The Bassman

Should be fine. I fish mostly water under 10 ft. so I prefer a 1/16 head for a slower fall.

I've always been slow to blame a slow bite on hot weather but my numbers are down right now. Maybe @Team9nine can chime in. The guy knows bass.

Black Friday is always good.

This seems to mirror what I experience. Loads of 2-3 lbrs. and the occasional 4-5. Would really like to hear your insights on this.

Salesman in fishing tackle told me that the owner (Camping World) wants to open several new stores then start an advertising blitz. Seems a little backwards. You'll notice that presently there are no ads to speak of.

Klepto..............klep.......uh, never mind.

I've bought a few used reels on the Bay and have had no real problems. A couple were really neglected but easy to get back to like new. I try to buy only ones that have several photo angles.

I'm as guilty of this as anybody but it seems our hardbaits become jewelry to us. Fact is that some of my most effective baits are an eyesore from so much use. Guys on TT show collections of lures that probably never touch water.

I haven't fished them but have been impressed with how tip light they are. Compare the reel seats to Fenwick HMG and it will become obvious that they come from a common source.. Both are Pure Fishing brands.

Welcome! Any mention of Cook county reminds me of the movie "The Blues Brothers" and Jake and Elwood's "mission from God" to reach the Cook county assessor's office with the five grand. As was mentioned a good starting point would be the articles and forums on this site. I've been fishing my whole life but have learned many new things and met many good people here over the past couple of years.

Yeh, but it would be lighter if it was composite.

It could be said that we all have bigger fish to fry but honestly it would bug me too. I bought a JDM Zodias spinning rod for a great price that had one guide slightly askew. My OCD had me looking at it all the time but after much use the preoccupation with it wore off.

This is a favorite of mine. Curado 100B with Chronarch 50 MG spool. An updated handle to finish it and this reel casts and performs as good as anything current (at least in my opinion).

Sufix rates their lines one size lighter. Seige 4lb. is most manufacturer's 6. Speaks well of the product that it manages well for you. Good abrasion resistance, too.

After trying lots of brands I've settled on 832. Quiet and trouble free. I use different colors to ID strength.

Glad to hear someone else say this. I've beat the drum over and over that diameter, not lb. test should determine one's choice.

Neighborhood lakes I fish have been real good. Weed growth is forcing me to start using different tactics than I prefer but I'm still having a blast. I haven't done much creek wading to this point because I've been having so much fun on dry ground.

Interesting read. You would think with the low #'s on double uni and alberto that you would hear of break offs. Nobody on here seems to have a problem with them.

Would be kind of welcome in the middle of winter.

Lots of good advice dispensed here. What caught my attention is the OP's insightfulness in his questions. This guy is gonna be good at this in time.

Can't attest to sensitivity but fine rods with high quality components. Frequently on sale at Cabela's.

Two things. You do need a little distance (1/16-1/8") especially if you're still learning. Second, braid isn't cheap. I always back my reels with something cheap or left over then top shot with maybe 60-70 yds. of the good stuff.

Nice looking combo. I handled that rod in Dick's and really liked it. Just not sure about the ss guides. Also, just a tip. Add some more backing on the reel to bring the line up a bit, maybe halfway to the edge. It'll cast farther and retrieve faster. You'll probably need to turn your dial up a little.

Had that happen with a buzzbait when creek fishing for smallmouth. Bird got lassoed around the leg. I reeled him in and both of us didn't know what to do as he just stood there on the gravel bar with me. Then I witnessed something that I bet no one has ever seen. He got in the water and took off swimming. (I opened my bail) Looked like a Fisher-Price duck with its wings spinning. Reeled him back and reluctantly cut the line leaving the lure attached. He swam off again across the creek and disappeared in the brush.

These were my go to spinning reels thirty years ago. Really neat that you have them brand new. Unfortunately I don't think there's really much demand for them. New stuff is way better for actually less money in 1988 dollars. That's not to say they wouldn't serve well. I sure caught a lot of bass on them. One thing you'll notice is the lack of balance at the rotor. Today's reels have no wobble at all. Also, the spools aren't designed for braid. The rounded edges beg for wind knots. Everyone used mono then.