Jimmy (S.S.),

The rod you use makes all the difference in the world and the amount of drag that you have on your reel. Stiffer blanks will tire out a fish quicker than those "buggy whips" you and your brother were using (ugly sticks)... The line diameter only effects the breaking point during the actual fight... you can use 20 lb test and loosen your drag and get the same affect. If you set your drag really loose and have a soft tapered rod, you could be there for a while, but understand that the longer you fight a fish, the more lactic acid that builds up in their body. That can cause the bass to die after you release it. The best practice is to get the bass to the boat quickly and then pratice "CPR" (as our members like to call it "Catch, Photo & Release")

On a side note bro, it sounds like you need to find bigger bass... then you won't worry about how long the fight lasts, you'll have your hands full just getting them in the boat!



Hope that helps (and I don't me the wise@ss comment I made)...

BC

Ahha. See I never thought of stuff like that. Still learning everyday. And I don't care about wisecracks. I take it as constructive criticism.

Im still standing in awe of 65 dollar fishing line. Normally u see me at the local wallmart frowning at 10 dollar spiderline.

I just dont think the OL is gona belive me when I tell her the neccesity of 60 dollar fishin line.

Thanks for all the info guys very helpful, it will make buying easier Saturday at bass pro shop.

what kind of fishing line is 60 dollars?

http://www.tackledirect.com/daiwa-300yds-samurai-braided-line.html


course it says 300 yards a spool....and maybe a lil cheaper then what I said, but still pricy lol.

I would recommend going for the 150 yds. It lasts all season. If you were going with power pro you would be respooling half a dozen times and also loose alot of fish with the mysterious power pro breaks. Use samurai for half the season then unspool and reverse the line and respool it back on. With backing 150yds is good for 2 applications. Here is another link to purchase it.

Samurai Braid

Good point Nunz... There is no question that it cost a little more than some other braids, but it's worth it. When I first started using Sufix Performance Braid, I thought I'd never switch... then we got our hands on that Samurai Braid... there's just nothing like it on the market. Another big factor is the many different diameters it comes in. When I compared the Samurai to Sufix Braid, You can get a high pound test with a smaller diameter... that's really nice.

Check this out:


Here's the link for Sufix Performance Braid Specs

Just as one example, look at these numbers:

Brand Lb. Test Diameter (mm)
Samurai 18 Lb. .20mm
Sifux 10 Lb. .20mm

That's 8 pounds more with Samurai...

Wow that is crazy, big diffrence in diameter.Was wondering if I would be getting more distance on my cast with a line like that?

Was also wondering some of the diffrences between a 1 piece and a 2 piece fishing poll(aside from the number of pieces!)

Hands down you will be able to cast further. Also you will be able to cast a lighter bait. I have used the braid for smallies, largemouth and saltwater strippers. The line comes off the reel so smooth. No birds nests, no loops, it is amazing. There is no other braid that compares to it. As for a 2 piece rods I have not used one in over a decade. A good one piece blank like the St. Croix series givess you all the advantages by the sensitivity. You feel more with a one piece rod and also the stress and pressure is delivered equally. The primary difference is in the curve and hoop strength of the rod. In higher end rods, the only difference is in the wraps used to strengthen the ferrule at the point of joining the rod. Two piece rods are simply a one piece rod that has been cut in half with a solid insert added to the bottom half. Having this addition changes the flex of the rod in that it allows for a short flattening of the continuous curve from tip to handle. Ferrules used to be made of metal and added a significant amount of weight to a rod, today ferrules are made from a solid piece of graphite of the same material as the rod. I have found that you feel upto 50 percent better (bottom and bites) using better quality rods. I myself used to use the 29.95 Kmart specials. Those are now my three kids rods. It is amazing also how much my confidence has gone up since now I can feel what is going on. Good stuff!!!