Mobasser

Agree with all of the above. Slowing down, and fishing a spot well is the way to go. The run and gun crowd often pass up a lot of fish. They make a few cast, then run to the next spot and do the same. Most of the best fisherman I know slow down and fish, especially when you know your over good spots.Most times it will pay off with numbers and bigger fish

Let us know. Great idea. I support our military men past and present 100%.

I don't think the bites your getting are from bass. Panfish willgrab the tail of soft plastics and run with them, or peck at them and drop them quickly. Seems like this is probably bluegills.

In my area, All Star is a sleeper.Now we have an Academy near us, and they carry them. Falcon is good too,but maybe not quite as popular as some others. Both nice rods. Also Shimano makes nice rods, but most guys around here only use their reels, on some other rod brand.

GateToWire, I forgot to mention , I bought a 1000 size okuma avenger at wall mart to have an extra reel for a trout trip. Probably 10 yrs ago. This is one of their lower end reels. This year it finally started to grind while crappie fishing. I think I paid 24.00 for this one. It caught tons of crappie stocked trout and some bass too. I kept it clean and lubed, and it was hard to beat. Okuma makes some good stuff for sure.

My 2 main lakes I fish are old quarries that are clear and deep. For me, spinning 80% of the time. Casting for topwater, or night fishing

Cat, when slug os first came out they were hot in my area. Funny how these things come and go. The zoom fluke is an " improved " sluggo.

I might add, use the best hooks possible. Good quality line of your choice and a quick reeling sweeping hookset. Good luck!

As these " backreelers" have said, practice on smaller fish, to get the hang of this.After all these years its become automatic for me. I'm sure its not for everyone, but Ill fish like this as long as I can.Many will crank the drag down all the way. I like to set my drag to give a little on a sweeping hookset. The reverse is off at all times. Sweep the hook to set. Within 2-3 seconds you'll know if its a large fish or a smaller one. Either way- backreel from the on. This combined with a med- med light spin rod to help cushion 6lb line is how I learned. I love it. Backreeled a chunk 4 ponder at sunup fathers day morning, on a roboworm split shot rig.

Completely agree Sam. I drink lots of water throughout the day. Temps in Missouri have been 90-95 with high humidity. Stay hydrated, and protect from sunburn. Very important for all of us

Nice fish! I'm sure you had some fun

Very early morning, or like some have said, break out big dark worms, black buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, and if weeds permit, large black jitterbug. Spooky strikes, and big bass too. Great fun

I fish finesse probably 80% of the time. Fenwick hmg and St croix med light rods. I'm using shimano 2000 and 2500 Sahara's.Had these for 5 years, maintain them well with no problems.I agree about okuma. Good products too

Thanks for sharing! Very interested in this info also.

Well said Gundog and Team9nine.

Ill always prefer to backreel. With spin gear and 6 or 8 lbs line, I can set my drag where it gives slightly on the hookset, and then backreel to play the fish. I started on this 30 yrs ago, after reading about Charlie Brewer, Billy Westmoreland and other light tackle guys. Drags are very good these days, but it gives me more control. It is "old school" but still works for me. I could probably get used to that nacsi reel - it was nice. But for now , Ill pick one with an anti reverse switch.

Tom, that would be perfect

I recently looked at a Shimano Nacsi spin reel. I noticed there was no anti reverse switch. I'm wondering what the consensus is on this setup? How many like or don't like it? No ability to backreel. I'm unsure how many other reels are being made this way. I know how to set the drag correctly, that's not an issue.Ive always had spinning reels with an anti reverse switch. For those of you that fish reels like this, any problems? How is this setup working for you? Reel drags have improved greatly through the years. Maybe this is the future? What are your thoughts on this type of spinning reel?

A-Jay, looks like that line is workin good for you! I wish they would make it in 6 or 8lb test, for finesse spin rigs

Are these Japanese made reels? I have some older Shimano spin reels too. Mine are a little loose now after 20+ years, but they are some of the best Ive ever owned.

Ive been using a medium fenwick with 6- 8lb for all finesse fishing. I'm going for a medium light next. I think for lighter cover, its the way to go. Farther casting distance, and a slight tip flex would help cushion 6lb line

This guy needs help!! Things like this can get WAY out of control quick!! Best thing to do is move on, although I have buddies who would stomp this guy. Me? Not worth it

These days you can get ggood setups for 200 to 300 dollars. Rod , reel, and line. I have a friend who has a hard line of 150, for combos. He catches lots of bass .Will that 1000 dollar combo make all the difference? Like many have said through the years, the best tackle in the world won't catch fish in the wrong areas.Location is everything in bass fishing, then tackle and lures. We all love fancy tackle, and if you can afford it, its all good. If not, buy the best you can, and take care of it. You'll still hook plenty of bass

I tend to think most guys are good at 2 or 3 teqniques, and concentrate on those most of the time. I may be wrong here, but I think confidence plays a huge part of this. After 30 + years, for me its soft plastics, finesse baits and topwater. I could really fish all day with 3 rods and various baits, because that's what has worked best for me.

I agree with WRB and Catt. Their combined experience says it all. Always try to maintain contact with these bait types. Expect to lose some fish, miss some strikes etc. When I started fishing plastic worms years ago, I spent several seasons learning this type of fishing. I still miss some bites and some fish too. Stay focused and concentrate. Good luck