jimmyjoe

This year I got into boot tails. I used these. https://j-maclures.com/slimswimbait.aspx I used a ballhead jig, and got snagged up too much for my liking. I tried nose hooked and got nothing. I used the hook that came with the packet, and I got bit ... but I never got a fish. The swimbait was pulled down the hook every time, as if they were hitting the tail instead of the head. I've never had that happen with other long lures, including the 10" Anaconda ribbontail worm, which is a lot longer than these swimbaits. Does anyone have any advice for me, or any insight into the situation? Thnx. jj

Both are good, but beware of "inexpensive". If I were to do it all over again, I would go commercial grade vinyl ONLY, Here's a short blurb: jj

You just blew my line budget for Black Friday! ? jj

It's definitely not overkill. I use single and double SDJ knot on InvizX. Time controls my choice. The double is surprisingly compact. I like it. jj

I'm retired, so I could stay all day .... but I don't. I fish for 3-4 hours, eat a snack and take a nap (old people have to take naps. It's the law.) and then fish for another 3-4 hours. I've noticed that the morning and evening fishing is productive. The midday fishing is much less so. If I had a boat, I could probably make that change, but I don't. jj

I can vouch for the IP963f (2-pc). I had it made into a casting rod (by Schneider) but it would make a dandy spinning rod also. It's rated 1/4 to 5/8 oz., and that is accurate. No underrating, no overrating. I'm very happy with mine. jj

Hmmmm. This blurb (fifth pic down) from Daiwa's website seems to say that at least some of the Daiwa reels can be loaded full. https://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/reels/bg_sw_spinning/index.html Would this cure the problem? On this other page, the blurb is lacking but the pic kinda says a lot: https://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/reels/certate/index.html Kinda makes a guy wonder what's going on here, y'know? BTW .... Daiwa is the only company that I've ever seen that advocates a full spool like this. jj

Made my day! Reminds me of Mike Long! ?? jj

The absolute lightest I will use is 6 lb. Stren or YoZuri Hybrid. Both are strong 6 lb lines. I use them on relatively clear bottoms. If there are weeds, trees or brush, I immediately go up in test as I need to. jj

If they're spitting the hook out in the air, like when they're jumping, then this would be the same problem I had. I went to a soft-tip rod, and the problem disappeared. Soft-tip rods aren't easy to find in spinning gear, but some (some .... not all) walleye rods are great in this department. I hope you have better luck, 'cause I know how you feel. jj

Your point is correct. jj

I had thought that E-glass was FRP, or Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer, as was S-glass. When carbon tape was added, it was my impression that you now called it "composite". I know that there's at least one manufacturer who gets the terms mixed up, and I also know that composite has some real advantages. But strictly speaking, E-glass and S-glass have no carbon associated with them. jj

Yeah, that's a completely different way of putting it alright. Brings that rotator cuff back into the picture. I'd probably move down to a Mojo Bass 7' MH/MF, a Tranx 200a in 6.3, 17 lb. InvizX and 3/4 oz Dardevles. Big change, huh? ??? jj

Well, I wouldn't have to worry about my rotator cuff, so I'd take a 7' H/F Mojo Bass, a Tranx 300a loaded with 20 lb. InvizX, a bunch of 1 oz. Dardevles, and go for the big stuff. BTW .... when is it? Next Tuesday? That's when my taxes are due. ??? jj

Glad you signed up! jj

Glad to see you here! jj

2 out of 3 is good; I'll make it 3 out of 3. Get a fish grabber. jj

Because I needed 2-pc rods that could be stored out of sight. jj

You'll love that Presso. I had the 7 1/2 ft. and took lots of species (including 12-15 pike) in 4 years. Ultimately, the joint loosened up, or I'd still have it. jj

Yeah, weight is right up there. But fiberglass is "dead". In other words, it absorbs vibration. Some people are addicted to the sensitivity of graphite, and the dead feeling of glass drives them nuts. If you use braid, it gets better, but I personally think that using braid on a moderate-action rod re-introduces problems with keeping the treble hooks pinned. You might feel differently. jj

Be cautious about getting a glass rod. Some people love them, and some people find out they hate them after they buy them. Try one (or more) out before buying, if possible. Don't take this as a condemnation of glass rods. It's not. I learned on glass, and I'm comfortable with it. I'm just saying that you should make sure that you're comfortable with it, too. Otherwise, look into the rods that @J Francho mentioned. Good luck, and I hope you get something that you really like! jj

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here but is VERY important is safety. ALWAYS carry on an empty chamber. Never trust a safety mechanism. One slip on a snowy slope, one drop onto a rock or frozen ground, and you might be lucky enough to know why. So practice field fire from an empty chamber, mounting the rifle and working the action at the same time. That way, you'll have confidence and consistent results in the field. Not only that, but someday you'll be able to tell your grandchildren about it! ? jj

It also doesn't show how well the hunter can hunt. Best not to sit in one place and expect your quarry to parade in front of you. Yes, some people take game like that, and do so successfully. But the best bets are on the hunter who knows his game, their habits, how those habits change with the seasons, and how to be stealthy without a tree stand. Look at it like fishing for bass: the better you know your fish and how it reacts to its environment, the more successful you'll be. Good casting skills added in, like good field shooting skills, can make your efforts pay off. Good luck! jj

Man, you just said a mouthful! jj

Yeah, that's a key point. I am older, and my body doesn't thank me. It kicks me, prods me, argues with me and tells me that it hates me. All this, just because I refuse to admit that I'm not 21 any longer. Or 25, or 45, or 65. Or whatever. ?? jj BTW .... you mentioned problems with braid. I know those problems, especially on baitcasters. My solution is simple. Use monofilament. Braid on spinning reels has its own problems. I've had wind knots on spinning gear that made bird's nests on casting gear look civilized.