J Francho

And, we're done here.

I think where Ike shines is in the education aspect. He writes simply, and from the heart. His seminars very informative, and he's a dynamic speaker. Nothing like the intense on the water Ike.

That pond might benefit from some harvest, or a food source that thrives better?

Sieberts are hand made, hand tied jigs. The prices are more than fair for a wire tied jig. His are the only jigs I use, and not because he's a forum sponsor. They're great jigs, and Mike is a super nice and helpful guy.

The last two look healthy and chubby, so the ponds must be doing well.

Thanks, Gotcha!

What do you mean partnered? I know of no partnership between them. All I've seen is that they are reselling Lew's.

The model # TALT3000-CXH is what you probably want for bass fishing. You don't need the deep spool, as 160 yds. of 8# line is more than enough.

I think the book is a good idea, especially being from a place where water freezes. Once you have basics of finesse down, you can get really creative with it.

If you like the reel form factor, then sure. Otherwise, I generally mix and match things. No single company has everything I want.

What KVD uses is of very little concern to me. What ever he uses, he’ll be well compensated for it.

I highly recommend a bent shaft spinnerbait. They’re weedless and made out of wire, so you don’t really need a leader. That and big topwatrrs are all I generally use for pike.

I've caught pike on everything from a whippy, light, cranking stick to XH muskie rods. Match the rod to the bait you're throwing. It's that simple. Here's an accident caught on medium light, moderate action rod. Daiwa Alphas reel, and 10# Invisx.

There's plenty of evidence in their portfolio. Cutting corners and reduced quality doesn't look to be their hallmark. In fact, their entire portfolio is more of a high end type product list. http://peakrockcapital.com/portfolio/

Wow, that's a pretty negative outlook. Have you personally seen that with any Lew's products? Because I haven't.

That due diligence would have happened long before the deal went down. I see no reason quality would go down. Lew's didn't suffer quality issue when acquired, so they obviously know what they're doing.

I've set up many people with spinning rigs like this for frogs. Mostly people that can't or won't learn how to use a baitcaster. Put a 4000 or 5000 series reel on it, 40# braid and go frogging, punch weeds with a jig - basically anything you'd use a MH to H casting rig for.

Lew's reels is a smaller part of Lew's Holdings (fishing and hunting gear), which is a smaller part of Peak Rock Capital. MidCap Financial financed the transaction. It's all in the article, folks! Many, many of brands we buy are part of very large firms. They also announced a change in leadership, which often happens. The parent company is able to provide C-level support, and guide the company through the transition, and moving forward. It all depends on the situation. Sometimes they're hands off, and sometimes they step in.

X2 on DVT!

Phht, it's always been that way. If you choose to dwell in it, then that's your choice. I worry about myself, not others.

Make sure your comfortable with the cast, and in tiny increments, loosen the spool tension. You can leave the brakes where they are. I actually use heavy brakes, and almost no spool tension. Keep training your thumb.

My experience is that moving baits are less likely to be bitten off, if you get a fast hookset in. Big topwater plugs seem okay, too. Toss a jig or Texas rig at them, bye-bye. It doesn't really matter what line you use, any with get bit off. It's always a risk. I like something like Cortland Toothy critter for leaders.

DSG and Field & Stream carry them. There's also their dealer locator on their website. You want glass.

Exactly. Study your friend's technique.

Touche