BillM

I have the weights inside my 100DSV arranged with one 'on' one 'off'. You still need to make sure you use the fine adjustment knob on the right hand side of the reel depending on the lure you are using. You wanna make sure when you engage the spool, the lure and line comes out at a constant rate, but not enough to get a backlash. Makes things alot easier when casting

The only difference I see would be the use of a leader. And as far as the braid vs mono thing on a baitcaster.. I have NEVER had to re-spool when I backspin with mono, once that braid gets tight, forget about it, it's time to break out the scissors. Braid digs in on the reel way worse then mono ever does... :EDIT: I do like using braid when fishing jerkbaits or top water. Lure control is quite a bit better....

Braid doesn't cast as far as Mono does. For a first time baitcaster, I'd definitely recommend mono over braid. I've been using a baitcaster for years and there are still times when there is no way in hell I'm getting that backlash out. Mono is also cheaper for the first time user to learn on Also what are you guys mostly fishing for? I usually use a 6 or 8lb mono, 20lb braid at most for anything I fish for. I wouldn't want to cast 17lb mono on a baitcaster, especially that Curado 200DSV the OP posted about... If you are most fishing bass and pike from the shore, 8lb should be more then enough with a decent leader. If you want to try the braid, 20lb at most (6lb mono diameter). Make sure you setup the reel for different weighted lures, it will make a big difference when you go to cast it...

I gotta say GBay, specifically Massassauga. Endless amounts of habitat, lack of fishing pressure, access to big water and massive amount of feed. Although, upper Niagara holds quite a few fish My oldman tied into 2 muskie's fishing for smallmouth bass a few yeas back, landed one 38lbs, 45inch 5 mins later had another one on even bigger, broke the line. This was on bass tackle, lol we were fishing for smallmouth 6lb test, little hooks, small minnows... I know the lower Niagara has some big fish, atleast one or two big fish (40lb+) get caught during the St.Catharines Salmon Derby at the mouth of the river... This is all based on personal opinion

What I would do to spend a day fishing with someone that had some good experience with muskie. For some reason it's always been 'the fish' with me. That thing is a monster.

That is the biggest sheephead I have ever seen!!! I pulled one out of Quinte about 7 years back which was about 10lbs or so.

'03 Tacoma V6 4x4 pulling a 15ft Legend with a 40HP 4-stroke Honda. I think the truck still comes out ahead, even with all the fancy gadgets in the boat.

Heddon Zara Spook Jr.

Hey guys, what a great forum this is! I just thought I'd introduce myself and say hi. Originally from St.Catharines, moved up to Barrie about 4 years ago. Avid fisherman since I was old enough for mom to let me out in the boat with the oldman Oldman and I recently went up to the French Thanksgiving weekend. I had made a few purchases for the trip and was eager to try them out (Shimano Citica 100DSV baitcaster along with a MH 7" Shimano Clarus 1 piece). Made the 20km jaunt from Dry Pine Bay to the main channel pretty much everyday. Weather was about 18 degree's with the water temp at about 68. Stuck with top water lures the entire weekend for pike/bass. Dad would sink a few minnows trying to entice the ever illusive pickerel. Ended up with one nice pickerel (about 6lbs) endless bass and small pike (30+ fish a day) along with 2 nice pike, one tipped the scales at about 13lbs, the other was 25lb. Both took Zara Spook Jr's (small topwater bassbaits, lol). Boated 10+ smallmouth over 5lb's that weekend. I think the best part though was spending time with the oldman. Dad and myself, like the old days when he used to pull me out of grade school for the St.Catharines Salmon derby (He actually placed 1st in the Lake Trout division one year). Here are some pics of the big pike I tied into. (ignore the stupid look on my face) Again, great forum, lots of info looking forward to picking up a few hints and tips from you guys!!! -Bill