islandbass

Unless the rules changed, you should be able to take it as a walk in and they might not even count it as a walk on. That is what I did on an international trip and my 2-piece rod was 8'6". A bass rod would be even more convenient. Just be sure to stow it AFTER everyone else does to ensure it is on top of everything. Just keep them bound. There won't be a need for a pvc tube.

Good for you. You might be wondering why you took so long. Normally I like to be different from the crowd too, but in this case, I use Shimano products because they work, and are a great value; not particularly to be in a posse. That is coincidental. I think you will also find that to be true of your new Shimano reel.

Sweet! Can't say I'm surprised. Thanks for the report.

They offer you flexibility in adjusting the braking characteristics for your reel. If you love/know physics, you'd already know why. If not, "heavier" brakes are going to provide more braking power. You may wish to refer to centrifugal force in physics for more information, because I am already getting a headache just thinking about it.

Thanks, Shooter. I like your sense of humor. Just posting up my final piece to this thread. Project Hammer Update 08-01-11 My daughter finally starts painting her hammer. She definitely has the artist’s touch. Project Hammer Update 08-05-11 The painting of the hammers is finished!!!! From left to right: Metallic Blue Octagonal Hammer with an octagonal cap and a silver handle (daughter’s hammer). Metallic Red Beveled (Semi-Traditional Thor) Hammer with a round cap and a Metallic Copper (to simulate a traditional dark wooden handle) finished with a black bottom. (son’s hammer) Metallic Silver (darkened with a touch of black) with a ninja star cap and a Metallic Copper handle. Just having some fun! This will be the last update to this project, as there will not be a need to post pictures of the hammers with the final clear coat. Thanks for joining us on this journey. It has been a great ride. Go Thor!!!! J -ib

Project Hammer Update 07-29-11 Despite having the hammers for the kids primed and ready to paint, they claim to be “too busy” with summer vacation activities to start painting. As a result, I decided to go ahead and make a hammer for me. I thought it would be neat for my hammer to be a combination of both of theirs. One side will be octagonal like my daughter’s hammer and the other side beveled like my son’s hammer. I also added a little twist to the beveled edge side by having that end rotated so that the rear diamond-shaped instead of being square. Things were going great until I drilled the hole for the handle. I trusted the level on my drill and it was completely off. Okay, I won’t blame the equipment. As you can see in the first photo, the initial hole started out well. After boring through to the other side, it is clear that I got off track. I am perplexed as to why the level on the drill didn’t help. I figured that the easiest course of action would be to drill a new hole and fashion plugs to cover the initial mistake. The plug labeled T is for the top. All of the plugs were inserted into the holes with glue. The next step is to sand off the high points of the plugs to make them flush with the hammer. At this time, I am trying to decide on a shape to make the cap. We already have in use a circle and an octagon. I seem to be leaning toward a cross or a kind of star. Project Hammer Update 07-30-11 Finally!!!! One of my kids has decided to take some time off their important summer vacation to start painting their hammer. The honor fell to my son. Here he is, about to get started. Got the first red paint coat on. He is really excited now! I shot a little video of him wielding it and he was having a blast with it. I just hope he doesn’t ask me to build him an Iron Man suit of armor. I wouldn’t know where to begin! Lol. I managed to get my hammer repaired and primed. I decided to go with a star, particularly a “ninja” type of star. Once again, I went to the Home Depot stir stick to make the ninja star or “shuriken” cap. View from the front. I need to find the right gray/stone/silver color now for my hammer. This project is really starting to get fun now that the cutting, shaping and priming are completed. I hope my daughter sees her brother’s progress as an incentive to start painting hers.

You don't know that half of it. The three times I neglected to being the leash, my son dropped his rod into the lake to never be seen again. 1) Superman Rod 2) Spiderman Rod 3) Batman Rod

Usually two hands for the overhand cast. Side arm and underhand pitches tend to be one-handed. What I notice if I lazily do a one-handed overhand cast, you will feel it more in the wrist and with heavier baits, could lead to fatigue faster. Goose, I can relate too, but it is more from my hands practically having no grip. I addressed this possibility of accidentally tossing the rod and reel instead of the lure, but moreso for my daughter when she was 6 and started using my 201BSF reel. The thought of her accidentally throwing her rig in the drink was too tough to bear so I devised a simple leash for her with these things. Surprisingly, the leash does not get in the way of casting if the leash is placed on the casting hand. Here it is in action, jigging for salmon in the salt.

Sorry to hear that. It was painful to read.

