Technology

[jbsoonerfan]

2 minutes ago, Teal said:

Gear has gotten better...but bass haven't changed in 30 years.

Populations of giant bass may have

[Tywithay]

2 hours ago, greentrout said:

There was a bass fisherman from Georgia who caught over 1000 bass 10 pounds plus ... he used Shakespeare ugly stiks... source: Bass Resource ...

 

I've only caught one bass a little over 8 lbs ...  a few over 6 and  7 lbs ... and plenty of the rest ... my equipment is not the most expensive but it's not junk either ...

 

fish mostly state public waters and on occasion some private property ... all of my biggest bass came out of stocked private waters I have permission to fish on occasion ...

 

no doubt in my mind fishing pressure on state, county and city waters open to the public is much tougher ... and expensive equipment doesn't give you much of an advantage ...

 

good fishing ...

 

 

My biggest bass (8lb 9oz) came off a live shad while fishing for catfish. I should just leave my nice stuff at home and use a bobber with a minnow. The part of the country I live in doesn't really value bass fishing like some other regions. Decent numbers of bass are difficult to find without driving a ways, bigger bass are even fewer and further. 

 

7 hours ago, jimmyjoe said:

 

   Maybe I took it wrong, but I thought that Tom's point was that true worth and value (in this case the function of technology) shouldn't be rejected on the basis of fashion. Fashion is ephemeral. Function is not.

   But like I said ..... maybe I took it wrong.   ?        jj

There's hundreds of rods and reels to choose from, so it's not too difficult to find something that works well and looks good. I'll always choose performance first, but if I really like the combo it makes me feel more confident, whether or not I catch more fish.

[DitchPanda]

I enjoy fishing with nice stuff...makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. My gear is far from top end but it's good mid ground quality stuff. Of my 6 biggest bass ever I've caught 5 of them have been in the last 5 years...none of them were because of my gear in my opinion but rather my growing skill as an angler. That said my PB was almost 20 years ago in a cheap $40 combo. I agree that top end gear isn't necessary..but then again no hobby is necessary. I mean I don't think anybody on here is bass fishing strictly to feed families...if that was the case live bait would be a better choice. In fact other fish species would probably be better choices. We do it cuz we love the challenge...properly functioning gear makes it easier. If it looks as good in hand as it functions that's a bonus.

[Teal]

I love fishing decent equipment with modern advances as much as most... 

[Nibbles]

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

But I want the Orochi.

Haha, as a fellow tackle enthusiast I completely understand the sentiment.

 

If I ever decide to sell mine I will ping you first!

[NOC 1]

3 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Populations of giant bass may have

Especially in the south where the Florida Bass is bred.

[Big Hands]

 

20 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

. . . . . You know those lakes where trout are stocked with the specific goal in mind of growing giant bass and closing the lakes at certain times to make sure those fish reach those giant sizes.

If that were true, don't you think they would have closed those lakes while they were stocking those trout so the bass could have them all to themselves? The trout were, and continue to be put in lakes for the hordes to fish for as soon as they are stocked. They are known as 'put-n-take' trout.

 

Not sure where you heard that stuff, but it's simply not true.

 

There have been a handful of San Diego city lakes that get closed off for a few months of the year (different lakes closed off different parts of the year; not like they closed them all during spawning time), and also have them only open on weekends and one day during the week. If you have ever been to one of those lakes during the spring, you would understand why they limit the days they are open. The line to get into a 1500 acre lake can be a mile long. When I say 'get into', I'm alluding to the fact that almost all lakes here are only open from sunrise to sunset (all of those that have yielded fish on that top 25 list).

 

I live in Castaic (have since 1987) and Castaic Lake is open seven days a week. It has a surface area when full of 2,200 acres and they allow up to 500 boats/jet skis on it at a time, which is limited to the parking space they have available. It's not uncommon for there to be a long line to get in, and then a line forms by late morning after the parking lots fill, waiting to get in when someone leaves.

 

If they cared about growing giant bass, they would have never allowed stripers to get into Castaic (where six of those 25 were caught), and would have patched the screen that let them in. They have also have had the lake level change drastically (sometimes dropping a foot per day) during the spawn with no regard the effect it might have on spawning fish. This year, the lake rose about 40 feet between February and April. They do sometimes close a couple of small coves during the spring, but that is about the only thing they do with the fish population in mind.

