Need your help with my gear!!

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by RyanMac14

Haha I dont want to miss that hog either especially since my PR is less than 2lbs. We shall see..i dont fish in any truly thick stuff so I am going to give the MH a go with the curado as my topwater. For frog in pads I shouldnt have any problems tying braid direct? And just mono for everything else?

For braid direct knots, double up the line and consider a drop of kraZy glue. Otherwise, go Palomar.

[RyanMac14]

Palomar is the only knot i know well so that works. Any suggestions for the best braid for my curado on a mh

[Jigman13]

Double up 50-65 lb braid and do 5-6 wraps as if tying an improved clinch, follow steps of improved clinch, moisten, and pull tight paying attn that you do not over lap. Clip tag ends. KraZy glue optional... I use this knot for 80-130 lb mono when fishing offshore. No glue though...

[RyanMac14]

There is currently 80# powerpro on my toro winch which I plan to use for cranks. I know leaders seem easy to most, but I just cant get the hang of it. Would tying braid directly to cranks not work well due to the floating and the visibilty, meaning is it that huge a difference?

[Lard Almighty]

Originally Posted by RyanMac14

There is currently 80# powerpro on my toro winch which I plan to use for cranks. I know leaders seem easy to most, but I just cant get the hang of it. Would tying braid directly to cranks not work well due to the floating and the visibilty, meaning is it that huge a difference?

I would not use braid for cranks. When a bass hits a crank, it usually tries to suck it in from behind, so the soft rod and stretch from fluoro or mono is a must. With braid, you are going to rip the lure away from the fish on a lot of hooksets. If you don’t want to waste the 80# braid, I would transfer it over to the Curado for frogs and big plastics. I would spool the toro up with 12# or 14# mono for cranks, or go with fluoro if you don’t mind spending the extra money.

[RyanMac14]

Are there any problems with taking braid from one reel and putting it on another? How exactly would I do it?

[slider]

Looks to be u have most if not all ur bases covered, now if ur going to fish shallow weedy lakes then u really don't need too much more tackle. However I mite suggest u give a light spinning outfit some consideration..Especiley if smallmouth bass become ur target and ur fishing a clear, deep lake or reservoir. Get a 7'lite action rod,a lite weight spinning real spooled with 2 spools 4lb and 6 lb. Lures small top waters #5 #7 rapalas , small spinners panther martins, mepps, rooster tails..And my favorite, jigs from 1/16 oz to 3/8oz. Curly tails, from 2 to 4 inches,also small minnow type swim baits.. Not only will that outfit come in handy for smallies, I've caught a ton of LMB, fishing deep rock piles in warm weather, also of the edges of weed beds when fish don't seem interested in big baits, they tend to suck in smaller offerings..Just my 2 cents worth..Good luck this season..Slider

[Lard Almighty]

Originally Posted by RyanMac14

Are there any problems with taking braid from one reel and putting it on another? How exactly would I do it?

Shouldn't be a problem. Cut off the first 10-20 feet if it looks frayed, then just wind the line from the old reel onto the new one. Make sure you use a few feet of mono backing, or the braid will spin on the spool. Use a uni to uni knot, I'm sure you'd be able to find a video on Youtube about how to tie it.

[RyanMac14]

Okay. It appears that the diameter of 80 pound power pro is equivalent to that of 18# mono and I believe my setup is recommended for up to 17#. You think this should be any problem?

[Lard Almighty]

Originally Posted by RyanMac14

Okay. It appears that the diameter of 80 pound power pro is equivalent to that of 18# mono and I believe my setup is recommended for up to 17#. You think this should be any problem?

No, you should be fine.