The Bassman

Never have to lie about it. She works a lot of hours and when she's home she's happy to spend time with the cats and watch her fixer upper shows. If I'm there I want to watch some cheesy B movie or Sanford and Son reruns.

By "last night" I'm presuming you meant after dark. I'd be scared to death of that thing. LOL

Well put and welcome to the forums.

I was skeptical at first but it works great for me. Make sure your drag is tight so the spool turns when you're pressing down with your thumb. I have noticed that it's more difficult when the tangle is near the edge of the spool. Sometimes it takes a few tries to work.

It's new news. Coming with I-Cast likely.

Thanks for attaching those videos @NHBull.

Search videos that show how to clean up backlashes simply by thumbing and hard reeling through the tangle. You'll never need a pick again.

I considered one of their rods at one point. Was convinced after some research that it's reasonably good stuff. Didn't buy as I'm a sucker for compulsive purchases when I don't really need anything. With a sale like that what's to lose? Maybe I'll take another look. LOL

Spool shaft should be clean and dry. Just light oil on the bearings.

Here's a trick for that spool bearing. Take a magic marker or Sharpie cap and fill it with mineral spirits. Don't use anything stronger because there's an o-ring on the bearing that will get damaged. Immerse the shaft in the pen cap and move it around. Spin the bearing and do it again. Let it dry and re-oil. I do it with my Ald 50 all the time.

Got out this morning just before the rain. Excellent action on wacky Zinker. Rain set in for good about 10:00 but was more thankful for it than disappointed for cutting my fishing short. Ponds have been dropping lately. It's too early for that.

Somehow I don't think you broke even. I'm always telling my wife that I'm selling one to buy another. Been there, done that. Seriously, tell us how the Bantam fishes.

I know my Scorpion 200 (JDM Curado I) has to have the side plate perfectly snug to engage the switch. Two things: 1. Don't try to close the sideplate with tension on the cast control knob. (The knob on the handle side) 2. Make sure the switch is fully engaged.

This. I would add that I enjoy the endless choices of hard baits. In truth bass tackle choices can be simplified but what fun is that?

I would say that the technology of Shimanos (and others) from say 10-15 years ago isn't inferior to today's. Some of these reels cast at least as good as new stuff. As mentioned the main improvements have been with weight and ergonomics. I have a Curado 100B with a Chronarch 50 MG spool that casts as well as anything I own. Biggest concern with these reels is parts availability.

Fished a close by neighborhood lake for a couple of hours. Beautiful cool evening and non-stop action. Three were better than 3 lbs. Caught most on a t-rigged hula stickz.

I agree. The numbers are out of sequence. I just look for the part name then apply the #. Makes no sense.

Fuego 3000 LT would appear comparable to a 35 size pflueger but considerably lighter.

Don't know Pfluegar comparisons but mine is the same spool diameter as my Shimano 2500's and 3000. Perfect bass size.

Have been using a Fuego 3000 LT for my heavier spinning recently and I absolutely love it. It feels as smooth as my Stradic CI4+'s. What I really like is the 5.8:1 ratio with the larger spool. Lots of torque plus good IPT.

Neighborhood lakes like the one behind you comprise most of my fishing activity. As much as I love to wade for smallmouth this approach is becoming much more practical for me because of some foot issues. And let's face it; these ponds are darn productive.

Have noticed lately that the site is offline early each morning. I love getting up and checking posts. Anybody know what's up?

Evolution. DNA morphing to create a defense mechanism against the evolving skills of bass fishermen so we won't want to handle them.

Just turned 64 and have noticed a marked change in the past five years. My trade (painting) has a lot to do with it. Repetitive movement for 44 yrs. and arthritis really is putting a kink in my mobility. But probably the biggest obstacle is weight. It wears out knees and feet. My advice to younger folks is not to think you'll always be a 34 waist. I wish I had been more proactive sooner.

They're both great reels. Eight lbs. of drag is plenty for spinning. Drag ratings are way over thought vs. what is necessary.