FIJI

(video) (another video)http://www.catcherman.com/features/rigging/texasrigging030602sportmn.htm in the pictures it shows the worm with a bullet weight on it, but you can also texas rig without a weight if you wish. you should be able to t-rig the hula grub the same way the photos show for the worm. hook size depends on the size of the bait you are using but you should be able to get away with a size 2/0 or 3/0 extra wide gap offset hook by gamatsuko for your hula grub. http://www.bassresource.com/fish/tipsindex.html (check the section on soft plastics) hope this helps!

Well I finally got all my equipment in the mail today (g. loomis 783 glx and stella 2500fd). UPS didn't get to my apartment until ~7:00pm tonight, so by the time I got everything set up and put the line on I didn't have much time to fish once I got down to the river before it was too dark. After the first cast and retrieve I could tell that this was a MAJOR improvement over my old set up (although my old setup will still serve it's purposes). Maybe after 5 casts or so I finally hooked up with a 1.5 - 2lb smallie. The feel and sensitivity of this rod is amazing. Thanks for all the recommendations in my previous thread - I'm very pleased with this purchase, I just wish there was a little more day light! The only thing that I found a bit disappointing was that the stella didn't come with an extra spool. You'd figure for that kind of money they would give you an extra spool! It's an amazing reel nevertheless, and I can't wait to get out and really spend some time with this new rig. On a side note I also got some yo-zuri hybrid ultrasoft...for those that use it, do you recommend changing the washers in the reel to change the spool "shape" I didn't notice any backlash or tangles or whatever, but I noticed in the stella manual that it recommended changing the washers for fluorcarbon line to change the spool shape. Thanks!

i think rw did say that it floated in a different thread. i don't have first hand experience with that line (just ordered some though) but i would say that just based on pure physics that if the buoyancy of the line (upward force of the water on the line causing it to float) is less than the buoyancy of the worm, the line will have minimal affect on using a worm or a jig that sinks. in summary, i would say that the ability of the line to float will have negligible affects on a worm or jig (since the worms ability to sink is much greater than the lines ability to float).

Well I just said screw it and ordered a Stella 2500fd. I figure the rod and reel I got will provide me with years and years of use and enjoyment. In a way I look at it as an investment - something I can "grow" into, if you will, as I continue to learn about this art we all enjoy so much. Good suggestion about the baitcaster. That will definitely be my next purchase. Like I said before, I grew up using spinning reels but I definitely want to try a baitcaster. Don't be surprised if I start a "recommend me a baitcaster rod/reel" thread in the spring!

Based on the recommendations I just ordered the G. Loomis SJR783 GLX from reedsports.com. I actually got out of paying for it with my own money (my mom got it for me as a bday present!). With a rod this nice I really feel like I should pair it with a worthy reel. I see that the older stellas are on sale now. How do the older stellas compare to newest reels (stradic, sustain, or even the new stella). The newest stellas are a bit out of my price range though. Are the sustains that much of an upgrade over the stradics? Would buying one of the older stellas be the best choice based on my price range or would you guys recommend one of the new models that just came out? Lastly, what are your thoughts on the 3000 series/size shimano reels? Thanks everyone!

well it sounds like the glx is the way to go. thanks for all the responses everyone!

still waiting on a roadwarrior reply!!

well i don't splurge on many things in life at all. to some people spending 500 isn't that much, to others it's too much. but my philosophy is that you can't put a price on doing something that you love doing, something that gives you hours of pleasure, hours of stress relief (even if the fish aren't biting that day!) sure i could get a cheaper rod and reel that will catch fish, but that's like telling someone who owns a ferrari that they could have bought a honda civic and traveled from point A to point B just the same.

Thanks for the replies guys! Lucky craft, I'm not opposed to getting a baitcaster...it's just that I've never used one. I've always used spinning reels since I was about 3 years old. I'm curious to know why you wouldn't recommend a spinning setup, though. I'm always looking to gain more knowledge so please share your opinion! Also, I have a shimano symetre 2500 so maybe I should just stick with that and use the money to try a baitcaster? Suggestions?

Thanks Bass Hammer

I've been reading the boards from sometime (great stuff btw), but just finally registered. Anyway, I have about 500 to spend on a new rod/reel. I mostly catch smallies, but would like a versatile rod that I can use for larger fish as well. Lately I've mostly been using fat ikas, but I want to be able to use various types of lures/bait. As far as the reel goes...i'm looking for spinning that is dependible! Thanks in advance for any advice!