The Bassman

Beautiful fish! Two weeks ago I was bragging like that here in IN. We're froze up good now. Enjoy your weather. We're paying for ours, but we should expect it here.

I came to terms with the broken rod that I had re-tipped last year. What started this topic was the idea that I wanted to do something similar on a lighter action rod. Did so this past week and I'm real happy with the result. I learned one thing by way of this thread. Fast and stiff are two very different things.

Good stuff but guys need to know it's pretty true to test. We get used to thinking braid breaks way over stated. I bought some 30 once for baitcasting and ended up using it for spinning because it was so thin. (And I'm the guy who always preaches to buy line by dia. rather than stated breaking strength). Go figure.

I get home from work before she does. In all honesty she gives me plenty of license for feeding my vice.

I don't argue with mine either. I just don't tell her.

I've been using TSI 321 for a while now. Seems to last a long time. Bought mine in a 4 oz. bottle for 18.00. I believe I've heard it mentioned cheaper since then. I don't see myself using it up for a long time.

Excellent posts by you guys. Would make a good thread on its own.

The difference isn't really noticeable unless you're throwing lighter baits. Besides, you would have to source it from Japan. Casitas was actually discontinued a few months ago and replaced with SLX but is certainly an adequate reel. Combination of composite frame and lack of second pinion support bearing makes gear mesh a bit audible. It does cast well and gets the job done.

They're probably the same parts just different #'s. Shimano is known for that. I'm assuming we're talking about a right handed reel? Just go for the BNT 3822. Also a good idea to get a new pawl (BNT 2150) when replacing a worm gear. Sight shows that as out of stock with a cross reference to part# 3723. Edit; Google Dads Ole Tackle. They've got what you need. I've used them before. Best of luck.

Do you still have saltwater options that are convenient? I recall you referencing that in other posts. I'm only 64 and have some orthopedic issues that limit what I'd really like to do. Best wishes to you.

Indiana's state record is over 14 but I'm pretty sure it was Fla. strain as the run of fish approaching that size didn't persist for too long. A s.r. just shy of 12# held for many years and was probably northern strain. All these fish came from southern IN lakes. If my history is off @Team9nine's help would be appreciated. Edit; Evidently the current record (which actually was just shy of 15# was in fact northern strain. In a state not particularly known for it's bass fishing that's something to be proud of.

Therapy can be expensive.

I'm guessing you're talking about a D platform Exsence. I'd bet it's the same worm gear as a Core 100/101. Call Shimano at 877-577-0600. Right handed is BNT 3822, left is BNT 3876.

Been giving this some detailed study. Bear in mind that I'm referring to winter east of the Rockies. Like I mentioned in my earlier post other dynamic factors have basically zeroed out El Nino. The consensus is that we're socked in through a good part of Feb. So at least where I live (IN) we're looking at ice all next month which is fine if you ice fish. One has to remember, though that weather is like a pendulum. What's so cold the next few weeks could very easily transition to an early spring. Long range forecasts seem to indicate that. I can remember several late winter blitzes that turned into warm March's. Last year we eased up in Feb. then went cold through Mar. and April. Got to pay for it at some point so might as well get it over with now. I've been a bit delinquent with my business the past month so it's catch up time anyhow.

All my ramblings about catching winter bass in IN were resultant of El Nino keeping us mild. An atmospheric anomaly known as the Arctic Oscillation (AO) has brought a screeching halt to that for us until at least early Feb. I beat half the winter anyhow.

A lot depends on its condition. 200 USD would be OK if it's nearly mint. I wouldn't think the demand is as great as it once was given the quality of reels introduced since then. That said there is a niche of enthusiasts that think that nothing has replaced the E platform, especially the Core 50 and Aldebaran MG's.

I use it a lot. Really don't notice a big effect on braid but it does a great job at freeing up window blind cords. So it must be for real.

I know the feeling. At least if you never saw it you can make it anything you want. Edit. Reread and I guess you did see it. Oh well, it's 3:30 AM.

Surprised no one's mentioned Siebert's.

We're sending it to you. We got lucky and are just getting a couple of inches albeit driven by a 35 mph wind and falling temps. What was it that Arnold said? "I'll be back!"

Same here. I'm waiting right now for the mailman to bring me a new Zodias that I got 30.00 under retail from a legit seller.

I just play what's dealt to me. I'm in central IN and would have put it away two months ago in the past. Drove around looking for open water yesterday and caught seven. As long as there's water to fish I'm open for business.

Either has its merits. Years ago faster ratios tended to bog down under load. 7:1 doesn't feel much different than 6:1 these days. I do know with my spinning reels that have high IPT's I have to be careful not to retrieve certain lures at my normal cadence or they'll turn over. BC doesn't pick up line quite as fast because of spool size.

JDM sites like Digitaka and Japan Lure Shop are always way under retail. Usually no custom fee on stuff in that price range either.

Just ordered some 4# pink. Old Paulus site showed it's abs at over 19#!