BrianMDTX

Don’t recall the rod, but the Quantum spinning reel I had on it was horrible. Geary, crappy drag, constantly snarled line. I didn’t throw it away. I smashed it into pieces and then threw it away to make sure it couldn’t return without my knowledge.

I have fished it with braid and a 12 lb. leader tied on with a Lefty Kreh knot with zero issues. It’s a great rod for Texas rigs and jigs.

According to this, you appear to be correct: ”The Helium Technique Specific Rods feature Kistler’s top-of-the-line Kistler Carbon Blank (KC9 100% Japanese Carbon by Toray -Extreme High Modulus), as well as top-tier Fuji reel seats and Fuji Corrosion Control Stainless Guides with Alconite Rings. Averaging at only 3.5oz, the Helium Technique Specific rods are rated with Kistler’s “Elite Sensitivity.” The Argon and KLX Technique Specific series boast Kistler’s KC7 and KC8 blanks rated at “Professional” and “Signature” sensitive, respectively.” https://thefishingwire.com/kistler-launches-new-line-of-technique-specific-rods/

Per Kistler’s website. Looks like they’re KC9 blanks. Never fished one with a NFC blank so I can’t make a comparison. All I know is that I love my Helium HE-TCJ-70MH and pet e-mails with Trey, it’s definitely a KC9 blank.

Sometimes Texposing the hook is better at weedless than using the slot.

I’m a middle-of-a-Senko kinda guy.

Normally a Gamakatsu 3/0 EWG.

Never had a spincast. Both my daughters did, though. @MN Fisher My brother and I both had casting rigs just like that as our first set-ups. When we got a bit older, my dad got us both new rods (Eagle Claw fiberglass spinning) and outfitted them with a Garcia Mitchell 300 (mine) and a Garcia Mitchell 304 (brother’s). I have no memory of how it was decided who got what lol. My dad was a letter carrier and found two rods (I assume broken) with these reels on them. He cleaned and lubed them up and were as good as new. I still have the rig. The reel is not as old as I am, but it’s close. The rod is early 70’s vintage. Has some fine Coors ceramic guides! And this is probably the ad you’re referencing. Gotta love that “Star drag. Found only one best reels” ?

King Felix II!

@TOXIC Gotta admit, I was a bit apprehensive about attempting this repair. I’m no spring chicken anymore, and once started, it was either finish it or call a wrecker. I used a floor jack to support the front and a ratchet strap on the rear. It worked, and well I might add. But I wouldn’t want to do it again lol!

Man, not an easy job solo, but I got it down, repaired and installed. There was a ton of rusted metal inside the tank. Had to wash the tank out three times after siphoning out the last 1/2 gallon of remaining fuel to flush all the rust particles out. Other than that, the tank was very clean inside. Most of the lock tabs were thoroughly rusted but still had a bit of grinding to do for the ring to fit flush. Finished the repair and installation of the new fuel pump at 4:30 yesterday and let the sealant cure overnight. Pressure checked it with shop air and leak detector this morning and no leaks. Took about two hours to install the tank. The rear strap was a true pain to get lined up on the stud. Put some fuel in it and she fired up quickly. $202.99 for a new pump and $65.00 for the repair kit + shipping vs $800.00-$1000.00 + for a new tank and pump. No fishing this weekend but I’m back in the saddle again!

Next time she goes to the grocery store, tell her to check if meatus is on sale this week. ? My wife is an RN (retired). I’ve thrown in words such as that in daily conversation for the past 36 years lol.

When I wuz a widdle kid I went fishing with my dad and brother. On the way home I had to pee. That’s when I saw a tick. On my “rhymes with tick”. Right by the meatus (Google that). My dad, God rest his soul, wanted to burn it off with a cigarette. Instead, we pulled it off. It was embedded. No wonder I have anxiety! ?

?I fish alone Yea-a-h all by myself you know when I fish alone, I prefer to be by myself!? Mainly because there is no one else lol

Charred exterior/medium interior Salt/black pepper/onion & garlic powder Cheddar and Swiss cheese Red onion Dill pickle chips (pickles, not potato) L-T-M (Hellman’s) Ketchup Mustard 2-3 slices of bacon Kaiser roll (on grill for 30 seconds) Sometimes pickled or fresh jalapeños

That’s where I got it. Less than $300.00. Already assembled. It truly surprised me. It lit faster than the gas stove in the house. Very even flames front to back. Did a great job. Time will tell, of course. Does anyone make gas grills using lava rocks anymore? ??

My current Weber Genesis is 6 years old. No rebuilds as of yet. I do clean and inspect it religiously every spring. I used to have Char-Broils that needed overhauls every 2 years and would eventually rust out. I will say that I purchased a 4-burner w/sideburner Nexgrill for work cookouts this spring. All stainless steel except the side panels. Don’t know how long it will last but it cooked food great and it lit easier than any propane grill I’ve ever used. I was impressed. Especially for the cost.

I never retie leader knots unless I’m cutting off and adding new leaders.

Believe it (or not), but I have used my 705CB for weightless TR’s with “heavier” baits like 5” Senkos, Neko Machos and Fat IKA’s and it’s actually done a pretty good job. I tried it on a whim and it surprised me. I get decent hooksets and it will cast those baits quite a ways.

My WR rod is a Fenwick HMX 6’ 6” MF. I really like that rod.

My main WR rod is a MF. I also fish weightless TR with a MF. No bigger than 3/0 hooks. I think they’re very versatile especially with lighter baits.

Drink when you’re not thirsty Take periodic breaks out of direct sun If you stop sweating, seek medical attention immediately

My dad passed away in 2019. I miss him, but one day my kids will miss me when I’m gone. That’s life. My only wish is that I did what I could do for my daughters to make their lives as good as possible and raise them to be good people. What else can a dad do that’s more important than that?

O’s drop two to the Cubbies. Must not be friendly confines for birds! ?

@thediscochef If that’s a two lb. bass, I’ll eat my hat. Not with that belly! Slow day yesterday. Very hot as far as temps and the bite was simply off. Started with a chatterbait and a PopMax and nothing doing. Switched to a TR with a Rage Tail Craw and caught two. Also caught two on a Rage Bug and one on a Yum Dinger WR. Also tried a spinnerbait and nada. The worst part of the day was I did hook one really nice bass on the craw that must have been barely hooked in the lip as it jumped and threw the hook. Looked about 3.5-4 lbs. Funniest catch was the tiny bluegill I caught on the craw. As well as one pic that looks like I caught a bass head ? @ol'crickety I keep forgetting to take pics of the cover I’m fishing. I guess I get too wrapped up in getting the bait back in the water lol. Maybe one day I’ll remember!