J Francho

I use an improved clinch with copoly, mono, and fluoro.

Clearly, addressing warranty issues with their customer service department is going to get better results than complaining on a fishing forum. Only they can make it right for you, not the internet. Meanwhile, I am more than surprised at how much I like my Assassin. Even put it on a very high end rod.

Toby at Daiwa has freebied parts to me before, but I used to do an order about once a month.

Borwns are more tolerable of warmer water, so you may have a decent shot at them, with what you describe.

We're aware. Glenn is just getting back from iCast. Sorry for the frustration.

I fish some skinny creek water - @clayton86 has been there. There's only a couple spots where I actually have to sing the arm up. Otherwise it's extremely useful scanning deep holes, some as deep as 15', for fish activity without cruising directly over the spot, potentially screwing it up. Some of those spots I wouldn't even be able to get to due to overhangs. It's also useful for locating hidden fallen timber in nondescript stretches.

I'll see you at the line twist thread.

As much as I HATE the term, SI is a game changer, when stepping up. Not to mention the DI piece that's overlooked. When you're on a spot, a quick sweep of it with DI side by side to regular sonar is very helpful. GPS is a must have for me, now. I do a bit of off shore fishing, so YMMV.

The only draw back is the requirement that the TD "see" to the sides. That usually means a deployment arm, and I don't see that as a draw back. I won't be without SI anymore. Do it.

Get what you mainly need. That's a Heavy Fast rod with heavy braid. You can also punch plastics, fish jigs, and even toss some smaller swimbaits with it. Later when you can afford it, and you feel like you're really missing out on deep cranking, get a MH/Moderate rod and a reel loaded with 10-12# fluoro/copoly/mono - you're choice.

I had a small one the other day, didn't think to snap a pic. I slapped the water on a roll cast. I have some friends I go fun fishing with. There's usually at least one "spool loosening incident" when the three of us get together, lol.

My Assassin has really impressed me. I've tried hard to break it.

There's more than a few that have either spammed our site or have asked to be removed.

Read the Forum Rules & FAQs

There's a ONE YEAR WARRANTY on these reel. Seems like a no-brainer to use it: http://www.eposeidon.com/return-exchange/

I mentioned it YEARS ago here, during a heated thread on which was better. I'll always contend that it depends your style and fishing and locations you fish. This appears to be the answer to all of that.

#3 Lulz!

I know nothing! I'll have to look it up. Got it, from their FAQ. Wayyyyyyy cool. I should pay better attention! https://www.minnkotamotors.com/Support/FAQs/FAQ-Details/Is-the-Ultrex-trolling-motor-a-cable-steer-driven-motor-like-the-Minn-Kota-Fortrex,-Maxxum-and-Edge-/

I would like to see a hybrid cable steer/power drive model. Working around docks sucks with a power drive. Staying on off shore structure sucks with a cable steer. Give me both!

Look at the back drop in James' picture! Wow!

http://www.hiyoooo.com/

Bassmaster Classic, anyone?

I'm not going to allow engagement in this negative crap. I don't even believe it to be real.

What unwanted intrusions? All I see are forum posts from people complaining that they can't get in. The show is for industry insiders. And where is being advertised? Again, from what I can tell, forums, like ours are promoting and sharing what is there, as are popular online retailers. What is also happening is retailers conducting business with manufacturers. It is a way to bring many makers together with many sellers, all at once. This can't happen in an environment where 10,000 Joe Fishermans are asking about the new 122.75 size Whopper Plopper.

Every industry has exclusive shows like iCast. I know around here there are three or four outdoor/sportsman/hunting/fishing shows through the winter that are open to the public.