DeBassin619

I have an opportunity to purchase one of these reels used, and I wanted to know what you guys think of them.

There have been a lot of good replies, but I'll give my stance. The question is.. what's more important? not are both are Important?!! I think we all agree that if we could choose to have $150+ reel and a $150+ rod.. we would opt do that. I think most would agree that most of the time you get what you pay for. There are exceptions such as garage sales, clearance items, ebay etc. There are also rod and reel manufactures that do happen to pump out a quality retail product of around $100 dollars when it should be given a $150-200 price tag. But it's hard to determine those in our overly marketed world. If you ask me which I'd rather fish with it's a $150 plus reel.. I do like the feel and drag setups on those machines BUT My vote goes for the ROD as the MOST IMPORTANT. many people have listed problems associated with cheap reels such as Drag, Birds nest and casting distances. The drag is perfectically understandable. There is not much you can do with cheap hardware, but to lube, oil, and clean those parts. But the other two (Birds nests, casting distances) can be improved on by using line conditioner, spooling the line correctly, knowing how to properly adjust the casting control, drag, and tension knobs, using quality line and using a longer rod. a quality Rod is what gives you the feeling if there is a fish on the line, the power to get the fish in the boat and the comfort of being able to cast all day without paying for it in the long run. The main thing is being able to spot a good deal when you see one and know what all those features listed for each the rod and reel translates into what you get out of it in a fishing situation.

really, maybe I'll have to try those rebels. I've always had good luck with the shallow running crawdad ones. Anyways, I am specifically looking for information regarding these Cotton Cordell Bananza baits: Though, thanks for the tip. These are jerkbaits, but they also have crankbaits.

I take it that you have fished these baits?

These are not apart of the BIG O line. I think these are 1.97 retail cranks.. I think they are made my two companies, but I could be wrong. I know Cotton Cordell makes quality crankbaits such as the wally diver and the BIG O for example, but I don't think these particular cranks/jerkbaits are in the same class as those lines of bait that sell for $4 - $7 retail. That is why I am asking people if they have fished these particular 'Cotton Cordell Bonanza baits'..

Yeah, I was hoping to know how the deeper cranks/jerkbaits worked too. Though, thanks for your reply.

I was wondering if anybody has used these Cotton Cordell cranks/Jerks? My walmart currently has these CC cranks and jerkbaits for $1.97. I believe they say 'Bait Bonanza' at the bottom of the packaging. IF you have, I was wondering are they any good? I know cotton cordell makes some really good baits, but I didn't know how good this line of cheapies are. So, what are your experiences with these and better yet, have any of you used these for walleye fishing?

X2..... I think it's always nice to have some less expensive combos around. For one, if they break theres not much heartache and two, they can be used as "loner rods". Sure, some of the higher end models can feel great and work well mechanically but the question that needs to be asked is: How much better of a fisherman do they really make someone? I'd rather make an investment in baits (bulk) than rods. Regardless, I think people should have a mixed assortment of each. I'd tell someone starting out to save up for 3-5 higher end models in each of the gear ratios and actions needed for each presentation. Which, would be about two quality bait casting combos and two spinning. I think helping someone match the correct action,ratio, to the presentation they usually fish, is more important than anything. Of course, If money wasn't an issue, I'd most often opt out for more of the higher end stuff.

Yeah but that so key in becoming what you want to be or want to accomplish in life. You have to realize you haven't arrived yet and that motivates you to want to keep learning and becoming better at what you do. Here's a good link that may help you with understanding water clarity (sunny vs cloudy) more. http://www.freebassl...rityAndBass.htm

^^It's better to let only him be the one concerned with that. I actually enjoyed some of the episodes. He seems very light-hearted and charismatic. But I can see how some would get tired of his show after awhile.

Hey all, I was wondering: what's the most durable craw plastic out there on the market? Anyone have any idea or other suggestions? Even though, both netbait's paca chunk (craw) and Rage tail's Craw have served me well, they aren't very durable. I'm just looking for another alternative craw plastic to try out.

Learn to fish a Football Headed Jig or a C-rig. It would work great for the quarry. Learning to fish a jig will definetly get you out of your comfort zone. Actually, any deep water presentation will.

It could be the size. Try a smaller size.

At what depth were they at? You could throw anything from a Pop R to a fluke. You could also try a fluttering spoon or a shad like swimbait.

Also, make sure your throwing it at the right time of day. When are you throwing it? I find mornings and especially evenings are the way to go. It could be very possible you are throwing it in an area that is not holding any fish or there just inactive.