Bitethis

Funny you mention the last two, I have 2 BP qualifiers, and 2 H20 Mettles (which I got for $29.99 in December:-)...I like them both very much. I use the pro qulifier for my A-Rig, and I find i can caster lighter lures (3/8 oz and up) better with the Mettle than I can with the BPQ. I did look at the Speedspool from Lews, but was hesitant because it was Mag only, which I have not had good success with in the past. If I have to stick to one break or the other, I would rather have centrifugal. I can featehr the spool fine, once my cast is half way out there. I struggle more with the initial cast and "whipping" it to get the lure out there, where I feel the centrifugal supports my lack of expertise more than magnetic in that aspect of my cast.

thanks for the post...I was wondering if they were staging in front of the river or not. Sounds like things are moving quite nicely. Wonder if the water is high enough to get to the steel bridge from aldrich, via boat? I know it was last year, but we had a lot of water last year too!

This was very insightful, Bill. Thanks!! Maybe I need to just up my game and expand the amount of money I am willing to spend on a reel. Im cheap...whatever you think cheap is, I am cheaper than that. So a $200 reel to me is just gross...especially when I have 4 baitcaster rods. Maybe a Christmas present request or something. I have heard a lot of good things about Lews, and since they have a reel with both Centrifugal and mag breaking, it will draw my interest and confidence in a strong way.

good to know, thank you!

Thats great! Thanks! That is right in the area I want to be too! Much appreciated!

Excellent, thank you kindly!

I have a smaller boat, only has a 10HP on it. I am looking to put in close to Peach Orchard creek or Mash Hollow so I don't have an all day boat ride from cape fair marina...any places closer to Point 15 that I could put in? Looking to maybe go up the James arm a bit. Thanks in advance!

I would consider myself a "younger generation" I am 34 years old, but didn't pick up a baitcaster until I was 31. Fished from the time I was 9 years old, using a spinning reel the entire time. (I hate zebcos). Once I moved here from MT, I was told I needed a baitcaster (which I still don't believe I "need" one) for bass fishing. A few years ago, i bought a 1/2 oz practice plug and practiced for hours on my new Bpro megacaster....which has 0 bells and whistles. after about 15 hours of practice, and 47 birdsnests later, I took it to the lake. Practicing with a 1/2 oz plug was nothing close to fishing for real. I wanted to chuck it in the lake. After a couple years, I was told about duel breaking systems, "you get what you pay for" and that a $50 bsitcaster won't perform like a $50 spinning reel, and that if I tried DBS on a baitcaster, it would be virtually impossible to brd nest it. I coughed up the $100, bit the bullet, spooled it with line, and applied all my wasted "feathering" practice when I set the DBS on my new reel and cast for the first time. To my surprise...it didn't birdnest. I cast over and over and over and it didn't birdnest. I wasn't until i tried, on the 4th try, to birdnest it that it did. I say all that to say...can a younger generation learn something from an older generation? ABSOLUTELY! all the guys I fish with are 15-25 years my senior...i pick my fishing buddies wisely, cmon! (or they allow me to tag along, rather). BUT....if technology can assist us with the learning curve of using a baitcaster and taking advantage of the benefits it provides, would I scoff at that in lieu of learning the old fashion way? I really enjoy everyones experience and perspectives, this has been a very informative read!

you might have luck at 39-40 degrees. I know it is knit-picky, but some people apply biblical truth to numbers. i have always heard 40-45 degrees and then start trying 2 degrees early.

good report, thanks!

Anyone been over to Greenfield? Sac River? Know if there is ice there or not?

Coming from a novice...the duel breaking system makes it dummy proof. Its almost impossible to backlash it. The centrifugal takes care fo those who wrist whip their rod at the beginning of the cast, and the magnetic kicks in more at the end from what I understand. Combined...backlash free. Now, if you are a baitcaster master (or just well experienced), I do believe you can just get away with centrifugal. My beginners luck with Magnet only (although, to KC Bass's point, it was a cheap Abu BlackMax), was horrible!

