Stasher1

The Triumph uses the same blank as the Premier and the Mojo. Now ask yourself, is the BPS MicroLite comparable to either of those models?

Better warranty on the Triumph, better guides, nicer cork, and the ability to trade up to a better St. Croix rod in the future, if you choose to. Seems like a pretty simple decision to me. If you're planning on driving to the store to pick it up, call first. Not all of the BPS stores stock the Triumph.

IMO, the "bionic hookset" has more potential to cause long-term damage than improperly holding a fish for a photo. I can't tell you how many fish I've caught that have enormous holes in their mouths, broken jaws, lips hanging off, etc. I caught one on Kentucky Lake a few months ago that had most of his jaw ripped off. It was only attached on one side, and was basically just hanging there. There was no way it would heal properly. It didn't appear to be effecting his appetite, but I'd be surprised if he survived.

I'd do it in a heartbeat, as long as I could bring this little guy with me...

I'd do it in a heartbeat, as long as I could bring this little guy with me...

I'd do it in a heartbeat, as long as I could bring this little guy with me...

Sounds like a fun prank to pull on a buddy. Dump the little vial of crabs on the seat of his truck and see how he explains his case of "tiny livestock" to his wife. There's no way she'd believe it was a prank. ;D ;D ;D

I prefer the Avid's grip over the Crucial, but everybody's hands are different. Avids are also a bit under-rated compared to the Crucials. Meaning, a med. Avid is somewhere between a med. and a med/hvy Crucial. In regards to their sensitivity, I don't think there's a nickel's worth of difference between the two.

x2 I'd be willing to give the new Sufix line a shot, but only in the neon lime green, and only if I could get it at a decent price. If not, I'll just stick with my yellow PowerPro.

Bah, not impressed. Looked like a 30 minute Lake Fork Tackle commercial. IIRC, they're one of the show's sponsors.

Sounds like a very logical decision to me. All you have to do is scan the popular fishing forums and you'll see a ton of questions about $100 rods and reels. With the currecnt state of the economy, I would imagine the $150+ rods/reels just aren't selling like they were a few years ago.

If you do a search for "$100" in the "Fishing Rods, Reels, Line, Leaders, and Knots" forum (by subject only), you'll not only find a list of just about every rod/reel in that price range, you'll also get actual user reviews for the products listed. The search function typically works well for those who use it.

Personally, I'd pick up a few Plano boxes and remove some of the lures you don't use very often from your primary tackle box.

Personally, I'm more comfortable with rods in the 6'8" to 6'10" range regardless of the technique. They just feel "right" to me.

At the high end of your budget you ougtht to be able to pick up a St. Croix Avid (spinning or casting) and either a Pflueger Arbor spinning reel or a BPS Pro Qualifier baitcast reel (if you wait for a sale). Neither reel would be my first choice, but I feel that the rod is far more important than the reel.

;D ;D ;D

x2 There's definitely something to be said for vehicles (and equipment) that you can use without worrying about what they'd cost to replace, or whether they'll still be there when you get back to the boat ramp/launch. My commuter (back when I actually worked for a living)... and my previous commuter, on the way to the river.

I find that I rarely have to adjust the drag while I'm fishing. I don't believe a "fighting drag" would improve my fishing experience in any way.

Yawn. Way to continue an argument that was already closed. :

It's my understanding that the drag washers are typically larger on a front-drag reel.

How are you planning in using it? Is it to carry a bunch of tackle boxes, sunscreen, lunch, drinks, etc while you fish from the bank, or are you looking for a way to carry your boxes to and from the boat? I can't help you with the first type, but if all you need is something to carry your boxes, these work pretty well and the price is right... http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops®-Utility-Box-Carriers/product/59192/-1109204

Yup, yup, and yup. I'll pass, thank you.

Sometimes it's just a matter of being at the right place at the right time. When the local Target stores stopped selling fishing gear, I bought all of the Rapala and Storm cranks from three stores for $0.74 (Storm) and $1.24 (Rapala) each. I also bought dozens of Strike King, Mann's, War Eagle, and Stanley spinnerbaits for $1 each, and a bunch of Rat-L-Traps for the same price. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Keep your eyes open, and you'll find some good deals...but you have to get there before I do.

I like their blade design, but the last couple I bought had crappy, sparse skirts and rusty split rings holding the blades on. If that's the best they can do, maybe they ought to close up shop. There's too much competition in the spinnerbait market to bother with spinnerbaits that I have to rebuild as soon as I remove them from the package.