I'm with you on being forthright. It just sucks how one boob on the other side of the phone can tarnish a company's reputation, giving bs like that. When I was told by a Lamiglas rep that the excels were made with certified pro blanks, I was shocked and and pleasantly surprised. However, just to make sure, I called Lamiglas to confirm his claim. I asked point blank, and the operator start with, "Well..." I sensed a little wriggling and cut to the chase and said, well it either is made with a cert pro blank or it isn't and she said yes, it is. I thanked her and was blown away. A certified pro blank, made in the USA for $100 give or take a few? That is an incredible deal. I am inclined to believe that they are getting at the $100 mark by using a lesser guide. Certs sport alconite guides the last time I checked.

That sucks to hear how their customer service treated you. I will say that my treatment has been the exact opposite. They followed my note to the T and called me like I requested. I broke my rod by accident and told them that I already bought a new one to replace it and if I could get a replacement of a different model. Got the call while I was playing golf. They said that I could pick any rod and she really meant ANY rod for just $75.00. That threw me for a curve and my memory went blank as one who should have been able to recite by will many of their rods. I could have gotten an XMG rod, but like I said, I blanked out and chose the Drop Shot special. Their program is fair. I am not associated with them in any way, but I am sorry that your treatment was less than satisfactory.

It is okay for now, until you outgrow it, and you will. Come on back here when you do. You will learn that hidden somewhere deep in the recesses of your mind, a bait monkey resides, but is currently dormant; not for long!

First, let me say welcome! You have arrived at a very interesting conclusion to only use jigs. While jigs catch large bass, there will be days they, largies or smallies, might be willing to take that offering.

If you ask me, you ought to be happy for him. *** eats you from the inside. Not a good place to be.

As you gain experience, you will come to learn which lures, types and colors work best for your waters if you are observant enough. I too am a shorebound angler and can fit everything I need (because I know they are the most effective) in a small BASS bag. The rest in unnecessary fluff. Also, I keep different "Sets" so I can change up on the fly and bring only what I think will work for that outing. Same bag, just different groups of things. Keeping it simple for the shorebound will help from keeping your load from being cumbersome. I also like to carry 2-3 rods and you can devise a contraption that will enable you to not only carry them in one hand but also keep them off the ground.

Yeah, he sure is. His demeanor on the phone was very pleasant and although his comments about the graphite were a bit beyond my noggin's comprehension, you could tell he really knew his stuff. When I do get into rod building someday, I will definitely make one from an NFC blank.

I'm not surprised. Thanks, BM!

Thanks! Which model of Croix rods? Sorry to be so inquisitive. I actually spoke to the man himself when I found the number to NFC. I was expecting and answering machine it is was GL himself. I felt like I was talking to a rock star.

Nice! Any comments on is sensitivity relative to other rods you've fished?

If you are as new as you say, I would highly recommend removing the 20# braid and switching to cheap mono of 10 through 14# test. The thin diameter of 20# braid is not conducive to a novice's learning. Also use at least a 1/2 oz weight to practice with. Unfortunately, I am not familiar that reel but based on a description I read online, this puppy has magnetic brakes and I am not familiar the magnetic brakes so I couldn't help you there. Generally speaking, a great starting point with your lure tied on is the have the lure fall (hold the rod at about a 45 degree angler) at a rate that when it hits the ground that it doesn't cause a bird's nest. You can make finer adjustments from there.

It will definitely work, provided the reel seat can accommodate the reel, if you mean spincasting (think zebco) and not spinning. Now if the rod is a spinning rod, it will definitely NOT be ideal, but I have seen it done.

I bet if you left if in your backyard, a couple of birds would move in. We've all been there. As a bank angler, I can definitely relate.

Marty, Those look incredible. Where did you get the clones?

I use them. As mentioned they are superunderrated outside the west coast. You won't be disappointed with the Certified Pro or Excel lines.

I have been eyeing this rod for a while, but I when it comes down to it, I really don't "need" any thing new. http://www.***.com/Damiki_Angel_EX_Casting_Rods_2_Piece/descpage-DEXC.html It is one awesome looking series of rods. The only you'd need to do is call TW and ask if either is a MH. JDM looks at a USA price is going to be tough to beat. Oops! I just realized that it's not 7'. There is also cabela's mag touch series about about $100.00 I can vouch for this rod as a very good deal. I have the 2-piece medium power rod, and I am very pleased with it. It has caught, LMB, SMB, Rainbow Trout, and even Pink Salmon. Refer to model #MGTC703-2 I have the MGTC702-2. It probably stands for 7' length. 3=MH power, and the -2 probably means 2-piece http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fishing-Rods/Casting-Rods|/pc/104793480/c/104764680/sc/104823180/Cabelas-MagTouch174-Casting-Rods/703551.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-fishing-rods-casting-rods%2F_%2FN-1102351%2FNo-48%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104823180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104764680%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNP&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104764680%3Bcat104823180 I realize both are less than your Max budget, but I have searched down this road myself and the options as you probably know are pretty slim.