CWB

What style did you get? Full, Hybrid, or Loose Ceramic Balls?

If they are missing the toad try a hollow body like Snagroof or Bronzeye. Are you using braid and possibly yanking it away from them too fast?

Wow! Either you love Shimano or you're a hater. I think they are both good reels. Pick each up, put it on a rod and see how they feel. You'll be the one using it. Now, BMW or Mercedes. ;D

I have a Rick Clunn model from BPS that I've grown very fond of. Rock solid reel.

Couldn't have said it better. I have used both and like both but if you can get the size Yo-Zuri you are looking for in 1/8 or 1/4 lb. spools, you can't beat that. I have all the line I need for the next few years. Now if only 100% flouro prices would start coming down...

If you can avoid it, its always better to leave the gears as they are because some are run in at the factory and if disassembled, might need it again. I have tried this when nothing else worked. I removed the handle from the reel, chucked a square key that it into where the handle goes and applied some heavy automotive grease to the gears. Hold the reel tight and run the drill. This will wear in the gears to eachother. Clean off as much grease as you can without removing the gears, re-lube and you should be O.K. I once read in an article that Toothpaste works well for wearing in gears but haven't tried it yet. Several pros used to do this.

I agree with BW. You might be referring to pitching which does require loose spool tension and a well trained thumb. I'm still trying to perfect it.

Have 2 and love them both. I will be very disappointed if they ever do away with the autocast trigger.

I've owned almost every brand of reel except Ardent and U.S.reels. (Too ugly) It's inevitable at one time or another you will get a reel that you think is no good. I've had a few myself. Sticking to the better known names from each brand will reduce the risk. Most problems can be traced to improper handling at the point of assembly. I always disassemble a new reel to make sure there is no crud or debris in the gears, spool assembly etc. Make sure reel is not over or under lubed. It's possible you will get a reel with a burr on the gear or some debris or excess grease by the spool that will hamper casting. Easy enough to rectify but shouldn't be necessary. I have had no problems with Quantum or Daiwa.

My cottage is on a crystal clear lake in northeastern Ill and I snorkel every chance I get. I even think I saw the Pequod casing me once with Ahab ready to throw a spear. :D

Being from the Windy city, I don't know any other way of fishing. It's not a matter of wind but how much. My boat is aluminum and if it's too windy it becomes a kite. Generally, fishing will be more productive on the windy side but trade offs are boat control and casting. Some days you just have to get out of the wind to avoid a constant beating. Who says fishing isn't work?

Saw the commercial and went to their site. IMO, no great bargains and not a very good selection.

Why is it "dumb" to give the kids one more game to play? Chances are they have travelled pretty far to get where they are and a consolation game is pretty common practice. Trophies are awarded for top four finishes.

I agree. Compared to the trouble that so many other athletes are getting themselves into, we should be praising T.O. And he will be playing next year. He's one of the best 10 receivers playing today, even if he has lost a step or two. Heck, just look at Manny Ramirez for a perfect example. Everyone in baseball hates him, but they love his batting production. That explains why so many teams went after Ramirez. A wise man once said, there is no I in team.

1) Who Cares. 2) Who Cares. He's been a cancer everywhere he's been so it is inevitable he'll end up on the Bears.

I would cut a 6" hole in the ice and use a jigging rapala, 1/8 oz., tipped with a couple of waxworms.

Coldwater, Are you sure it is illegal in ILL? Page 2 of the document below talks about "Bluegill as bait" and if I am reading this correctly, it is not illegal... http://www.dnr.state.il.us/fish/Digest/09Digest.pdf You're correct. I was going by what a DNR officer told me after he pulled up to my dock and asked how fishing was and if I had caught anything. He did mention use of sportfish as bait is illegal but didn't say anything about legally caught bluegill, Apparently, neither one of us was current on the regulations. Now I won't feel guilty about using them.

The Audiobahn looks like the air filter from a '64 Chevy lowrider out in east L.A. ;D

Did the shop give you a warranty? Also, if you paid with a credit card, most will get involved in solving a dispute. Contact them and explain the situation and the can withhold payment until resolved. Might be too late by now. I'm sure we've all been in this spot at least once. We all know how FB feels right now. Helpless.

I could go through my collection which spans about 40 years and come up with about 200 names but 2 that jump out at me are The Dead Kennedys and ChumbaWumba. (neither of which I own). Maybe obscure names get obscure bands noticed.

Great one. You can't be serious about coming here from Texas are you?

My wife wants to know why there is no clothes monkey but there is a bait monkey. I don't have a clue as to what to tell her. Guys?

Good old Virgil. One of TV's pioneers. Beetlespins, BassBuster Spinnerbaits.... Ah the memories. Am I that old?

Check your states fishing regulations. I think most states outlaw using sportfish as bait. I know it's illegal here in Ill. That being said there are times I catch a few runts and hook them right under the dorsal and suspend them a couple feet off the bottom under a decent size float. Toss it out, grab a beer and sit back and wait. Not alot of action but usually whatever grabs it will be big. I do this at night sometimes and have caught a few monster cats and a near record size bowfin.

I am going to think outside the box and say try throwing the Hawg Wobbler. Once you try this bait you'll be throwing it just to watch its enticing action. My dad caught his P.B LMB on this one night a few years back. http://www.muskyshop.com/modules/cart/products.php/nav_id/26/page/1/id/754/name/MouldysOriginalHawgWobbler You will probably want to replace hooks on this because like most Musky baits it comes with strong but crappy hooks.