been looking for something in a good 15lb mono (I have tried several and I have some favorites). I just never heard of this stuff. I often find that most the off brand stuff is junk. This had so many good reviews and a guy I work with is a believer, I had to ask. I either wanted to confirm my suspensions or get some feed back on how good it was. Besides it comes in orange, it's my lucky fishing color....

I have never heard of RUNCL but found it on Amazon with someone else's recommendation. He said he liked it? Anybody use this stuff? Any good? I am a little skeptical of most of the off brands I find on various websites but this line sort of caught my attention and I was thinking of giving it a try.

It's two separate adds from different years. I found a page that had about 5 old Galyan's adds and I liked these two the most. One had some of the bigger names back in the day attending and the other had prices for some cool old school reels.

I tried it on a Daiwa reel and a couple of Megabass lures and it did not work either one. I guess I will wait for Tackle Warehouse's sale.

I use to hate those things. I tried for years to catch fish with that exact worm. I saw so many guys having great success and it just eluded me. Then one day, I couldn't stop catching fish with it. I think that's just how it goes.

Here you go. I sure do miss the good old days......

I have used my wife's ultra sonic jewelry cleaner with acetone for SS bearings. I only have used it when I have bought a new reel and want to clean the over lubed/greased bearings. If an existing, older reel gets that dirty it's because I have done something stupid. If the bearings appear problematic, I might clean them but really its just easier to replace them. As far as ceramics go, I have cleaned them using dawn soap and de-ionized water. I let them soak for a few hours. Rinse with some de-ionized water. Set them out to dry for a few and then blow them dry with some canned air. If you want you can give them a small drop of oil but too much and it will effect how they perform. If you see wear spots or out of round spots on the balls themselves (if there is no shield), I would replace them. In the end though, I don't think ceramics need a really good cleaning if you keep your reel cleaned, maintained and not over lubed.

I have both the Curado K and the DC. I have fished the SLX but not the DC version. The SLX is a smaller reel not as smooth or as powerful as the K and DC but is a nice reel none the less. It would be a great reel for someone who is just starting out with a bait caster. I don't think the DC version is worth the jump in price when you can get the Curado K for close to the same money. The K by itself is a great reel. It would be a great workhorse that you can get a lot years of use out of. The DC, in my opinion, is slightly smoother, easier to palm, and the DC casting control is fantastic. My only gripe with the DC is that I don't like using braid on it. I have tried it twice and just doesn't cast as well as it does with FC. I am not saying don't use braid on this reel though. I just like FC better. So far, this is how set up the DC..... I setup the cast control knob as usual. Then as far as the 1-4 settings goes.. 1. Wind to your back or heavier baits. 2. Pretty much this what I use 90% of the time. I have had zero backlashes when using a 3/8oz crankbait 3. Wind and lighter baits 4. Heavy wind and pitching There are also instructions in the manual as well. I just ignored them and worked out my own set of guidelines. Also, the DC aspect of this reel seems to improve over time.

I have been using a 6' ML Fast St. Croix Avid and a 6'8'' M X-fast Avid and both have worked pretty well so far. I have also use a 7'4'' ML X-fast Fenwick Elite Tech. I generally use this rod for weightless senkos and live bait for Crappy. It gets the job done for Ned Rigs but it's just not as good as the Avids. My favorite set up for the Ned rig though, is 7' Fast M Abu Garcia Fantasia Registra and a Abu Garcia AL-X with 8lb FC. I was just experimenting with this setup and at first glance it would not be my go to for the Ned rig but for whatever reason, this set up just brings in the fish. Both the rod and reel seem perfect for this set up. If was going to pick my ideal rod for this technique, I would go with a St. Croix Legend Elite 6'10'' ML X-fast.

Wow. Just when I think I have seen it all..... I have never seen a bass like that. Very cool and an incredible catch.

If I had been thinking, I would have probably said "....besides the Vision 110 and the Pop Max". The Pop max is a great bait. I use to fish it all the time but my topwater fishing this year has been dominated by the Whopper Plopper. That is one cool Pop Max you have there though. It looks like it could tell a story?

It's on my list. I have heard nothing but great things about it.

I have not been a fan of the auto pfd or the manual inflatable ones. I saw one fail years ago, operator error but an error non the less. It sort of put me off ever since. If I had to choose, this guy has been my favorite when kayaking. Comfortable, breathable, lots of pockets and it works for a 225lb guy.

Let's just state the obvious, Megabass Lures are expensive and the best of the batch is the Vision 110. So I really don't buy them too often, I may buy one a year or I might get one for Christmas. Over the years I have used various models with mixed results. I am wanting to know what Megabass Lure has produced for you besides the Vision 110? For me it's been the Live-X Leviathan (but not much else from Megabass). I caught this guy on it.....

Keep you eye out for the Quantum KVD Tour Cranking rod. I found two for $60 each and so far I have been really impressed. I did have a David Fritz Cranking rod years ago and one from Rick Clunn. Both got returned. I am sure they have improved since I bought the ones I had but they sort of left a bad taste in mouth, so to speak (the rods and BPS).

I tried this stuff when it came out in 12lb (I think) and it was not the best experience. I like CXX from P-Line better. Let us know how it works out. Looks like you have plenty. As far as cheap FC goes, if you find some line at the price point you want, I say go for it but for me I try to shot for that Goldilocks zone, where it does everything well at a good price (again this is totally subjective).

I don't think so but I haven't had a chance to ask them..... Just joking.... It's pretty much invisible under water. I can usually get a whole season or two depending on the the set up and how frequently I use it.

Sounds like you got a good deal. I just picked two of the KVD tour rods and so far I am really impressed. We will see how it goes.

I have been using 12lb Seaguar Invizx. I have tried other but this seems to be the best bang for the buck.

Someone else told me about this being on Amazon. Not sure how I feel about it......

I had a Shimano Calais 201A. It was the smoothest reel I have ever fished. I bought it clearance out at a local tackle shop. I fished it for about 2 years and a guy offered me a bit more than I paid for it. I couldn't refuse and I needed the cash but I sure do miss it. There was just something special about that reel.

I use both low speed reels and high speed reels for crankbaits. I just need to keep in mind what I am doing. The main reason for me to use lower speed reels is the lower gear ratio seems to handle deeper cranks better when a fish is on and the higher speed reels I can use for cranks, jerkbaits and topwater.