jimmyjoe

Why are you using braid; distance or sensitivity? And are you using a spinning reel or a casting reel? And are you fishing from a boat or shore? And you said you're considering a change. Why? Spinning + distance: generally, a good match-up. Use the smallest diameter braid that will have 2x the test rating you think you'll need. The reason for the 2x is that the knot strength of braid is poor. Best to use bodied lines, like Fins Windtamer, to reduce wind knots. Casting + distance: generally, a poor match, although I have heard of exceptions. The reason is that distance can be achieved, but by using somewhat smaller diameter braids. Those smaller diameter braids can dig in on a snag or hookset, causing a bird's-nest the next cast. This backlash, combined with the poor knot characteristics of braid and the higher velocities associated with distance casting can allow you to see one of the truly amazing sights in fishing: an expensive lure going "snap!" and traveling vast distances to exotic new places. Can you say, "Bye-bye"? ????? If you're out for sensitivity, you're already aware by virtue of the PowerPro that you're using, that sensitivity is great. That's a characteristic that is pretty much equatable among all braids. So ...... what are you seeking to improve? If it's noise, go to a round braid with high pic count. If it's twist reduction, get either a bodied line or else learn to tolerate a larger diameter line than what is "normally" advised. If it's abrasion resistance, I don't know what to tell you. New braids enter the marketplace every year. Maybe one is magically better, but I have no idea whether that's the case or which one it might be. Naturally, these problems are exacerbated for shorecasters, because of our attempts to eke out just .... one .... more .... yard .... from the cast. If you fish from a boat, you're on Easy Street. Good luck! jj p.s. - if you're battling twist, remember that shorter rods (with fewer guides) can reduce twist by virtue of reduced friction.

From what everyone has been saying on this forum, you made a good decision. Good luck! jj

Amen! ? I fish lures with a constant retrieve. I found out that helps. If I deadstick, I get antsy. If I pick a target and cast over it, trying to control the lure to come in at a certain depth and speed, my mind is involved with that and not building up tension. It helps ..... a lot. As for catching fish ....... yes, you'll get fish. You'll have to learn to do what the people here call "power fishing", but you'll catch fish. The biggest difference is the number of lures you'll lose to snags. ☹️ So the difference isn't in catching fish, it's in occupying your mind. Everything else just falls into place. Good luck and God bless, and come on back and talk to us often! jj

Try this:

I have this rod in the 2-pc. version. I love it especially for 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits and 3/4 oz. spoons. I like it so much that I would recommend it, but only in the 1-pc. version. I've had it for 2 years, and used it extensively, so much so that by now the top section s-l-o-w-l-y loosens up and twists sideways on a string of strong retrieves. I don't like that. It's irritating. Other than that, like I say, I love it. Strong tip but not too stiff and not heavy or cumbersome. I don't really know how sensitive it is because I haven't used it for bottom contact stuff. I've used it with a Curado 200 and a Citica 200, and it feels good for all-day use. Generally, line has been 12 or 15 lb. test mono. I haven't decided what I'm going to do about the slippy-slidey top part yet. Guess I'll start by calling St. Croix, and then go from there. As far as the others on the list, I have not used them. jj

This is exactly why I learned the San Diego jam knot! jj

Nowadays, there are two things that are different than they were 20 years ago. First, rods are made with thinner walls. To distribute the design stress over a blank that is six inches longer is easier, and a manufacturer can make that blank's action more consistent. Secondly, it seems to me that there is a huge increase in casting rods used for bottom contact compared to 20 years ago. That means sensitivity is of greater importance, which drives the market to thinner walls and lighter blanks, which creates greater stress, which brings us back to my first point. Now if that ain't a great example of circular thinking, I don't know what is! ?? jj

Speak for yourself. I might be old, but there's serious doubt as to whether or not I'm an adult! And yes, I dropped $150 in a couple minutes on TW ............. at 5AM. Then I went back to sleep. ?? jj

Have a H/M rod and TranX 300a. Right now have 15 lb. Big Game on it, but that turns into wire below 40 degrees. I need something more flexible below 40 degrees. Going to a retailer 75 miles away this weekend. Which nylon line do you recommend for cold weather? Trilene Cold Weather is great, but I need 14-17 lb. test and it only goes to 12 lb. Thnx for ur input. jj

If you want to see my wife go into orbit, just wait until she catches me doing this! I told her that it's never killed anyone, but she's a city girl, and ......... well, you know. ?? jj

I understand, but I just don't like to guess or assume. The more info, the sooner we can give the OP help and the more accurate the answer will be. I could understand "looping" applied to both spinning and casting gear as described by a tyro. jj

Excuse me, but what do you mean by "looping" ? jj

@MigMig, you might want to investigate the Shimano Clarus casting rods. They have the split grip, and at least 2 models are 2-pc. I've not handled them myself, but FWIW one guy I know has one and likes it. I know that's not much to go on, so be cautious. jj

If you think for one minute that I'd go fishing on Thanksgiving Day ..... you're right! I'll probably fish the river. Turkey at 5:00, nap at 6:00. ? jj

Congratulations on your new purchase, and good luck fishing! jj

Fenwick has a 6'-06" 2-pc. Eagle casting rod, M/F and 1/4-3/4. It's $60 list. jj

When I first tried BFS, I had much better luck with a moderate action rod. I learned on fiberglass and in general I do better on softer rods. One of the guys who got me to try it makes his own rods, and he believes as you believe; fast action with soft tip. But I could never get my release point (my timing) down pat with those for at least five minutes after I had been using a heavier power rod. During that five minutes, I learned the hard way not to try and goose the rig for best distance, but just gently lay the lure out there. (Can you say, "Cut the line off!" ? ?) Moderate actions are still much easier for me to time and get good accuracy. I guess that's what I get for being an old fogy. ? jj

^^^ 9 ^^^^

I use a 1/4 oz.Trout Weight Dardevle from Eppinger. With the correct twitch, that thing will almost dance-in-place. Very effective in cold water. jj

I know you meant to type BFS instead of BSF, but now that I think about it a little longer, I think there's a lot of BSF in BFS! ???? Thank you for all of your contributions, Tom. They are greatly appreciated. jj

BFS reels and the proper rod with 8 lb. Stren or 12 lb InvizX will cast 1/8 oz. lures as far as spinning gear with 6 lb nylon line. The advantage is line that will fight the fish more aggressively and take abrasion better. If it wasn't for that, I'd never be interested in BFS. For me, though, that line advantage is important. As far as using braid for those little lures, I won't do it. Too many fish lost on jumps and head-shakes. Little treble hooks need "give" to stay connected. As always .......YMMV. jj P.S. These 1/8 oz. lures are killer lures. They catch fair-to-middlin' size bass for me: Rapala Ultralights, Teeny Wee-R, Lil' Cleo spoon and Wordens Super Roostertail.

Try the search option at the top of the page. jj

I celebrate Thanksgiving one day a year, but I give thanks all year long. jj

Uh-oh ..... you should not have posted those pictures! They just wiggled their way into my budget for next season! ? Seriously ..... from one spoon user to another ...... Thank you! ? jj

Man, if you don't know the difference between a heifer and a bull, you got a lot more problems than trying to estimate fish weight! ??? jj