J Francho

He's telling the whole story as he knows it. Whether something got on it, which is probable, we'll never know.

There are much better 2-piece options out there than an Ugly Stik. The aforementioned Triumph is one. A few more from St. Croix: AVS66MLF2 AVS66MHF2 AVS70MF2 All are suited to most general bass fishing.

That would be a drastic difference in management goals. One seeks to promote a fishery, another seeks to improve the waterway for rec. boating.

Impasse... Personally, I think its all much ado about nothing. I see guys doing things way worse to bass before releasing than holding them up by their jaw. Besides, most catch dinks, and even my personal best is a dink by others' standards. The shot of Mike Long with the vertical hold doesn't hurt them. Plain and simple. Nothing has been offered in this thread that clearly states otherwise. Its one of those things....we've been catching and releasing bass for decades. You'd think we'd see some real effects by now. But we are still catching big bass.

Depends on where they are. Anywhere from 4 to 40 lb. In open water, 4-8# fluoro or copoly, or 15# braid.

Yes.

I just had the google installed, and if you type in "WV trout fishing forum" or "VA trout fishing forum," you get a nice list.

Neglect? Then why weren't all the other Shimanos and Daiwas that were stored with this reel end up like that? I actually have a new theory, and it might sound off the wall, but it might be right on. Cat urine. I'd think the braid and reel would stink, though.

I think you need to use profromance gear for that. Seriously, I'd think long and hard before sending my stuff out to this guy.

First, do a search for basshunter69. The next tip off here would be the spelling errors littering the site.

We used to catch fish with a rake. I'd rake up some seaweed, and my sister and I would go through it, picking out the little fish. Had to watch out for the baby bullheads - OUCH!

Its the only Quantum he owns.

Don't send them to this guy: http://www.alabamareelmedic.com/pricing.htm I almost crapped myself when I saw this.

He is a scientist - studies turtles - maybe its turtle crap.

Since this is BassResource.com, I'm going to recommend something in the 2500 size. The BPS Store brand reels are most economically bought in a combo. If you're looking for a solid, inexpensive reel, look at the Shimano Sahara.

I measure my fish with a displacement lazer beam.

Oh, and the rod was fine. I'll ask him where it was stored for the winter. And salt shouldn't be an issue with these, its rated safe for saltwater. I've had Senkos and other salty baits literally melt onto rods and reels, and never had any issue. Worm burn was just a guess on my part, hence the punctuation used.

If I didn't personally know the guy, and fish with him frequently enough to know how he takes care of his gear, I'd be skeptical. All of his other reels are pristine. Just this one had issues. The reel works flawlessly, only the exterior finish is damaged, along with some missing "flesh" on the spool itself. I've seen these deposition finishes peel, but nothing like this. It does look like something got on it or touched it in this one spot. Nasty.

Ship them separately. A tube inside a cardboard box works well for rods. Any questions, just go to the PO and ask them.

They go for about $190.

That kahle style hook has fail written all over it. Imagine the eats the bait, and you set the hook. What's the hook going to do? I'd reverse the direction, or switch the spinner and hook, and use an O'Shaughnessy style trailer hook.

Nevermind....had embedding blocked on the gallery. Should work fine with a reload. Sorry about that.

They should be fine. You guys browsing from work? Maybe they have a block on my photo hosting site.

Reels should be black or silver. Period. I'll let the color slide if performance outshines color though.

I know a guy that deals in antique lures. I'll pass the pics along.