 

 

[The Maestro]

So to make your point about how you don't need state of the art fishing gear to catch big bass you used your story about how you used state of the art fishing gear (for that time) to catch your biggest  bass? 

[jbsoonerfan]

No matter how you slice it, 30 year old reels are not even in the same ball park as reel of today. I have a Curado "tomato" from I believe 1993 that is brand new, in the box, and it is a tank compared to today's Curados.

[Tatsu Dave]

As a new member and probably one of the worst equipped fisherman one would meet on this site.............can I just make an observation? When you climb near the top in any pursuit you equip yourself with quote "state of the art" for the task. New or old doesn't matter simply is it the best in your eyes? I see it in hunting(which I know a bit about) and fishing (which I'm down in the bottom of the class ). The bottom line always is what is the persons ability - experience - and knowledge irregardless of level of equipment and gear. A good fisherman will figure it out find the fish and the best or most high tech equipment will just make it easier and more pleasurable to catch and land them. I studied Buck Perry a lot years ago and he was a good example of this. I'll never have the knowledge (age constraints) so many have on here of whats the best possible equipment to use, I just want to understand structure and fish movement better all the time.

 

I'll look to people like the OP and some of the others on this site to dial me in slowly to the best equipment I can afford.   Dave

[NOC 1]

9 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

No matter how you slice it, 30 year old reels are not even in the same ball park as reel of today. I have a Curado "tomato" from I believe 1993 that is brand new, in the box, and it is a tank compared to today's Curados.

Probably true, but the reels Tom is talking about were still sold in the 2000's I think, at least the TD-X was. It is still a great reel. Better than most any new reel. It just looks dated.

[fishindad]

I read the OP's post similar to most of his other posts, where he constantly references the past. 1990 was 30 years ago! and in 1990, the Techna AV along with Loomis GLX was state-of-the-art. And the Daiwa TDX (and TDZ) reels were also among the best USDM reels available.

 

I don't know why the OP feels a need to post this opinion but take this this statement as an example: "Most (meaning the majority, meaning more than 50%) bass anglers believe (as if he has personally polled every bass angler in the world to ask what they believe) highend high tech rods weighing under 4 oz and reels weighing under 6 oz is mandatory (meaning required by law or rule, per Webster's) to have state of the art bass rods and reels". Since when has anyone else on this forum ever - ever - come across as stating they or any other bass angler believes it is mandatory to have high end tackle?

 

When I read posts from BR anglers who share their happiness about their rods and reels, no matter what they cost, I read it as pure enjoyment they are sharing with others from a new rod, new reel, new setup. Fishing is all about enjoying the time off work to be on the water (by foot, kayak, canoe, boat) and spending your hard-earned money and time to acquire "toys" that add to the enjoyment. If someone wants to buy (or not buy) a rod or reel based on style, what do I care? It's their money and choice.

 

PS: "Not 1 of the biggest documented bass ever caught with the angler using a reel under 8 oz or rod under 5 oz." Dan Kadota fished top end Shimano reels and GLX rods to fish live craws in SoCal lakes to catch record FL strain largemouth. 30 years ago. So all other BR members - keep posting and sharing about the latest and greatest!!!

 

 

[NOC 1]

37 minutes ago, fishindad said:

I read the OP's post similar to most of his other posts, where he constantly references the past. 1990 was 30 years ago! and in 1990, the Techna AV along with Loomis GLX was state-of-the-art. And the Daiwa TDX (and TDZ) reels were also among the best USDM reels available.

Techna AV Aramid rods go for around $200-$250 right now...if you can find one. The only one on ebay right now is asking $100..... and it has a broken tip.

 

A mint TD-Z still sells for over $200 and a TD-X nearly the same. As far as I know neither reel was ever a USDM item. The only TD-Z variant that I am aware of sold in the US was the "US Trail" which wasn't really the same reel.

 

I do understand Tom's frustration though. The gear he is selling is some of the best gear ever made and is still better than most of the newer stuff. But trying to convince folks that don't see it is useless. Most will continue to buy the shiny aerodynamic new plastic Tats instead....That's just how it is. Daiwa depends on it, they would have to sell that Tat for $500 these days if it were made to the same standards as the old TD-Z.

