The Bassman

Anything Shimano will fit. The main thing that I didn't like on that handle was the small knobs. You can order knobs from larger reels at fishshop.shimano.com. Don't forget to order the seals that cover the screw on each knob. The 84mm shank on that reel is perfect.

On a related topic it seems that the site gos down for a while every night or early morning. Curious as to why.

That last one looks like he ate a football.

Lots of info on the Tube. Bantam is smaller.

Today was my Memorial Day holiday. Have to work through the weekend. Fished my favorite HOA lakes this morning and had steady action using a Bandit Footloose shallow crank. No bigs but lots of 1-2.5 lbrs. I wanted to creek wade but had to do a car shuffle with my wife because of a repair so time wouldn't let me. Streams are absolutely perfect right now.

I bet that Mepps #3 would do a number on the river right now. Levels are perfect.

First compact Scorp was the 1000 which is basically the Curado 100B and D with a different SVS system. The only 50 sized Scorp was the 1000 XT which was the same as the Curado and Chronarch 50E. Still a lot of love for these reels.

Sounds like you're referencing two different reels. The original 1500 was the JDM version of the Curado SF from the late 90's early 2000. The 1500XT was the JDM Curado 200E from the 2008-2013 period. Edit: Forgot that Scorp 1500 was preceded by model that was the same as our 90's Curado B hence the deeper spool. I'm guessing these are the reels you're talking about. Sorry about the confusion. Side note: Guys practically fight over good condition Curado 200E's while JDM 1500XT's go unnoticed. Maybe it's the funky plum color.

I'm completely confused now. I had it figured that bass were finishing up spawning and have started to recover. Went out this morning and caught several on a wakebait and soft jerks including one over four lb. They were chasing bait in typical summer fashion. So then I read @Team9nineover in the pics thread and he says they're just starting. If anything he's south of me. What are you guys observing?

My wife had severe carpal tunnel in both wrists and had this done. Good as new in no time. Each surgery took only minutes (but 2K of my cash) and healed in a matter of days.

I was talking about the split rings on the hook hangers. I actually swap out my line tie split rings for snaps. I have trouble staying away from the exposed ends when knotting to split rings. Will cause your knot to fail real fast.

I can definitely relate to this. It's one reason I tend to use straight braid. That said, the current topic reinforces the need to use different lines in certain instances. I don't know how some guys keep from getting tangled using straight braid with topwater. I haven't been as lucky. Really a pain when the line gets in a split ring.

Turned 64 today and finally bought my license. Had confined all my fishing to this point in HOA lakes (with great success). Indiana lets you buy a lifetime permit at 64. I've been wanting to wade real bad lately as the creeks are pristine. Got out this afternoon and caught a bunch of rock bass and a couple of decent smallies (14 and 16") on ned tube. Feels good to get wet again.

My understanding is that Castleton and Greenfield are it around here.

I'm in Gander regularly. No better, no worse than GM was. No store brands like GM. They better start advertising or they'll not be around long. The store is never busy.

All work and no play will make you old and grouchy before your time. Let's try not to let this happen again. Welcome back and let us know how that combo works out. I fished pistol grip rods years ago but if I cast one now it feels like I'm going to throw it in the lake.

Are you sure yours didn't come with winding spacers. They're white. After being a Shimano fan boy forever I tried one. I got the 3000 for some heavy spinning work and it seems as smooth as my CI4+ FA's. No line management issues either.

This. ^^^ New model Lightning Rods are very light and mirror more expensive Fenwicks. (same manufacturer)

I'm understanding that the spool is heavier than the 70 even though it's shallower. Let us know how it casts.

Did get a couple on a spook the other day but my go to right now seems to be a Baby 1-Minus, especially with a little wind blowing.

Excellent. Reminds me of something I would see on In Fisherman.

Ponds I fish are full of nesting activity. They're fairly deep. I could see fanned out areas about 2-3 feet down. Slow rolled a Baby 1 Minus over them and had lots of fun.

I fish a lot of neighborhood lakes and the combination of increased sunlight and lawn fertilizer runoff makes for a real mess. I find that the problem ebbs and flows throughout the season. Also, HOAs contract to have them treated. I'm convinced that the practice is detrimental to the fish population especially if over applied. One of my favorite ponds took a bad hit last year. The bass looked starved to death and are just now recovering.

Caught my biggest bass with that reel over 25 yrs. ago. Like @WRB said don't be concerned with bearing upgrades. The distance you mentioned with good control sounds great. If you do choose to swap them they should be standard Shimano 3x10x4. Just a drop of oil on the stock ones will probably loosen the reel up quite a bit. Also, wipe off the spool shaft and frame where the spool runs.

I'm up that way a lot. Had in-laws spend a lot of time at Westminster across Sunnyside. Keep showing us more fish. Good luck.