J Francho

You want to make sure its been clubbed to death. The meat is much better when you can taste the fear in it. ;D "Clubbed to death". . . don't you mean "tenderized". Seriously, Does anyone know of a "real" person who is in PETA? I often wonder if their media campaign is controlled by a small group of radical rich spoiled brats. I just hate that they prey on our children. LOL. Actually, back in the early 90's I played in a punk band, and the bass player was an animal rights activist. I believe he had associations with PETA. One of my best friends is a vegetarian for ethical reasons, and would more likely shoo a spider out the door than step on it. He has perspective though, and its a peorsonal choice, not a will he imposes on others. He and I have even gone out on fishing trips, though he doesn't actually fish. He gets it. He's told me that he's learned more about the ecology of local fishes and how anglers are the eyes and ears on the water that are quick to spot environmental issues. And oh, BTW, he IS a hypocrite: He draws the line at horse flies. that is one animal that "deserves to die." Direct quote from my tree huggin' buddy ;D

Sometimes I just can't wait to use it. I usually do tear it down and at least remove most of the excess grease that all manufacturers seem to use.

TD-A's are awesome, but if lefty is OK for you, grab that Fuego at that price. Great little reel.

You want to make sure its been clubbed to death. The meat is much better when you can taste the fear in it. ;D

I don't get the logic at all? What is a "stronger" presentation?

Actually, I had an old South Bend push button reel with the same handle. Pfuegers have used them too. The PT was not the first to use reversed threads in order to delete the handle nut. : I'm sure you like you Zebcos, my nine year old loves his 20 year old 33, but its no reason to go psycho .

I have a Prowler Big Game, and I love it. I can stand on mine no problem, but for a taller, heavier guy it might be an issue. Wind is as much an issue, as it is in any water craft. I have a small grappling anchor, and 5# mushroom, and two drift so0cks that I use. The size that you choose is really a function of where you fish, and your paddling ability, endurance. Take it easy, stick to small waters, and you'll be fine. I('ve taken mine 2 miles off shore in Lake Ontario, and encountered 3-4' rollers with no problems - just not the most comfortable to fish, LOL. Some pics of me:

Pretty much, though I think the D series came out before '08, maybe '06? And just to add, reels ending in "1" or left hand retrieve. E.g. A Curado 201D is a left handed reel.

I've had a couple of torqued sideplates (crank side) that put the crankshaft out of alignment, wearing out the roller bearing prematurely. I had a spinning reel roller bearing completely rust after less than one season. No reason for that - I'm nowhere near salt. Replacement was through defective return on the baitcasters for credit, and I fixed the spinning reel myself. I have an old IR3 Iron round baitcaster that's got to be at least 13 years old that is better than new. I'm sure anything from the PT series is worthy, but money spent on anything less has lead to disappointment. I've worked on a few others, and they just do not seem to "wear well." Oh, and other than the 2009 lineup, they are heavy. So are many other companies, but Quantum seriously lacks a small, lightweight finesse reel.

They pull that crap all the time. Its a diversion for some other cause they are fighting. At one point, they wanted to change the name of Fishkill, NY to Fishsave. LOL.

What are "barfish"? Is it a colloquialism for yellow perch?

That is remarkable. I assume you painted over the gelcoat. I wonder how that holds up?

If was taking his settlement $$$ and putting it to use, like providing wheelchairs or other equipment to disabled needy, or campaigning for better facilities, then I might let him slide. But the fact that he was "traveling abroad" and could not be reached for comment tells the story. That is a euphemism for "working vacation," meaning he having fun in Europe, looking for new places to sue. What a slug.

Palomar and Uni knot will be your two best knots with braid.

My results echo yours - the wacky jig rocked during prespawn. My best baits though, were the typical tube, with a wrinkle (PM me if interested) and DS with a 3" Gulp! minnow.

That is one serious kitty, Paul. My Siamese thinks he's bad.

Wood Choppers, Heddon Dying Flutter, Devil Horse and a few others I can't remember have all worked well for me.

I've literally caught hundreds of Lake O. smallies on 3" minnows ranging from dinks up to around 4 lbs. Its not the end all bait, but when they are on alewives, its killer. I haven't tried the craws, but I'll be sure to check out the new version of the 7" Power Worms.

Its nothing like UMF. Call your boater, and work out the arrangements BEFORE you get on the water.

I've run into a few coy-dogs while stream fishing. They usually take off before you see them. Once, I was getting the stink eye from a rutting white tail buck. I finally had to chuck a stick at him to get him to move since he was blocking my path on the trail back to the car. I occasionally run into weasels and feral mink. My biggest concern is running into nesting geese - they are by fay the most aggressive animals around here. I can't imagine running in to a nesting mute swan - that would be really bad.

Its defective. People, how can you spend your hard earned $$$ on a reel that you didn't verify was working properly in the store?

For largemouth, it doesn't matter to me whether its a competition or not, I live and die by the big ones. Similar to what Baron and LBH were saying, I think sometimes you nave to "fish through" the smaller fish. In fact, I've found you may have to fish through the smaller species. Many times, working a particular spot, first cast will be a Rockie, next one a small bass, then a few casts later with a slower bait gets bit by a larger fish. In a totally different realm, if I'm fishing deep clear water for smallmouth in summer, I will leave an area after four or five smaller fish in quick succession. I believe smallmouth "school up" in similar sizes, but the truly big fish seem to take up any prime real estate rather than wander.

I use marker on 1/2 the spool to give it a breakup, alternating pattern, in addition to marking the last 18" or so.

1. Spinnerbait 2. Texas Rig worm or creature 3. Jig 4. Spook or Sammy type topwater 5. Crankbait

Not sure what The_Natural is using, but I use 8# and 10#.