J Francho

Steelheading is all about drag. I use a cheap Daiwa 1500 size reel and a 10' noodle rod for the small creeks where the 13-6 is too long. Just don't push the drag too hard, and you'll be fine.

x2 Relatively inexpensive, no registration required, easy to carry, and can go places even a tiny john boat can't squeeze into. And if you get the right boat, you can stand, and carry a ton of gear. My boat is rated for up to 600 lbs, and its FAR more stable than any jon or semi-v I've been in.

Spiral wraps....

While I certainly cannot compare the waters, nor my experience and ability....for years and years, the only thing I needed for a big bass around here was a 7" ribbontail worm. The funny thing is, the past two years, I've gotten away from them, but I've still caught plenty of big (for around here) bass. I think it comes down to knowing where your big fish are, and what they want. The bait often times doesn't really matter, unless you addressing some difficulty in fishing - cover, wind, waves, depth, current, etc. For me, I like trying out new baits. I've found most do catch, if you've got the rest of the pieces put together. But, you can NEVER go wrong plying it out with a 7" worm. They pretty much always work, and they can be fished in so many ways.

Shimano has owned G. Loomis for over ten years.

Welcome. There's a few kayakers....

I see some guys using way too much grease on the crankshaft or on the drag washers themselves. Once you tighten down the drag, the extra simply oozes out, and sometimes fouls up the AR roller bearing. That bearing is a tight fit, so be careful removing it. A cleaning and very light lube per RM's instructions should make it new, assuming there is no damage.

It matters if you are bored, and want to know the truth. And I made a living from my fish, which makes me a fish geek.

Parrots are an ABOMINATION!!! ;D Everything "south of border" was dumped into Heros. Nice to see a fellow "genus splitter" here, LOL. Want to get into Psuedotropheus spp.? Poor Ad Konings. Sorry for going OT, here. Thai, we could probably talk fishroom shop for days. I don't keep fish anymore, but at one point, I had 1500 gals. worth of tanks in my hatchery, and another 1200 gals.of display tanks. I had the privilege of meeting many of the industry movers and shakers, big names, and some guys that will never be recognized for their contributions to modern aquarists. Looking back, some of my favorite fish were the pygmy sunfish I collected on an "expedition" to the NJ Pine Barons. A great hobby for anyone that loves things "fishy."

You sure its not Parachromis Managuensis? ahahah no but thats what I think of when you mention the undulating operculum, theirs are very pronouced heres mine about to put the smackdown on my Oscar Who the hack really knows, probably inbred/cross breeds anyway - note the missing spot on the caudal peduncle Nice tank., BTW. And congrats on keeping discus,a rewarding fish. I was able to spawn a few captive strains,and some wild browns. Wild Heckels along with Altum angels were eventually my big heartbreakers. Raised several to adulthood, only to fail. Badly. My forte was shell dwelling Tanganyikans, various Centrarchids, and some other oddball/difficult to keep mouthbrooders. My favorite spawning were a pair of bushy nose plecos, though. You think cichlids are violent....

Last I knew Parapetenia or Cichlasoma was valid. It'll always be Heros to me, LOL. But I am old.

I have both of you beat, LOL...but the undulate operculum is a dead giveaway that the first two are "Oscars."

Its called discovery, and I'm fairly certain there is MUCH more evidence than the single video that the news released, considering the total value of stolen merchandise.

I was being a little silly, LOL. I'm all about friends and personal achievement. Size counts often with me, but there are some fish that represent more.... This brown smolt took my bait while I was adjusting the shot pattern in the "tune up hole" that usually holds no fish. He fought like a beast and made me laugh my butt off. Best trout of two years ago. This fish was the 1st bass I caught while fishing with a new partner that would be a part of many, many adventures. My 1st legitimate salmon. Took about 50 hours of casting from Summerville Pier, but I finally got one. Not very big, but worthy. The last year my father and I went on our annual smallie trip. One of over 100 fish caught that day.

My father and grandfather. Port Bay, Lake Ontario.

Most places GROW big bass, they don't STOCK big bass. Stocker trout are boring.... These guys on the other hand

A plug knocker is cheaper, and works better.

Not sure I would consider either of those soft plastics as "light." You'll be fine with a Curado.

This chart will help: http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/Content/downloads/sizing_chart.pdf

Everyone else's reels, once a year, at least. My own reels, when it gets to the, "Oh Jeez, look at this mess" point. ;D

I took those door knob covers off. My 2-year-old can open the door with them on, but without, he's stuck. He can get through just about every other childproof device I've installed. A gentle, but humiliating (to hims, anyway) wrist slap and 3 minutes in time out seems to be a better "child proof device."

Not sure what the advantage is there.

I've had several conversations recently with professional anglers, though not tour pros. The people I've spoke to are guides, and make their living putting clients on fish. That's more impressive than winning any tournament, to me, and their knowledge of their waters is remarkable.

You guys are too young to know what cane polling is. :

My last round of rods were all Team All Stars, IM10, and even a couple of el cheapo Selects from Dicks. They were great rods that performed as well as anything else in the price bracket.