barracuda

http://www.stcroixrods.com/content.asp?id=70 will explain power vs action to you. Generally speaking, selection of power will be dictated by the size of lures you're throwing and the type of cover you're fishing (ie thick lily pads/stumps vs sand bottom/mud) and the size of fish you're expecting. Action is typically governed by the type of lure you're throwing and personal preference. For jigs, plastics, topwaters, and other baits not considered "moving baits" (baits like crankbaits which are constantly on the move), a fast action rod is by far the most popular. In many instances, I like to go even with an extra fast but if you need an all purpose rod, go with a fast. Moving baits are a slightly different story as it's customary to get a slower action for these to avoid pulling out the hooks during the fight. Most guys will prefer a moderate action if they've got a dedicated crankbait (and some like this for spinnerbaits as well) rod. Assuming you're fishing in Ontario for bass, if you can only have one rod, I'd go with a fast action medium or medium-heavy powered rod. Keep in mind that different manufacturers will often rate their powers differently (St.Croix ML = Shimano M = G.Loomis 2 power = etc etc). When in doubt, look at lure/line ratings instead of the power rating.

Lots of good tips all around. Make sure you're also using a bait that's right for your baitcaster. Various baitcasters are designed with different intended purposes. An Abu 4500 won't throw 1/8oz jigs very well, just as a Daiwa Sol will struggle with a 3 oz swimbait. You'll hear different opinions on the spool tension settings too. Personally, I adjust it so it's just tight enough to prevent lateral movement of the spool then let the brakes (centrifugal, magnetic, etc) do the rest.

pvc technique works great. i usually buy a piece of fabric the length of the rod and wrap the rod in that to prevent it from banging around too much. 13' 2-piece float rod flying to BC? No problem.

hey golfisher, nice fish! that's an impressive buncha fish for any lake, much less that lake in particular. that a legend elite you got paired with that chronarch b? nice setup in any case.

Cut the line and despite the unfortunate circumstances, let it go. Then proceed to move to a new spot which was less likely to house spawning bass.

Personally I do the pencil thing for all reels. Just fyi, certain types of 10lb P-line copoly might not fish overly well on a spinning reel due to its stiffness/memory (CXX and floroclear come to mind). This of course depends on which line you're using and the size of your reel's spool.

Hey Guys, I'm looking very specifically for Yo-zuri Hybrid 4lb clear line. Would anyone be able to tell me if BPS (vaughen mills) has it in stock? Trying to save driving the distance for nothing and would really appreciate the help. Thanks! Tom

Lol, Brooklyn Bill is a good guy, have dealt with him before. Jun @ Japan Tackle is also known for being a great guy who treats his customers right. That said though, this year we're fortunate in North America to get many of the same reels as they have in Japan. Still significant variances though in some areas. Japanese versions of the Sol and Calcutta TE are still better than our's. Chronarch Bull have dif finishes. We still have a smaller selection of shimano/daiwa spinning reels. And there's still no Calais 101a to match the Antares AR. As for price, it's not any more than high-end centerpins and their matching custom IMX.

Think he means that being conical in nature as walleye teeth are, it might pose some threat of puncturing your skin and marinating your walleye with blood. Very nice fish though! Lookin forward to seein the vid.

Fluoro is also stiffer and somewhat less castable than mono in the same diameter. Like everything else, has its time and place. Braidwise, I use powerpro when throwing frogs and other such presentations where the visibility of the braid hopefully won't stop fish from hitting. Don't much fancy casting with leaders of any sort, so usually end up using straight mono or copoly for everything else.

Hey Guys, Been looking and unable to find for a while. Anyone seen any stores in the GTA carrying 4 or 5" Megabait L.A Sliders? TIA!

HMX is from Fenwick ain't it? As far as the Frontiers go, nice sticks but as others have said, they're Rainshadows. I think Loomis Canada distributes them or something though so they're covered under Loomis warranty.

Steelhead will hit throughout the day (and night). Sometimes it's just easier to hit fish in the morning or at night because your presentation will be the first they see and there'll be less fishing pressure around. I haven't seen any lighted floats that struck my fancy (especially if you're fishing small stream) but consider lightsticks offered by Blackbird and other companies. They attach to normal floats and perform the job pretty well.

very interesting Tony. i've used hotshot 50s, kwikfish, and spinners with some success upriver but this hasta be the first time i've seen somethin as big as j-9s catching fish upriver in these parts. will hafta give it a shot sometime, must be pretty amusing.

nice pics and very interesting use of lure! those fish caught down near the rivermouth?

looks like you've now got enough rabbit dubbing for fly tying to last you a while now!