Last year was the first year I committed to using a baitcaster for the majority of my fishing. I grew up on trout, so eggbeater was in my blood. Baitcaster was viewed as something for the ocean only...I have matured a little since then When I first picked up one, it was an Abu BlackMax...after hours and hours of practice, i put it down. When talking to a guy at basspro, he insisted on trying again, but using a real that had 2 breaking systems like their ProQualifier or JohnnyMorris Carbonlite. So I did...I got the proqualifier, which has Centrifugal AND magnetic. Made a huge difference for someone as inexperienced as me. I experience 0 backlash. once I became confiident, I got an H20 Mettle from Academy, Centrifugal only breaking system...to my surprise, it works like a champ! I purchased these reels because they were what I could afford, and it was a reasonable price for someone learning to use the reel...both under $100. I see a lot of fellas using Lews, Shimano, Abu (not as much anymore), and other high end units. I see Lews uses mostly magnetic breaking systems, and Shimano uses mostly Centrifugal systems. For you seasoned fishermen that have much more experience than I...whats the difference, what are the pros and cons? Why should I spend $200 for one of these better reels? And why don't manufacturers put dual break systems on more reels? Thanks in advance for your valuable input!

Is this one of your homemade colors, or is there a particular manufacturer that produces this spinnerbait?

I have heard that purple is a very good color, but I have avoided despite the wisdom shared...I may have to get that into my color collection this year and tinker with it. Thanks Walcrabass

Basspro ProQualifier is what I use, they are on sale for $80 right now, $100 normally. Has magnetic and centrifigul brake system. Very good reel for the money, in my opinion.

I use 7'6" Heavy, fast tip for jigs on the rig, nothing beats a basspro ProJig, imho. It has an Xlong shank, putting the sharp point of the hook farther back on the bait to avoid short bites. I will not use any other Jig..they are exceptional, come in 1/8oz Gamakatsu hooks.

I find that use two lures quite often while fishing, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits. I find I can cover a lot of water very quickly. I understand that I may miss some fish when moving fast like that, but I do slow down when I find em biting and slow my roll :-) What are your favorite Spinnerbaits and Lipless Cranks? Spinnerbait: Rick Clunn Trickster Booyah dual willow Lipless Crank: XCalibur xr50 RedEye Shad *honorable mention goes to H20 express (from academy $2)

I think I underestimated how much tackle everyone else has....I have a tacklg bag that carries 5 Plan 3700s (1x lipless cranks, 1x crank baits, 1x stickbaits/surface baits, A-rigs, 1x terminal tackl), plastics (worms, craws, swimbaits), and a spinnerbait book. I carry an extra 3700 for my Jigs when I intend to fish that way. 3 each is the most I have of any 1 lure in the same model/brand. You guys are making me feel like a rookie thats lost on the water when you show off and talk about having 23 rapalas, 17 Flicker Shads, and 12 stickbaits....and megabass anything is too rich for blood.

that looks like a BEAST to throw

Might start here...they are about as new a report you are going to get with the weather we had this last weekend.

keep us posted

I am no pro, nor am I a guide...so take this for what it is worth: I love the A-rig, and something I do different than mentioned above, is attaching a willow blad to the top two wires, and only put "hot" baits on the middle and bottom two wires. I use the flash mob, jr, so that is a total 6 willow leaf blades. I use bigger spinner bait willows on the top two wires, attached with a barral swivel. More thump More flash Allows for slower fall, and retrieve and just like baits, the blad options are endless: colorado blades for throwing it at night? Again, just my 2 cents and my preference. I think Bill hit the nail on the ehad though...throw where there are fish, and practice practice practice. Go with someone who has confidence and success and share in that for a few hours, it will build your confidence and create success for you. Tight Lines!

That sure is good advice! Maybe i will do that too, that is a great idea!

LOL...yeah, sounds like it, huh? I really want to be more organized, and not tote around all the crap I never use, but might use...someday. I think I have received some useful feedback and information to help me narrow down may tacklebox (or at least narrow down the variety;-)