The Bassman

The chubs are just fine. They're just not where you are at the moment.

Nice. That Chronarch looks brand new. Shimano had a problem with the clear coat on them. It would yellow and peel off after a lot of use. I've got a Curado 100B (same profile) with a 50 MG spool and even though it's not as compact as newer reels it's a pleasure to fish.

I know this discussion has been revisited many times. But I'd like to share an experience I had yesterday that's been a confidence booster for me. I've always recognized that a leader would be beneficial in many situations. I just never liked the idea of the terminal end of my rig being weaker than my mainline. Plus I wasn't real confident with line to line knots. I've gotten most proficient with a double uni. So yesterday I'm throwing a light ned rig with a .28mm co-poly leader (A bit thick I know. Still working on the confidence thing.) Somehow I foul hooked a big grass carp (15-20 lb) in the tail. He made several hard runs and even jumped a few times. Fought him for several minutes and got him to the bank where I popped the lure out with a quick jerk on the line. It was kind of an ah-hah moment for me. Hope this helps guys who have had my same mind set.

I generally try them straight out of the box. I'm a Shimano user. They used to grease their spool bearings but seem to have gotten away from that. Handle bearing are always packed though, so I clean and oil them.

Big turnaround with the weather and some rain got us ice free on the smaller lakes. Felt good to get out after seven weeks. Action was slower than I hoped but still caught a few. This was my best, 2.5 or a little more. All my fish came on my modded Dark Sleeper. I add a tail spinner after the paddletail gets bit off. I've got more altered DS's than paddletails. The tails don't last too long. In stained water I think the spinner versions are actually more effective.

The spool will go pretty much full loose but the tension on the edge of the bearing prevents side play. Supposed to reduce vibration.

It's actually a result of Shimano's spring loaded spool shaft bearing. Just tighten the knob down until you notice the lure drop slowing then back off accordingly.

You know you've got too much stuff when the wife asks how many "fishing poles" do guys need as I'm watching MLF on TV. Guilty conscience.

I sold a reel to a member here via USPS. Took almost a week and a half to get to him. Really drove me nuts because I consider guys on here like family. Granted, the weather last week affected things. Funny thing, though. I bought a reel that was shipped USPS from CA and it was here in no time.

Agreed. I even use lefties on my spinning reels.

Hey you can't leave without telling me where your ponds are and how to get permission.

Never watched an episode of Seinfeld during the 90's but have seen the reruns enough that I know them by heart.

Careful. You might freeze something off doing that.

Had this happen to me several times before I figured it out. Cabela store brand wacky jig heads were the culprit. Didn't get rid of them but now I tie and pull the knot to the gap and cut off. Retie and I'm good to go.

This is why I'm strictly barbless with trebles. I've had a few bad experiences with smaller hooks. Interestingly I don't notice a big difference with keeping fish pinned.

I was handling Mojos and Bass X's at Cabelas the other day and they both feel tip heavy to me. SLX rods are feather light and priced right.

I like to brag that I catch bass in all twelve months here. Barely made Jan. with a few smalls and one keeper early in the month. Feb. is starting out less than promising. I can remember years that ice out didn't happen until March. Could happen this year.

This reinforces what I've always thought. Color is mostly a confidence factor. I'm sure I'll get a lot of disagreement but I really believe that the best color is the one that I'm fishing with as long as my timing, location, and presentation are right.

I did the same thing with a Curado 100B that I have. When I first got it I intended to put it on a rod that created the same issue. I've debated selling the reel on our flea market recently but hesitated, thinking it might not appeal to someone.

13 bucks all the time at Discount Tackle.

Saw a Facebook post from a nephew in northeast OK that said water temp was in the upper 40's. Plenty warm for good action. I catch bass here by casting neds on ice and slipping them off the edge.

So if I hold my rods real close I'll notice a smell?

Makes me miss creek wading. Used to catch a lot of smallies that size. Lots of fun.

Another vote for the red spoon.

I would definitely fish them both. Never mind that you can't reach the middle in the big one. Bass are apt to be anywhere in small lakes as temps are pretty consistent. There's plenty of opportunity to find fish. I like to focus on the side facing the sun and all the better if it's also the windward side. The culvert/dam spots look good, too. Good luck.