 

It reminds me of trying to get my kids (in their 30's) to watch a great old Film Noir from the 40's. Could be one of the best films ever made, but they'll never know because they won't watch it.... because it is filmed in back and white.

 

This is after all the US where the wisdom of age is sold at a discount in favor of the new. I like the way that Oscar Wilde put it...

"In America the young are always ready to give to those who are older than themselves the full benefits of their inexperience."

[BrianMDTX]

6 hours ago, Tatsu Dave said:

see it in hunting(which I know a bit about) and fishing (which I'm down in the bottom of the class

If I was shooting a 2020 Hoyt Invicta target compound with X10 shafts and Jesse Broadwater was using my old Buckmaster 2000 with Gamegetters, he’d shoot the pants off me. I’ve said it before- only those with the skills that separate the great from the average truly benefit from top-of-the-line gear. I would wager that most bass anglers could not get that much more benefit out of a $500 rod or reel than they would out of a $150 reel or rod. The technology is there, but the skill to put it to practical use is not. I’m sure in my case it’s likely not. 
 

Having said that, new top-shelf gear can make things easier and more enjoyable (as much as I like my 50 year-old Garcia Mitchell 300, even the $49.99 Daiwa Revros LT2500 or <gasp!> $24.99 Shimano Sienna 2500 is a lot easier to use and so much quieter) than older but still serviceable gear. I can just imagine the difference I'd feel fishing with a truly silky-smooth upper end spinning or baitcasting reel. But I don’t know if I’d catch more bass. 

[jbsoonerfan]

The same thing people say about technology can be said about location. You have a much better chance at catching a giant bass in California or Florida as opposed to Iowa or Illinois, but killing a giant deer in Iowa or Illinois is a different story. 

 

I don't guess I saw where anyone ever said that you had to have the latest and greatest to catch fish. I wish I could afford a $90K bass boat but I don't really think I would catch many more fish. But if you put me in that $90K bass boat on El Salto and put me in the same boat on Lake Thunderbird then I would venture to guess my chances of catching big fish are better on El Salto reguardless of the rod and reel. 

 

As far as comparing people with better equipment to people with inferior equipment will only effect the skill level of the person if everything else were equal. 

 

I think I hear Irene coming.

[bigfishnfreak]

its the Indian not the arrow.

same with hitting a baseball, you can use the bat Tony Gwynn used, chances are slim you will hit like he did.

its time on the water, and learning were big fish live. crawdads don't hurt.

 

tight lines

[NOC 1]

1 hour ago, jbsoonerfan said:

 

I think I hear Irene coming.

LOL...Yeah, probably. But it will be back. This is one of the most common discussions had whenever there are a few fisherman gathered anywhere.  Might as well try to put a lid on Ford vs Chevy or Daiwa vs Shimano.

[DitchPanda]

1 hour ago, jbsoonerfan said:

The same thing people say about technology can be said about location. You have a much better chance at catching a giant bass in California or Florida as opposed to Iowa or Illinois, but killing a giant deer in Iowa or Illinois is a different story. 

 

I don't guess I saw where anyone ever said that you had to have the latest and greatest to catch fish. I wish I could afford a $90K bass boat but I don't really think I would catch many more fish. But if you put me in that $90K bass boat on El Salto and put me in the same boat on Lake Thunderbird then I would venture to guess my chances of catching big fish are better on El Salto reguardless of the rod and reel. 

 

As far as comparing people with better equipment to people with inferior equipment will only effect the skill level of the person if everything else were equal. 

 

I think I hear Irene coming.

I agree with this...I grew up in Texas and read articles growing up all the time about 10 to 12lb largemouth or bigger coming out of Fork, Rayburn and Toledo year after year. I moved to Northeast Iowa almost 20 years ago and the state record is 10lbs 12oz..nothing by Texas standards. My PB is 8lbs12oz which isn't big compared to many guys on here...but it's the biggest I've seen or heard of in my neck of the woods. Deer on the other hand..I've got buddies that hunt whitetail that pass on deer each year that most guys in other parts of the country would never pass up. Some would be deer of a lifetime but we grow em big here.

