Almost spooled ended in heartache.

[Mike P]

If a plug has Wolverines, I replace them right away with equivalent sized Rosco HD rings.

I also change the hooks to 6x strong VMCs.

M&Ds stopped carrying the 6x, but the Edge still has them.

[DZ]

Rob,
Not sure if this will make you feel better or worse. Different reel, similar story, but happy ending.

Years ago I was using a Penn 704 which I think had the capacity of 220 yards of 20 pound mono. I had about 50 yards of backing and 170 yards of running line. Had a take at the end of a very long cast with a needlefish plug. With the aid of a heavy sweep this hookup took all my running line and well into my backing before I could turn it. Everything held including the blood knot connecting running line to backing. Some very anxious moments as I chased this hookup 100 yards or so. 15 minutes later I had the largest bass of my life lying in the cobble at my feet. 5 minutes later she was swimming again.
Large bass can in fact spool (or almost spool) you in certain conditions as described.
I feel for you. Better luck next time.
DZ

[JackK]

I loathe those wolverines... You know my feelings on 'em. Sorry Rob.

I'll use the rosco 5H's, but I've pretty much switched over to the Owner splits by now. Expensive, but they last forever and I haven't had one budge yet. I lost at least a half dozen real nice fish this spring to wolverine/rosco split failure.

[bart]

Originally Posted by DZ

Rob,
Not sure if this will make you feel better or worse. Different reel, similar story, but happy ending.

Years ago I was using a Penn 704 which I think had the capacity of 220 yards of 20 pound mono. I had about 50 yards of backing and 170 yards of running line. Had a take at the end of a very long cast with a needlefish plug. With the aid of a heavy sweep this hookup took all my running line and well into my backing before I could turn it. Everything held including the blood knot connecting running line to backing. Some very anxious moments as I chased this hookup 100 yards or so. 15 minutes later I had the largest bass of my life lying in the cobble at my feet. 5 minutes later she was swimming again.
Large bass can in fact spool (or almost spool) you in certain conditions as described.
I feel for you. Better luck next time.
DZ

awesome story