Set-up on Harlan

Finally got the boat back and nice to be on the water.  Spent a couple of hours fishing with my daughter on Harlan County Reservoir.  First time this year, and things are beginning to get started.  Two bass in two hours, a 3 and this 4 1/2. 

Caught both on a custom football jig from McKinney custom tackle (blue pumpkin).  Water temps hovering near 50 with a slight stain to the water.  Harlan is going to be good this year.  Water levels are down, but that is good (historically) for catch rates.

As for the gear, I am throwing two main setups this year. Okuma C3-40x Concept rods paired with either Okuma Serrano or Shimano Curado casting reels and Cabela's new Tournament ZX rods paired with Cabela's ZX or Okuma Krios casting reels.  This particular rod/reel is an Okuma C3-40x heavy Jig rod paired with a Curado and spooled with Seaguar 15lb InvizX flourocarbon.  This is the ideal jig setup as everything is in sync.  Smooth, light, sensitive and a breeze to set the hook and land quality fish.  I also threw a bladed jig on a Tournament ZX paired with a Krios.  That, my friends, is a pairing where 2 manufacturers couldn't have matched any better.  More on that later as I plan a full review after the upcoming Bassmaster Central #2 on the Red River.

Final thoughts, when gearing up with new rods and reels buy as much as you afford.  Not quantity, but quality.  It doesn't matter what brand you prefer, we all have our own preferences.  However, with every brand, you do get what you pay for.  Higher cost items usually have better materials and last much longer.  Having said that, many manufacturers make very good mid range gear.  Just keep in mind, you will need to maintain this gear more often.  I give all my reels a thorough cleaning once a year (complete diss-assembly) and partial cleaning monthly.  If they get especially dirty, like fishing through heavy rainstorms, I'll completely clean them mid-season.  A little TLC goes a long way.

So til next time, God Bless and Good Fishing!