J Francho

They seem to prefer slow moving backwater creeks. They are not an import from Europe. Here is a small male in breeding colors: My largest was a little over 11 lbs. At the time, that was three pounds over the NY state record, but I didn't know it. It would have only stood for a few months, though. Here's a site that details more about them: http://www.bowfinanglers.com/

My criteria for choosing fishing buddies bears exactly zero resemblance to the criteria for choosing my heart surgeon.

Is forgetting your kids' name ever an issue?

I forgot about frogs and toads, too - they are in a whole 'nother category, like buzzbaits for me, so I forget to mention them as well. For Frogs I like: Spro Bigfoot Snagproof Basyrisky Scumfrogs

The muffin pan is critical. I have a couple 12 compartment pans, but I mainly use 6 compartment pans, especially in cases where the reel isn't mine, and I need to leave the reel dissembled. I simply wrap the pan with plastic wrap, put it, along with a work description worksheet, the schematic, and any larger parts in a Sterilite "sweater box." That way I can be confident that no parts are lost, the reel is well documented, and when I have a lot of reels, I can go "Henry Ford" on them, by breaking down a bunch, then cleaning a bunch, and assembling a bunch. If you have cats that have access to your workshop (I have one 19# Siamese), you'll want to cover the pan if you leave it. Something about jingling parts in the pan that really appeals to evil cats.

That is an exceptional knot. I tested it out on some steelhead this past fall, and meant to commit it to memory by practicing.

I've handled a few Mojos in the store, even put a reel and bait on to see what they felt like, the tapers, and balance. I wasn't impressed at all. Not even for the great price. They weren't bad, per se, just that besides the amped up paint, tough guy graphics, and split/no fore grip, there really wasn't much there beyond a Premier. Avids, on the other hand, strike a amazing balance between refinement and value that makes them a benchmark. I have three of them, AVC70MM, AVCMHM, and AVC62MXF, and they are all fantastic. You might not be "disappointed," but I don't think the two compare, even leaving price in the equation. $90 is a lot for a rod that doesn't feel very special. $160 always seems like a steal for the Avids.

Francois. But seriously, you can use either of my son's names: Alec or Clark.

I prefer longer and heavier to impart as much leverage as possible on the fish. Its a "tip up" presentation, so a longer rod is not an issue.

I need a picture or something, because I can't see how this is an issue at all. Are you saying you can't cast where you want because you can only side arm, and the port side of the boat is facing your target? If that's the case, you really need to learn how cast over head, or pitch for distance. If it helps, learn to do ALL of your casts (besides flipping and pitching) using both hands.

I was talking about this response: The dude is going to be a problem after the sale. I can pretty much guarantee it. His choice of verbiage indicates his attitude. As you know, the dispute resolution process favors the buyer heavily. In most cases, that is the way it should work, but others simply take advantage of this fact.

I've spent thousands of dollars on NOS motorcycle parts in the past decade+. When the item you've been searching for comes up for auction, you need to be ready to swoop in and pick it up. Depending on the rarity of the part, you may never see another one. If I had the part, and you responded to my answer as shown above, I would have reported you to eBay, and blocked you out as potential buyer. Sorry, that's how I feel. Let me know if you want a referral for three free snipes, LOL.

Oh, my....Like I said, over thinking. It took more time to ask the question and wait for a response than it would have to place a bid, or pop into your sniper service!!! I'd rather spend more time fishing than trying to flex my ebay IQ, LOL. :

The Daiwa Fuego is the closest to the CH50MG in design and application.

I don't understand the "worth his time" statement. What time? He wants the item, names his price, and if it clears the reserve, it does. If not, its too rich for his blood. You guys are over thinking the "auction psychology." Personally, if I see a reserve on an auction, I don't bid. I don't ask what his reserve is. I leave it for someone else. If the seller wanted me to know his reserve, he's have started the auction at that price. When I auction, I put a fair "BIN" and start the thing at $.99. My BIN price is usually 10% below the average selling price for all similar auctions ending in the past month. A hidden reserve is for someone that is not willing to let go of an item for anything less than their arbitrary price. Everything is "for sale," but if your not sure about seasonal pricing, actual value of the item, or whatnot, then a reserve gives you an escape hatch. I'd be willing to bet some of the sellers I've dealt with wish they set a reserve, or knew how to spell, LOL.

This stands a 50/50 shot of blowing up in your face. I would assume than no reply means "no."

My experience between the two lines are like night and day. 100% P-Line FC was decent. Fluoroclear was junk.

Thanks. used them all except the Gamma Coply. Excellent lines. I disagree about the KVD. You actually need to let it dry to reap the full benefit.

Uni to Uni connection. http://www.in-fisherman.com/magazine/guides/cg2003Sp_Uniknot/

I've never fished with a CH50MG, but I've cleaned them, and held them. Its similar, but some key differences - centrifugal brakes, slightly faster gear ratio, better looking, but its a Shimano, LOL. I kid, I kid. The Sol has an Al frame, so its not as light as the Mg.

So what is this magical secret line you're using? I'd like to try it out, if I haven't already. :-?

The weight will do just as much damage to your tip top and a swivel, so be careful not to reel it up too far. A plastic bead before the barrel weight offers some slight insurance.

Yep, and I'm crazy enough to immediately rip it apart and upgrade the bearings. TD-Ito Alphas Ai:

Hmmmm.... I use KVD on my Sunline Shooter. It isn't cheap line, but it helps with manageability issues associated with the type of line required for the some of water I fish. Line choice is always going to be a compromise between price, manageability, and abrasion resistance. I've never felt compelled to try BPS Excel, but I'd rather go with something I know I can trust. If you want to simply go with a decent nylon mono, then Trilene XL or Suffix Elite are fine. You don't need to treat it with a line conditioner to have success, but it makes it all that much better. That's the thing about KVD, it doesn't discriminate between cheap, bad, good, or excellent lines - it simply makes them all better.

Never any issues here.