softwateronly

About 2.5 years owning both DC and MGL spools, I think the MGL casts for distance, casts with precision, and I backlash at similar rates with both types of spools. I really have to search my brain to find a reason to recommend the DC over the the MGL. Casting into the wind is probably the only thing it does better. And I'm not even positive about that. I would get the Curado MGL, I have one in an online cart right now myself. Also, you get the curado internals upgrade over the slx for virtually the same price. scott

I'm glad Elon is doing this, but in our rich country "high speed" internet should be a public utility, as available as a reliable power grid. scott

Warnings like this have been on the Great lakes predators for most of my life. It's a shame/disgraceful that companies have been so shortsighted or outright negligent in their contamination policies and actions. Also, if you see this for any body of water, know the prey fish, bream, perch, crappie, etc are the source even if they don't show up on the warning because their biomass doesn't meet the concentration requirements. scott

About ten casts after "my last" cast. scott

You're generally correct, but there is still some relatively inexpensive properties in the midwest fyi. Sub $300k but not getting cheaper, so some stretch, I know I did 14 years ago. And you're definitely fortunate if you can find competent, reliable workers for small jobs. scott

I have a few PA's but not that one, so I don't know for sure. I will say that if I had that rod, I'd definitely throw it on there to find out. I have a 7'7" expride which is a H, mod fast, so it might be similar. If it is, you really have to stick the hookset. I did best with the reel down, and hard fast sweep. I think you'll enjoy it. scott

For me it tanks. Seems like it takes a day or three, but is it the turnover or the abrupt clarity change? Yesterday, I triggered a school with a jerkbait, and went 25ish fish in a span of 2 hours, started slow, one here one there, finding weight on the snaps. Then I started getting line jump and finally they were trying to take my rod and I was on a run of fish on every cast. This was all in a pocket no bigger than 30x30yds on a break near a known spawning flat in 42 degree rain. I hopped a blade, big swimbait, small swimbait, and worked a jig through the same area during the frenzy, couldn't get a bite. I have a few hours today, might try crankbaits as my follow up and hope to repeat it. Open to suggestions.... here's the best one scott

I was fooled because there were 4 real warm days in a row with sun, thought it would have minimized it. scott

Small natural lake, 250 acres. Small feeder creek on N end, small outlet creek on the S end. Creek is low and slow. Three days post ice out, water is crystal clear, 12'+ visibility. The fourth day, clarity drops to 3'. Lots of organic material floating on the surface and obviously suspended as well. There was a 180 degree wind change, but it wasn't really blowing in either direction. Was this a Spring turnover, equalizing the entire body's water temp and therefore kicking up material via convection? scott

As an owner of a seawall and permanent dock; F those kids having fun. https://images.app.goo.gl/oRntswmLuBWav1SR6

Internals are never changed for me. 2 on and 2 off. Spool is kept just slightly loose. I move the external dial between 3-4.5 when conditions change. I find a .1-.3 move on the external dial very useful for line management when dealing with wind or skipping, etc. scott

I'm partial to MGL's with internal and external. Half on internal and somewhere between 3-4.5 on the outside and changing based on wind, weight, aerodynamics, etc. Surprisingly important for me to manage long casts at all times. My thumb might be dumb though. scott

I do think you can, but heavier might be safer. The freestyle doesn't get nearly as much head wag if the line is too heavy. My guess is less than .40mm for best action. scott

I use my frog rod, expride 7'3XH. Bantam 7:1, 50lb power pro to 16lb sunline fc leader. scott

We bought as everything/prices were falling in 08 but they certainly crashed even more afterwards. It’s a little less than 2 hrs from our home. Might have been the best decision or the worst, depends on the day. A second property pretty much excludes traveling. You see the payments you make and it’s hard to justify going to other places. The Mrs and I get out somewhere new every few years or so in Feb. The fishing and time spent fishing have done nothing but get better. You can always take your boat to a new lake if you need a change. Waking up or spending all night on the water is amazing. If the ecosystem of the lake doesn’t crash, it’s a pretty good place to put your hard earned money. Scott PS - we spent years renting it out by the week. Really helped make ends meet.

I feel similar. The things that give me confidence or keep me guessing are profile, speed, action, and sometimes color. scott

Those baits sound good to me, maybe there's deeper hydrilla or other structure holding bait and bass in this water. Isolated patches near breaks are usually my best targets. If you're sure the bass are there, you have to try a jig and or worm. scott

This is great advice. My two cents, I have the DRX755 and it is fantastic and very different than the DC735 in my hands. It is so light weight, it really feels like a MH in hand but has some real power once into the backbone. When talking to the human, I'd bring up the question of a 4 or 5 power. scott

I enjoy fishing a lot with a boat and no sonar, but I spend upwards of 90 percent of my time on 3 lakes totaling only 435 acres on natural bowl-ish lakes. So between maps and time on the water I do pretty well, but I'm pretty sure I'd do better with modern tech especially mid summer off shore. When I'm done saving/spending on my house, I'll jump into the game. SI and mega360 is what really piques my interest. scott

Don't forget China's belt and road campaign in Africa and SA because thats where the largest underutilized deposits are in aggregate. Since they are mostly into refining and transportation, the numbers probably wouldn't show up in that list. They are future proofing their manufacturing dominance by having access to and relationships with these land owners. scott

What went wrong? Personally, haven't run into any issues yet, but would like to keep an eye out. scott ps - I finally scrolled and see your response; disregard

In da couch is fun too, can feel like each cast is 10 min long... scott

https://www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/2/SCORPION+MGL

Single Ply!!???!!!!! You heathen!

Agree ^ One thing I noticed about specific swimbait rods is they tend to overrate their ability to throw and set the high end. If you want to throw 3-4oz single hook, I'd look into rods that top out around 5-6oz. Dobyns, Irod, Okuma, and Diawa DX get a lot of love on this site for what you're looking for at that price point. scott