chaosnut

Yes, The Sinking Rattlers are insane

Finally the Ice has melted, and I got a chance to try some of my new equipment. Rod: Kistler Built For me Custom 7' Action MH Reel: Steez 100HA Line: XPS 10# FC Lure: Berkley Frenzy Rattl'R Water Temp: d**n Cold maybe 34 Clarity: 16-24 inches Wind 10-15mph Overall Impressions: Rod: All I can say is... unreal... I mean like nothing I've ever owned. Especially being that it was made to my specifications, I can honestly say I will not go back to Bulk/Factory Rods Reel: was Like a dream come true also. I must say I've tried to nit pick it to death but it was complete ecstasy. I mean by far one of my best investments and defiantly in my top 3 reels I've ever owned. I know it's the fad to say it's the best I've ever owned, but it's not worthy of that title yet as I've only had it for a month or so and fished it just once. I can say though if this holds up and stays true to form over the long haul this will be the greatest I have ever owned. As of right now it's a complete joy every single cast. Distance has to be right there as one of the furthest caster I've used, and Smoothness is silky even for a Mag reel and 5.5 oz is just surreal. The Line: XPS FC seems to be really good Not quite as stiff as other FC I've seen and used (can be used on spinning), but definitely as strong. For the Price this seems to be a really good Line and since you can buy it in bulk 1200yds and it has a small diameter I would suggest trying some for yourself. The Lure: Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'R. I must say this was the biggest surprise of the day. After using Red-eyed Shad, Xcalibur 75's, and Rattle traps. The Frenzy just started knocking them out of the park. For the price ($1.99 at Scheels) they just can't be beat. I lost one to a snag about an hour into the outing but I just tied another one on and casted right back to the same spot. I guess at that price your kind of "Fearless Fishing" which could also be the reason while I started catching them. Whatever the reason was I would highly recommend you go pick up a handful of these. I went back to scheels this afternoon and bought 6 more ;D Anyways here are a couple pictures.

Here some pics for all who wanted to know what Rods I was going to put my Steez's on. I called Trey Kistler and Had him Custom Make me 3 to my spec, including Eye's, weight, Color, Balance, Grip, Action, and on and on.. Check these out: I can't thank Trey and Ryan enough. They have done great work and I'm so looking forward to tomorrow and taking them out I can't see straight.

Anyone have any experience or a favorite heavier Shallow Cranks? I was looking at that Spro Little John It looks like a really good bait. Have any of you tried that bait? On that note also, I really don't know of that many 3/8oz+ Shallow Cranks maybe someone could point me to a list of them or maybe we could make one

In Iowa, I'm in the same boat ... but any day now it will be gone. It's about as thin as paper. I called Trey Kistler and had him make me a few Custom Kistler Heliums. They should be here next week, I'll post pics when I get them. They're gonna be sweet..! and lite ;D

I can feel the Darkside start to flow through my veins as the FedEx Man Just left Oh My .... I'm Pumped!!!!

Is as good as yall say because the Rapala Fairy just dropped by and this is what she left.

what would you consider your weakest lure... Or maybe your most under used lure?

AH HA! Someone found it for me on a hunting site, here take a look I have seen work they have done. It is simply amazing Perchhill.com

I need 10 post first :'(

Are there any Alternatives to Mounts that you know of besides getting a Replica made? I know someone said before that you could take your digital pictures and submit them to a company that does Custom Artwork... anyone here of that before?

Do you have a Lure that you feel always brings luck no matter what? I mean a Lure where if it got snagged you would go in after it? If so what is that lure and why do you feel it's lucky?

Where or how do you guys store your rods at home? Any suggestions on a good rod rack?

no, no I didn't say Iowa Cubs I want to know if there are any bass clubs around here? I've been fishing since I could walk, and my Lifetime Fishing Partner (My Grandfather) died about 2 years ago and I haven't fished since. Most of the time it hurts my heart to think about going back on the water without him. I thought maybe this year I'd give it ago (after my wife talked me up all winter) Only problem is I actually don't really know anyone that fishes, little own has the full blown passion I have for tackle, fish, and overall obsession I have (had) for everything fishing. These last few months reading these forums and watching t.v has been good ( and Hard) for me. I know though he would want me to go back, but even now writing this I choke up. Basically I'm 29 live in Des Moines, Married with a beautiful little girl (hope to take her fishing soon) and wondered if there might be anyone out there who like to fish around here.

What is your favorite and why?