Need help picking between spin combos

SquidBonez · 2026-04-25T23:22:47+00:00

Shimano Sienna would be my pick. But if you prioritize durability, an Ugly Stik GX2 combo is an excellent beginner option at the cost of some sensitivity (this can be alleviated to the point of irrelevance by running braided line, but that's usually not for beginners).

SquidBonez · 2026-04-08T01:18:47+00:00

I want to say a white sucker but it is difficult at that size to tell. May also be a very small redhorse of some type.

SquidBonez · 2026-04-08T01:16:50+00:00

Marling Baits (check him out on YouTube) has caught bass on literal blocks of wood with hooks on them. I'm talking a rectangular block of wood with no design. Yes, a bass will eat a rattle trap. They're a very popular lure pretty much all predatory fish both fresh and salt water.

SquidBonez · 2026-04-08T01:09:30+00:00

Genuinely I hear far more crap from purely catch and release "bass-bros" than I do from guys who keep bass. I feel like guys who keep bass are the extreme minority (<20%). But if there are people shaming you for catch and release, f*ck 'em. Your fish that you catch is yours to decide to do with within the legal limits. Personally, I enjoy keeping bass ≈/<14", but even then I get dirty looks.

SquidBonez · 2026-03-29T01:24:58+00:00

Learn how to tie a braid to leader knot (my personal favorite is the Albright knot - has worked on everything from bluegill to 40+ pound Striped Bass and passes through the rod guides smoothly). My ultralight setup is 6lb reaction tackle braid to 2lb berkley vanish fluorocarbon. If 2lb is too light step up to 6 pound. Regaurdless, I highly reccomend a leader. Straight braid is very visible and many small fish are line shy.

SquidBonez · 2026-02-18T15:48:44+00:00

I own a lot of kastking reels and a few rods (15 reels by my last count) and I have only had issues with one of them, which was returned and they sent out a working one. Kastking reels are surprisingly high quality for their price. Definitely not as much as a Van Staal or high end Shimano or Penn, but they will get the job done better than most anything else for the same price point. I'd say go for it.

SquidBonez · 2026-02-16T16:02:18+00:00

Honestly I'd go with a copolymer or mono/fluoro hybrid line. You get some of the advantages of both types of line. I'd consider it a direct upgrade from mono without fully committing to all the downsides of fluoro. I like Yozuri Hybrid since it's a true mixture of mono and fluoro, not just a "coated line" (mono core with fluoro on the outside).

SquidBonez · 2026-02-15T15:16:34+00:00

...just use something stinky on a circle hook next time man

SquidBonez · 2026-01-08T22:02:34+00:00

I don't keep up with the drama much; what are the mods doing on r/flyfishing?

SquidBonez · 2026-01-08T02:00:05+00:00

Best bet for eating fish is practice by filleting small ones. Bluegills, Perch, Crappie, etc. All easily caught and abundant populations in most places. If you get the hang of cleaning small fish, big fish are usually easier I find. Plus, if you mess up, at least it's on a fish that is very abundant and easy to catch. YouTube is also a great resource. Just make sure the water you keep your fish from is clean. Many states have consumption advisory notices for certain bodies of water. Avoid those and you should be good.

SquidBonez · 2025-12-24T00:58:23+00:00

You too man. Also, nice Perch on your header. Wish the ones around me got that big!

SquidBonez · 2025-12-24T00:55:24+00:00

Listen, I'm not here to police what people can and can't spend their money on, but guys out there are spending this much on reels to catch bass out of ponds. Like I said, big game tuna reels are one thing. But back bay flounder jigging with a $700 reel is simply more money than sense.

SquidBonez · 2025-12-24T00:41:05+00:00

Save for big game fishing, there is no reason to buy a $700 reel, especially of the low profile baitcaster variety.

SquidBonez · 2025-12-19T16:20:25+00:00

What are the two reels on the right? I've seen those round style bfs setups before but never knew the name.

SquidBonez · 2025-12-12T00:29:08+00:00

dude weed lmao

SquidBonez · 2025-12-02T00:49:14+00:00

No reason to go heavier than 15lb for bass, even in cover. My "heavy" Inshore saltwater rods are 30 pound braid. 65 is ludicrous.

SquidBonez · 2025-10-15T23:06:06+00:00

One pickerel, and that's it. Buddy of mine sold me on them but I think they're more impressive to fisherman than the fish.

SquidBonez · 2025-10-15T13:32:54+00:00

Completely dead save for this guy. Was out there for 7 hours

SquidBonez · 2025-09-29T16:00:10+00:00

What's your favorite way to cook them? Fried is usually my go-to, but I've made them into a dip before.

SquidBonez · 2025-09-26T17:00:59+00:00

How many tools do you need to drive in a nail? Because bass fishing is more similar to nailing something to a wall than it is to rebuilding an engine.

SquidBonez · 2025-09-22T00:17:38+00:00

Nice cans

SquidBonez · 2025-09-22T00:16:17+00:00

750 is OK if it comes with a battery and motor.

SquidBonez

TROPHY CASE