J Francho

Specifically say that the rod is a painted Bionic Blade. But it really doesn't matter. I don't use BPS stuff. Also, to stop posting on here, and trying to put a positive spin on the classic BPS' switcheroo deal. You sound like a lawyer, LOL.

I have two Flambeau spinnerbait boxes that I don't use, holds six...let me know:

Ochos are nicely made bait, with their own twist on the Senko.

Depends on the model. As Raul pointed out, no warranty, so you better have a good reel mechanic. When we refer to "JDM" tackle, its generally of the high end or limitied edition ilk. No point spending extra $$$ on an entry level reel.

And you can sit there and state that this isn't confusing? Think about the target market for this product. Its not the guy using the rod and reel that will be buying it. It will be a wife or son or daughter that purchases it as a gift. The item is specifically placed on back page, where higher price point items are usually featured. A "Half Off!!" sale price on something that looks like a $200 item is like crack to the target audience.Its not a bad deal, don't get me wrong, but it isn't that good.

I guarantee this ends badly.

You are better off with the uninsulated version, then it can be year round gear. I use a rain shell as just that, a shell. Insulation comes from a different layer.

Scum Frogs Trophy Series have a MUCH better hookup ratio than Spros. Same goes for Snag Proof frogs. The issue can be resolved by bending the hooks ever so slightly and massaging the plastic body on the Spros. Another trick with the Spro is to trim one leg shorter than the other to aid in a walk the dog retrieve in open water. You can stuff the Scum Frogs with chunks of plastic worm for added weight. SF Bigfoot is another favorite of mine, especially in scattered pads. Same for Deps Basyrisky. I like the smaller 65 size for those. The real answer is, none is actually better than the other. They all work, and none are perfect.

Fish location and cover.

I actually found this very confusing. BPS online sells a Pro Qualifier Baitcast Combo for $190. Its a $100 reel saddled to a $140 rod. You save $50. I don't why anyone would not buy the combo! http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102398_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1 The flier for the Springfield, MO location is offering a Pro Qualifier Tournament Baitcast Combo for $100. Sounds like the same thing as above. So it has upgraded gears, that's worth about $10 - $20. It says its a $200 value. That leaves ~$80 for the rod value. Wondering just what rod you get in the package? What rod is regularly priced at ~$80 and is made using an IM-8 blank? Yep, a Bionic Blade. OK, a nice reel and a Bionic Blade for $100. Wait a minute, though....Bionic Blades are usually on sale for $50 (they are right now, online). What is this reel really worth? If you look deeply into this type of pricing, you'll find it very difficult to determine that actual value of the items, making it more difficult for me to determine if the actual selling price is a good deal. You don't see this outside of the private label brands because the manufacturers have an actual recommended retail price. In the fishing industry, normal price is usually pretty close to this value, and a "good price" is easy to spot. I can see both sides of this, you get a nice reel and a free crap rod. I know they are crap, as I've broken more than a few. They are decent, though, and BPS stands behind their product, dolling out replacements ad nauseum. Heck, it was free! I can also see where this is all too confusing, with the waters being too muddied to see the true value of the purchase (sorry for the pun, I can't resist!). At first glance, I thought it was a screaming deal, until I did the research.

Creatures Ribbon Tail Worm Grass Jig Shaky head Drop shot finesse worm Frogs Spinnerbait Jerk/Slash bait Flukes Wacky Worms Cranks Spooks Buzzbait Did I miss any?

When I am bed fishing or working in heavy slop, I use a pegged 1 oz. tungsten bullet weight. In open water, I rig them on a 3/8 to 3/4 oz. football jig. If I'm working the outside weed edge, I use a 1/4 to 1/2 tungsten bullet weight, no peg. I've never thought to use this bait weightless.

Ditto. If I'm looking for a flapping tail action, I'll use a an Ugly Otter.

I never used the rodent. Sweet Beavers, in any color are great. A nice smallie off a bed, using a 4.20 in Spring Break color:

I use a Humminbird 383c Color Combo in my yak. I'm sure they have a TM mount transducer for this model. I'm very satisfied with it, though I wish I went for a bigger screen. Split screen needs mots of real estate.

While dark skin may reduce your risk, it doesn't mean that we tan guys are immune. I had a speck removed, and I'm probably darker than most Caucasians. At least slap some sunblock on, brutha! Here's a pic from back when I didn't give it a second thought:

This will sound crazy, but what about a floating cooler? Like this: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7757565

Yep, it works.....well.

That doesn't sound right. You'd want to have every other pin out to get three on and three off, and still be balanced. Otherwise, turn them on or off in pairs, or even numbers, like four on in an "X" pattern.

Lowrance have a two year warranty. I'd think your dad could get it fixed or replaced. :-?

that sheefish is weird, looked it up. It looks like a cross between shad, barramundi, and kingfish That is weird! They look like a gigantic lake whitefish.

Very Sad, indeed. My condolences to his friends and family left behind, and all his online fishing buddies as well.

They don't have a "memory," since they don't have the parts to even form, let alone store thoughts. A better question would be how long before a bass will bite again. There was a long drawn out thread on that about a week or so ago. A lot has to do with how the fish was caught, how it was handled, and how quickly and where it was released.

Its a Red Ear. Blue Gill (Lepomis macrochirus): Red Ear (Lepomis microlophus): Here is a Blue Gill, in a similar predicament as the fish pictured above, LOL:

You would be better off using it in practice or while rec. fishing, than trying it in a tx. I personally would start off using the soft swimbait as a substitute for whenever you catching fish on a spinnerbait. This is just a start, to gain confidence, by catching fish.