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

34 minutes ago, NOC 1 said:

LOL...Yeah, probably. But it will be back. This is one of the most common discussions had whenever there are a few fisherman gathered anywhere.  Might as well try to put a lid on Ford vs Chevy or Daiwa vs Shimano.

+ 

 

 

[Stephen B]

19 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

The same thing people say about technology can be said about location. You have a much better chance at catching a giant bass in California or Florida as opposed to Iowa or Illinois, but killing a giant deer in Iowa or Illinois is a different story. 

 

I don't guess I saw where anyone ever said that you had to have the latest and greatest to catch fish. I wish I could afford a $90K bass boat but I don't really think I would catch many more fish. But if you put me in that $90K bass boat on El Salto and put me in the same boat on Lake Thunderbird then I would venture to guess my chances of catching big fish are better on El Salto reguardless of the rod and reel. 

 

As far as comparing people with better equipment to people with inferior equipment will only effect the skill level of the person if everything else were equal. 

 

I think I hear Irene coming.

This entire post from WRB came out of left field. Not sure how to take it but yes I agree with JBsooner. You can't attribute big bass to anything specifically. Catching big fish means nothing if we are comparing somone who lives on different bodies of water. I can be mediocre at fishing but live on Clear Lake, Big O, Guntersville, etc and catch a 10 lber but you could be a stud living in North Dakota and never have a chance at a 10. Does that make me better? NOPE. 

 

Nice equipment is a tool to make your job easier and more efficient. 

[Dens228]

On 8/22/2020 at 3:07 PM, Tywithay said:

My biggest bass (8lb 9oz) came off a live shad while fishing for catfish. I should just leave my nice stuff at home and use a bobber with a minnow. The part of the country I live in doesn't really value bass fishing like some other regions. Decent numbers of bass are difficult to find without driving a ways, bigger bass are even fewer and further. 

 

There's hundreds of rods and reels to choose from, so it's not too difficult to find something that works well and looks good. I'll always choose performance first, but if I really like the combo it makes me feel more confident, whether or not I catch more fish.

My biggest was 8 lb 3 oz on an Abu Garcia Black Max combo that cost me $69 with a wacky rigged Yum Dinger.  My rods alone now cost much more than that!  As do my lures..

[WRB]

3 hours ago, Stephen B said:

This entire post from WRB came out of left field. Not sure how to take it but yes I agree with JBsooner. You can't attribute big bass to anything specifically. Catching big fish means nothing if we are comparing somone who lives on different bodies of water. I can be mediocre at fishing but live on Clear Lake, Big O, Guntersville, etc and catch a 10 lber but you could be a stud living in North Dakota and never have a chance at a 10. Does that make me better? NOPE. 

 

Nice equipment is a tool to make your job easier and more efficient. 

I used big bass only as a point of reference, most bass anglers goal is to catch as personal best, it has some reverence. If you bass just to catch a few 2-3 lb bass your tackle could be a Zebco 33 or as much as you want to spend. 

Tom

PS, the reel and rod that started this thread both sold to members who appricate them.

[jbsoonerfan]

5 minutes ago, WRB said:

PS, the reel and rod that started this thread both sold to members who appricate them.

That's all that really matters then.

[Stephen B]

1 minute ago, WRB said:

 If you bass just to catch a few 2-3 lb bass your tackle could be a Zebco 33 or as much as you want to spend, it doesn't enhance your ability.

 

I agree to a certain extent but also disagree. A Zebco or Black Max is not a Tatula SV. Do I think I could catch fish with a Zebco, yes! Do I think I could skip docks and laydowns as well, no! I would be more successful with a Tatula but I do agree you don't have to spend $1000 on a setup but there is a big difference in a Duckett Ghost and a St Croix Legend Elite

[WRB]

26 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

That's all that really matters then.

If selling my tackle is my only goal it would be on eBay.

I was saving everything to hand down to my son, he passed away from cancer.

 I offered my tackle to anglers I know will enjoy using it instead of reselling it as a profit. Every member who has bought something got more then they paid for.

What motivated this thread was members who totally disregard yesterday's state of the as inferrer products to today's.

Peace,

Tom