I’m thinking about taking my boys down Saturday for a change of scenery. We’ve either been on Stockton or Grand for months now. Is there anywhere to avoid launching? I did want to pull up to some giant tournament Saturday morning. I’m actually considering eagle rock but the boys have never been past shell knob so I thought I’d show them a different part of the lake.
For the money the Shimano slx is very hard to beat! It has a small body and is very comfortable. It’s really pretty comparable to the curado k as far as smoothness and just feeling solid. I haven’t got to do a direct comparison yet but it should theoretically pitch better than the k. On the other hand the k is very hard to beat especially since if you watch you can get them in the $120-130 range. The k is definitely better than the slx but still there’s an $80 difference in retail price! Plus right now you can get an slx rod/reel combo for $130. I was a dedicated Daiwa guy until last year when I switched to Shimano because Daiwa just doesn’t have much to offer below the steez. Even then you’re stuck with the t-wing.
I also wanted to mention the curado 70/71. They’re a phenomenal pitching reel and pretty good all around reel. I have a handful of 71 curado/scorpions and really enjoy using them. They can be had around $130-140 if you shop around.
I too was expecting the change to prompt an active bass bite but lè nope. We had six keepers and some dink’s. Some were real solid and some just keepers. Two on a ned and the rest on a jig. I have been struggling to get a moving bait bite for a few weeks. I know it’s there but I’m either not dedicated enough or am just missing something. Maybe it’s different for others but they seem very grouped up to me. I’ve done lots and lots of idling lately. I’ve seen quite a few schools of crappie. One day I’ll try to catch them that way I can spread my disgust among multiple species.
I’m not sure about thinner but this is what I used. It’s harder than woodpecker lips and was recommended to me by an east coast painter/bait maker. https://www.homedepot.com/p/FAMOWOOD-1-qt-Glaze-Coat-Clear-Epoxy-Kit-5050080/301826159?MERCH=REC-_-mobileweb_navplp_rr-_-NA-_-301826159-_-N
I’m glad it’s low. Let some vegetation grow up. Them holding to much water is why we don’t have near the willows we used to. A few good low years would go a long ways if it’s properly managed after that
Grand is up because Kansas got a crap load of rain a few weeks ago. Before that it was 742.
These are awesome looking! Your coloring them and choice of colors made them look even better imo.
I’ve thought about 3d printing sections of the lake for fun but haven’t had the motivation to do the cad work. A few years ago I bought a cnc router from a guy that was going to use it for millinglake contours into wood for decoration. Sounds awesome but again I haven’t been motivated to try.
I love the old Structure Graphics maps. From a historical aspect they are just fascinating to me. I have a handful of Table Rock, Bull Shoals, and Stockton. I wish I had Grand badly. I don’t know that I ever seen one for Grand in person.
There are now three 6.3:1 1016’s left and also two Ballistics. $75 for the 1016’s and $50 for the ballistics. One of the t3’s left has the steez spool. That could be swapped to a ballistic spool if you wanted more capacity.