Dwight Hottle

This is one fat smallie!

The measurement from butt end to the trigger measures 11.5". I like a longer handle so it tucks under by forearm when I need more leverage.

You guys did good.

Here is the lake erie forecast. All that wind will dirty up the water. Check the forecast for st clair & then decide. Expires:201510140230;;846977 FZUS61 KCLE 131951 GLFLE OPEN LAKE FORECAST FOR LAKE ERIE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CLEVELAND OH 351 PM EDT TUE OCT 13 2015 FOR WATERS BEYOND FIVE NAUTICAL MILES OF SHORE ON LAKE ERIE .SYNOPSIS...LOW PRESSURE 29.10 INCHES WILL MOVE OVER EASTERN CANADA TONIGHT. HIGH PRESSURE 30.10 INCHES WILL MOVE EASTWARD NEAR THE OHIO RIVER VALLEY WEDNESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT AS ANOTHER TROUGH AVERAGING 29.90 INCHES PASSES ACROSS SOUTHERN ONTARIO. A STRONGER COLD FRONT WILL CROSS LAKE ERIE FRIDAY MORNING. LEZ061-165>169-140230- LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO BUFFALO NY- LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM VERMILION TO AVON POINT- LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM AVON POINT TO WILLOWICK- LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM WILLOWICK TO GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE- LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE TO CONNEAUT- LAKE ERIE OPEN WATERS FROM CONNEAUT OH TO RIPLEY NY- 351 PM EDT TUE OCT 13 2015 .TONIGHT...WEST WINDS 15 TO 25 KNOTS BECOMING NORTHWEST. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS THROUGH EARLY EVENING...THEN A CHANCE OF SHOWERS FROM LATE EVENING ON. WAVES 5 TO 8 FEET SUBSIDING TO 4 TO 6 FEET. .WEDNESDAY...NORTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS BECOMING WEST. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN THE MORNING. WAVES 3 TO 5 FEET SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 4 FEET. .WEDNESDAY NIGHT...WEST WINDS 10 TO 20 KNOTS. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN THE EVENING. WAVES 2 TO 4 FEET SUBSIDING TO 1 TO 3 FEET. .THURSDAY...WEST WINDS 10 TO 20 KNOTS INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KNOTS. WAVES 2 TO 4 FEET BUILDING TO 5 TO 7 FEET. .THURSDAY NIGHT...WEST WINDS 15 TO 25 KNOTS DIMINISHING TO 10 TO 20 KNOTS. SHOWERS LIKELY. WAVES 5 TO 7 FEET SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 4 FEET. .FRIDAY...NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 20 KNOTS INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KNOTS. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS. WAVES 2 TO 4 FEET BUILDING TO 4 TO 6 FEET. .SATURDAY...NORTH WINDS 15 TO 25 KNOTS BECOMING NORTHWEST 10 TO 20 KNOTS. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS. WAVES 4 TO 6 FEET SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 4 FEET. .SUNDAY...WEST WINDS 5 TO 15 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTHWEST. WAVES 2 TO 4 FEET SUBSIDING TO 1 TO 3 FEET.

It balances right at the reel seat.

Good article Glenn.

Well the last bass is a lot bigger than the first. Congrats on your new PB.

Your uncle has taught you well.

Scott don't be too hard on yourself. You best my deadline by three weeks & StCroix threw us a big curve with the delayed blank delivery because of production delays.

The St Croix legend deal is a no brainer. Second consideration is the kistler helium 3.

Hey Joe. I am a dyed in the wool shimano guy but I have five different certate models. You can not buy a better spinning reel for the money. The certate is a poor mans Stella st basically half the price. Buy JDM at the current yen versus dollar prices. I own three different stradic models for the record.

With friends like that one I would hate to see your what your enemies do to your gear.

I might have to tie a rope to it & the boat. The last one was stolen by a fish not dropped in the drink.

Yes first Exscence DC for me. It's replacing a calais dc for a lot less money. Hopefully I will really like it.

New combo to replace a lost rod & reel. Custom St Croix 5C74HF-B expertly done by board member Scott Hovanec and a new Shimano Exsence DC.

Call Trey & see what he can do for you.

I noticed a barbie reef runner 2nd from the bottom on the left. That is a killer bait once you get them tuned because they hunt.

Well guys anyone considering a custom built rod should talk to Scott. I asked him to use his own desecration on the reel handle design. My only input was that I like burled cork so that handle looked different than a plain cork factory build. Boy did he ever come up with a one of a kind handle design. The blank I chose because I had a St Croix legend elite previously & like the heavy power blank for fishing in Florida with straight baid in the vegetation. I new what guides I wanted but Scott fine tuned my selection to best serve the straight braid in dirty water. His guide placement for sprial wrapping was very well thought out. The fit & finish is flawless. The rod balances perfect right under the reel foot. The guide wraps blend perfectly with the reel & blank. I'm a happy man. Thanks Scott.

Don't forget the reel & cover, sir.

Can't wait to see it in person.

Another bucket list fish checked off. WTG Steve! Beautiful fish & a beautiful rod.

Good.

White

Sweet. Looks like you built it for some guy named Dwight. Couldn't read the last name. Lucky fellow.

Sounds like a really great trip.