The Bassman

I find that the bait that works is the one that I'm keying on. Most of my success/failures can be attributed to my attitude about a given lure. Case in point: This time of year I'm typically throwing neds, bladebaits, and dark sleepers. This year I'm keying on jerkbaits and having a lot of fun. It's taken me time to gain confidence in them and now I really enjoy using them. Are they the best bait at the moment? Yes and no. I'm sure there are instances that I would be getting better numbers on my finesse baits but I'm enjoying fishing them so they get more game time.

I prefer ML for my ned fishing. I'll use M during the warm months out of necessity due to vegetation.

I know the feeling. Gonna try this afternoon with upper 30's but less wind than over the weekend. Cheap toss away hand warmers in each pocket are priceless. I'm optimistic that we're not locked in this pattern yet.

U-Tube has created a lot of youth tournament wannabes. Kind of funny to watch some kid walk a featureless pond bank and trying to flip or pitch with his Dick's combo. But it's certainly better than being parked in front of a phone screen all day.

Great catches. I'm always trying to convince myself that enjoying the bite and racking up numbers brings me the most enjoyment since I'm by myself and not impressing anyone. But then along comes a big one and my perception totally changes (at least for a while). Here's to many more bigguns for you.

Great presentation. It brings backs memories from years ago when I was in a church singles group. We would go to the Smokies each spring before all the tourists and did that hike one year. Lots of history and interesting facts with that mountain. No motorized vehicles, just llamas and helicopters to keep the lodge supplied unless something has changed in the past 25 yrs.

I've done well with Digitaka. Was really impressed with Asian Portal before they raised their prices. Japan Lure Shop is another good one. They all have fast shipping.

I always go two front, two aft. Left hand opens the bail, right index finger feathers the line during the cast then closes the bail in one motion. Right index finger is in constant light contact with the line as it comes around with each rotation. Moving and contact baits get the same drill. I use shorter rods so the grip configuration maintains good balance with no tip heaviness.

I'm a lot more comfortable servicing my baitcasters than I am with spinning.

Ned is skunk insurance even though not the most glamorous technique.

Same weather here but I'll definitely stay relatively shallow and windward. I spook bass off the bank mid winter sometimes.

As mentioned there's two things involved here, cold and muddy water. Here in IN bass start taking on the gold overtones about now. In clear water the fish are really vivid with dark green coloration overlaid with the gold. Pale green or silver is a sure sign of dingy water.

I grew up within sight of turn 4 (30th & Georgetown). Lots of memories from the 60's and 70's.

Welcome aboard! I might be wrong but I don't think anyone makes an aftermarket spool for Quantum. I back my spools about 2/3 full with heavy (50#) braid. Saves a couple of grams of weight.

I've got P-Line TCB 8 10# on my Vanford 2000's. Absolutely perfect.

Windy and low 60's ambient today. I'm thinking it might be a good recipe for jerkbaits. I fish a couple of larger ponds where the weeds are down now (mostly from treatment as well as seasonal).

I've changed to P-Line TCB 8 recently. Its stated dia. isn't less than comparable braids but its coating makes it very slick and castable with just enough body to minimize wind knots. I find that this surface treatment lasts a really long time. It's only available down to 10 lb. but I find it as castable as my 6 lb. Fins Windtamer when finesse fishing. Also, it's as quiet as any braid I've ever used.

I haven't used it but but Sufix Nano Braid would probably serve you well. I tried Nanofil years ago and would never go back to it. It turns fuzzy and like @Bass_Fishing_Socal said doesn't play well with wind.

MF seems to always bail me out on low wind days. Sunday's supposed to be breezy. I'm counting on a wake bait then. Looks like summer isn't going to end any time soon.

My biggest concern with tip wraps is that I'll get bit if the lure is still in the water. Good way to break a rod tip when you instinctively set the hook.

I'm in central IN and have caught bass in all 12 months the past four years. Dec., Jan, and at least the first half of Feb. are a roll of the dice around here. Some of my best fishing has been right around Christmas. As far as tactics go I fish small neighborhood lakes that I have access to. Techniques primarily include Ned rig, jerkbaits, and small blade baits all on spinning gear.

I'm having my best year ever with four fish over six (two over 7) and if history holds true the best is yet to come. The next couple of months are my favorite time of year.

Stock felt washer has a smoother start up with light settings. CF is great with baitcasters, not so much with spinning.

The ounce difference won't really affect balance. The larger spool will actually enhance line management with heavier line. I have all three reels you mentioned and they've taken my fishing to a new level. The 3000 has a T handle if that makes any difference. I swapped out all my handle knobs for left hand large baitcasting ones. The stock knobs are too small for me.