The Bassman

E-Bay has a lot of JDM 2 piece rods. Just pick your manufacturer of choice and scroll away. Major Craft has some good stuff as well as Shimano. Welcome to the forums.

We'll be 68 on Thur. But then the wind will blow 40 mph, shift around and send us back in the 30's. That's March in Indiana.

I'm primarily a Shimano user but I've gotta say, at least on the spinning side that Daiwa has some really good stuff. I've got two Fuego LT's and for the price I don't think you can beat them.

Really enjoyed reading this. It just reinforces my belief that everyday guys with hands on experience are much better information sources than high profile pros who are mouthpieces for their sponsors. Really doesn't reflect topic but your experience brought it to mind.

Thanks for making this winter all the longer for me with all your pics. LOL Our time is coming soon. At least I've seen lots of action. More fun in shorts and T-shirts, though.

Same here. We've got way too much stuff. I find that the less I have with me the more fish I catch and vice-versa.

I'm guessing your lakes have a sloping contour without any real steep breaks. I do real well with a ned rig on a very light head (1/32-1/16) with light line. Keep it moving slow off the bottom and you should get bit.

This. Simple as it gets. I have a roll of cheap electric tape for just that.

I'm almost 65 and I cover anywhere from a half to two miles when I fish. If you're on the bank you're not going to know what's on the bottom except for what you feel anyway. You'll sense depth changes by your lure drop time. Look for activity. Sometimes on my waters bass will seem to start chasing bait at the bank all at once then stop. Cover some ground and enjoy. Always something new to learn.

You say it's a pond so I assume you can walk all the way around it? I fish such lakes and given the fact that I'm shore bound also it doesn't take long to get to know them from experience. Fish it and you'll get to know it.

I go really basic. I carry a lot of my baits in those velcro lure wraps like Bass Pro sells. I know it's not their intended use but it works for me. Lets 'em dry out, too.

I've spooked bass off the bank all winter in some of the ponds I fish and I'm in central IN. We've been frozen over several times including now. Kinda odd waiting for ice out in March after fishing all winter.

I mostly use 2500 Stradic FA's but have this one 1000 for finesse/winter fishing. Just didn't care for the short handle (especially the round EVA knob). Swapped it out for a 2500 handle with a left hand septon knob. Really light with the JDM 6'4" Zodias. I'd really like to try the FB's but my FA's are great and I don't think they're wearing out any time soon.

FWIW don't abandon your spinning tackle completely. There are times that you'll need it.

You're in elite company since the technique's namesake buys his there, too.

Yeah, that self centering bail was rough on that anti-reverse dog.

Until a couple of years ago I used TX 2000's. They weren't bad reels and for 30 bucks they were definitely worth the money. Always wanted to see something from Shimano above the Spirex with quickfire. It was really handy for fishing in current because of the speed you could cast and engage the bail with one hand.

In its day that rod was top tier. New stuff is way better but still a shame to know it has little value.

That's what I do but it's still a hassle. I have to stretch the bait to the point that it's just a "skin" at the keeper point then try to work it through. Then the bait never sits snug to the head. Arthritis in my thumbs doesn't help either.

Those look great. My problem is with the keeper. Blunt wire keepers take a bit of effort to stick elaztech baits. I have the same problem with my Owner Blockheads which I like otherwise. As much as I dislike Z-Man's heads the sharp keeper works.

10# Smackdown is super skinny. A large arbor reel like a Tat 4000 would give great casting distance with light baits using at least 15#. The stuff is JDM dia. like Sunline.

Picked up some Bubble Gum TRD's and put a couple in my "ned bag" with greens and such. I now have two flesh colored "pinky fingers" and they catch fish. I guess elaztech color bleeds just like plastisol.

I've been involved in this community for almost 2.5 years now. I've fished all my life and considered myself capable enough. My skill set has improved considerably since joining and I'm still learning. Lots of good input here.

We have a thread devoted to that.

Had some good action this afternoon with these two being the best. I know all my pics look the same but it's the only way I know to get them with my flip phone and no one else around. Usually by now I'm chomping at the bit for spring (still anxious to move on to other techniques) but this winter has been a fishing season in itself. Lots of memories.