The Bassman

Had a local reel tech tell me that when servicing spinning reels that it's imperative that gear teeth location be the same as before it was disassembled. I'm looking for some opinion on this.

The noise is from the ice expanding. The water movement is just from the pressure releasing at points of least resistance (like a hole).

That's actually when the ice is the safest. Quiet ice can mean trouble.

There used to be a Senko commercial where Roland Martin throws a bag to a kid. The kid asks "How do you work these things, mister?" Roland replies "Son, you don't work them, they work for you!" They have to be foolproof with that kind of endorsement wouldn't you think? LOL

I was out this afternoon in 30 mph wind with temp right at 50. Really frustrating that I was still spooking bass right off the bank. Bear in mind though that I fish smaller lakes on foot. The sun's effect is still pretty strong here. Last year I was catching fish right up to ice up and as soon as it went out the end of Jan. @Paul Robertsgave some good advice above.

I use straight braid most of the time. One downside is that it tends to get tangled with certain baits like spooks and blade baits. I'll sometimes use a leader when I'm focusing on those techniques.

I jumped into this discussion late. Wish I would have mentioned that 3000 size Shimanos have a bigger handle knob. Higher end Shimano reels have removable knobs and can be changed out. I use left handed PG II baitcaster knobs (BNT4240) on my 2500 FA's.

We had a dramatic weather change almost three weeks ago. Actually, I've done pretty well. I do fish smaller lakes so location is not an issue. I do find that a little wind really helps. Dead calm days insure a tough day.

For straight braid terminal connections I use a variation of the uni called the "Fishin' Fool" knot. Easy to learn and reliable. Easy to search online.

I always get a kick out of their grading system with arbitrary decimal #'s. How do they arrive at those?

That's interesting. Could explain such good bass fishing in northern tier states that have large pike and muskie populations. @A-Jay's photos seem to illustrate this notion.

Future BR member for sure!

Citica I is a great reel. I've got a JDM Scorpion 200 (same reel) and other than the occasional brake noise thing (another subject) it's my go to for heavier work. You can find them around $100 on the bay.

Take a look at some of the KastKing stuff. Several guys like the Assassin.

I can't remember, was Old Man and the Sea autobiographical? Seems unrealistic that one could handline a big marlin. By the way, welcome to the forums and if it was a joke, well I guess I took the bait.

Welcome. My sister and brother in law live in London. I can't imagine big walleye being considered invasive.

I've caught a bunch on my 1-Minuses. Played around with different hook combinations but have fits keeping them apart.

Which reinforces the notion that bass populations shouldn't get out of hand. Again the mystery in all this is that lakes that are dominated by smaller bass still produce dinks that are not starving (at least in my locations).

Here's a riddle: Why would a body of water ever get overpopulated with stunted bass from lack of harvest? If bass eat their own kind wouldn't they keep their own population in check? Or is stunting resultant from some other factor. Most "dink factories" I know of produce mainly small but well fed bass. Go figure.

The new Lightning Rods are a whole different animal than past versions. Look close and you'll see their relationship to Fenwick HMG's. Same parent company.

I use it on one of my spinning spools simply to indicate it's my 8 lb. Fades to near white which actually helps me with visibility.

877-577-0600. Have the BNT# handy.

These and Chronarch D's still fetch big $$. Great old reels. Thought the palm side bearing setup was nifty.

Big weather pattern change coming Thur. Can't speak for northern IN lakes but small neighborhood lakes in central IN have been picking up. Hopeful the big shift will really get things going. Too early for turnover.

Hi, and welcome aboard. Just a question. Did you learn under fishing conditions? To this day I find it a challenge to throw into a breeze with something bulky. I'm a bit stubborn about tightening up my tension, though.