Recent Topics ctfisherman.com en-us Tue, 26 May 2026 09:04:56 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm 5 connecticutfisherman@gmail.com Fishing Gear, Lures, Bait & Rigging Fishing Gear, Lures, Bait & Rigging https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/images/general/default/rss_icon.gif https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm Sad Shad Coming Back?!?!?!?!?!? https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1859457#Post1859457 D-Rock
on: 04/06/26 08:04 PM

Word on the street is that cobra is heating back up the smelting plant and bringing back the sad shade and other baits! I hope the stripper things come back!!!!


]]> Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:04:36 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1859457#Post1859457 Reel Servicing needed https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1859430#Post1859430 whaler150dan
on: 04/02/26 02:37 PM

THANKS !!!]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:37:27 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1859430#Post1859430 Need a dealer/mechanic for trolling motor/spot lock https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1859196#Post1859196 MikeV
on: 03/12/26 09:36 AM

Sal,

Thanks

MikeV]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:36:04 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1859196#Post1859196 Rod Repair https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1858862#Post1858862 kayak fisher
on: 01/31/26 07:08 AM

Originally Posted By: MikeV
Bob, That's beautiful rod with even more beautiful memories I'm sure. Let me know if you want to come out black fishing in the spring. There's a couple of spots that are supposed to hold some big ones. I should have the spot lock/troller installed by April. I have fished next to guys with spot lock and from what I can tell it's probably the greatest thing since sliced bread.

MikeV

Thanks for the great offer Mike. Would love to join you and your son.]]> Sat, 31 Jan 2026 07:08:20 EST https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1858862#Post1858862 Let's talk swivels https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1857936#Post1857936 BaldPelican
on: 10/17/25 07:21 PM

I usually tie the line direct to the Fluorocarbon but when I do use a swivel I use either Spro , sampo or lately these:
Brand: AFW
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars
(966)
American Fishing Wire Mighty Mini Snap Crane Swivels - 100% Stainless Steel, 3X Stronger Than Brass, Up to 600lb Test -]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:21:33 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1857936#Post1857936 Guide replacement https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1857735#Post1857735 Ignatz
on: 10/03/25 09:07 PM

Thanks for the reply but I might have a lead with someone a little closer. But I will keep you in mind if it doesn't work out.]]> Fri, 03 Oct 2025 21:07:35 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1857735#Post1857735 Rapala = History and how its made from production to store. https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1857142#Post1857142 mattmann7
on: 08/20/25 03:02 PM

https://youtu.be/HdUgGhiRMDM]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:02:59 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1857142#Post1857142 Braid splicing https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1856574#Post1856574 mattmann7
on: 07/08/25 08:16 AM

Originally Posted By: Major Woods
I use this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6-aCEf3hsY



Thanks for posting. I recently started using braid again with leaders instead of direct to hook for freshwater. I scored a good tip from your post about just replacing the last 15 to 20 feet instead of respooling.]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:16:29 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1856574#Post1856574 BRAID OR MONO https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1855154#Post1855154 Buck
on: 03/20/25 09:56 AM

Braid has a smaller diameter and less drag in water but I find it floats better too so these properties may offset each other. Regardless, to maintain the correct water depth for either trolling or drifting live bait it is necessary to use weights to eliminate line scoping for line control during a wind driven drift and to maintain your presentation at the correct depth based upon the thermocline.
There are many other considerations also like prop noises, boat noises, line counter v. spinning, conventional reels, etc. For example, that is why some trolling is done with planer boards to get the presentation away from the boat or more into shore than you want to bring a boat. There is a lot more science to trolling and drifting live bait than most fishermen realize. Like Tommy, I mostly use Fluoro now too.
One application I use braid for is fishing from shore where I want a long cast out from shore but I don't want the line to sink down to bottom where it can get stuck or scope out with a bow in the line which impacts line control and the hook set. Examples of this would be surf fishing the outer bar, walleye fishing the spring shore bite, fishing a non-boat reservoir like the Saugatuck Res. where I want to fish a live shiner on a slip-bobber rig out over deep water into the thermocline, etc.
For the freshwater application I sometimes will process the end of the braid with a fly line coating of a floating product to help it stay buoyant. In any case, all leaders are of a Fluoro line of the right strength for the application.
Each has its own best spot to use but most of my reels have fluoro unless really long casts are necessary and/or a floating line helps. You are asking the right questions, best of luck this Spring.]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:56:37 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1855154#Post1855154 Reel Parts https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1855118#Post1855118 LargeFry
on: 03/17/25 05:37 PM

Bass Pro! I haven’t used them since the catalog days, but I was surprised to see they still have a parts dept.
Bass Pro Reel Parts]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:37:28 EDT https://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1855118#Post1855118