Low_Budget_Hooker

The rod you have is a good "all around" rod. They make "technique specific" gear these days but there is nothing wrong with getting it done on an "all purpose" rod. Upgrading and expanding your arsenal is just a way for you to enjoy the activity a little more but is in no way, necessary. The key thing to look for to know if you need more or better gear, is the size of your smile. Do you catch and enjoy it with the rod you have? If so, fantastic. It can only get better but doesn't HAVE to. See where I'm coming from? If you do decide to add to your toys, pfleumis has given some good advice

yes it did! thank you and sorry for the late reply. I put it on the same day I got it Robert, did you get a shirt? If not, you're going to be the odd man out in February!!

Believe me Mike, I'm extremely distressed over this one but it's out of my hands. My name is not on the list but I am still getting quite a bit of email with questions regarding the trip. Please refer to Alpster's site for all trip info, it's all in there Trust me, it's killing me. I am on vacation the week before, middle of winter here and I get to do absolutely nothing except realize that I will not be with the crew the week after, it will be a very depressing 2 weeks. So, on a positive note,....who do we think will be the high liner at the scales? Any guesses? I'm sticking with the sure bet....I've got 50 on Keri

x2!

Well I only have a 6hp I guess that makes me below average bass fisherman. Shoot, my freshwater boat doesn't even have a gas engine,....I must REALLY suck,lol

That's "gospel" right there. I thought I had a deal when I found this for $500 But I turned it into this B-Blvd- sorry we keep missing each other, I'm home all day today if you'd like to try again

Looks like a new boat Dave!!! Gravy- the carpet can be bought at Lowes. It's cheap and is applied with 3m 99 spray glue and stainless staples. Basic upholstery skills are required. Very easy.

Roger, the fish you are holding looks to be in "not the best" of health. Was she just in need of a good feeding or are all the bass showing signs of a low food supply?

Avid- Are you losing weight???? (or are the fish getting bigger?) (now you can see why I do so well with the ladies,lol)

You make married life seem much more appealing than my friends do!!! ;D JACKPOT!! Great fish!!

Great job as always Avid. I won't bust your chops about the weather because I actually feel bad for those of you that aren't looking at freshly fallen snow with the aroma of hot chocolate coming from the kitchen mixed with the robust smells of the wood stove. The grass is always greener so appreciate the grass you got!! (wait, that didn't sound right....lol) 8-) ps- Avid- many are awaiting your "Mook of the yr" speech in "everything else"

I copied this from my "2007---->2008" thread: Well, we have seen some considerable growth here this year. We see this every year but this yr seems to have given us quite a few very active newer members. With 2007 coming to a close, I just wanted to take a second to say "Thanks" to all the new folks for choosing BR. As the family grows, our connections and contacts Grow. We learn more and we make lots of new friends. So a general "Welcome Aboard" is in order. I look forward to meeting all the new family members that 2008 brings us but also look forward to seeing many of you 2007 guys becoming senior members. Thanks again for making BR your home

No doubt, they came out of the box hungry.

All due respect here because David is the 1 guy I won't argue certain things with, rods and reels to be more specific but....... Dave wrote: I'm not sure that a no questions asked replacement policy means anything more than that you're dealing with a rod that isn't very expensive to build, has had the price jacked up to include several free replacements, Is Loomis not the same?? I mean, I'm assuming if I pay $345 for a rack rod, I am paying for a lot of warranty. On top of it, I still have to give them $50 to get my "pre-figured in" replacement. or employs a design that makes the rod very durable at the cost of being far less efficient. If you mean "loses sensitivity" at the cost of being ultra durable, (i.e. Ugly Stik) I might suggest you cast one of these things (if you can stand to look at it,lol) you might be surprised As for durability, You were the one that said they haven't been proven yet. That data goes both ways. So far, I haven't heard of any snapping. In all fairness, addressing JWO, you reach a point where the quality will all be top notch (as far as a rack rod can be anyway) and it then becomes a better warranty that you are paying for. Loomis and Croix have been leaders in warranty for years (although my personal opinion is that these warranties aren't as great as most think and certainly not worth another $150-200 on the price tag.) Now, we have a dilemma. Companies like Kistler and E21 are producing some great feeling rods in the $150-200 range with the same , if not better (IMO via my experiences) customer service. I think a lot of the resentment towards these companies is now surfacing as their success grows. I also think that resentment should be aimed at the companies that have been getting over on the angler for the last 20 yrs instead of at the companies striving to make a difference. OK, fire away, open target here,lol

I honestly don't get the resentment this rod has brought out in quite a few folks. I've casted one, never caught with it but it felt fantastic. Do I like foam grips? Not really. will I ever own a rod that ugly? Definitely not But like flechero said, I'm one guy. If I bought stuff strictly on how it "feels", I think I would gladly pay $150 for what I felt when I casted Tin2wins. Is it time proven? Not yet. But that's the key,...not YET. I just don't get how someone, anyone, not singling anyone out here, can belittle a product without using it. Same goes for the other side, people raving about something they have zero experience with, just because their friend loves it. Just a lot of ridiculousness over nothing. I think there is a general "God forbid" attitude out there if a product and it's warranty can compete with Loomis and Croix but not carry the $345 price tag that evidently includes "confidence" in the sum total. Personally, I'll bring my own confidence and keep the other $195 in my pocket. But that's me,...Low Budget.

Man, I sure am gonna miss seeing you guys again. :'( Catch a fiver for me

x2 I want an outside investigation. Florida,.....again : ;D (Avid, where you from? ) Of course I'm kidding, .....If I have to lose, I'll do it with grace to an adversary of such magnitude and charm. 8-)

It was fixed.

Sad stuff Muddy. Condolences for your friends.

People used to say these things about us when we skied. Jumping off cliffs, etc,....it looks sick but is all a calculated risk. My point is the term "sport" which implies that people do these things in a competitive arena. This stuff is a "hobby", not a sport. Just as "commercial fishing" is career, not a sport.

Eric and I are looking at going tomorrow (Sun) Anyone?

Frozen in RI (for the most part) We will be there appx 2 weeks before ice out, constantly checking to see if we can make our way in yet. When we get in, we will head directly to the shallows and swim jig the cruising bass that take advantage of the 2-4 degree temp difference in that back shallow water. They move through in packs during the peak warming hours.

One option is to buy a "totalled" or "engineless" salt water cruiser. No need for an engine, if you want to "move" (to another marina), simply get a tow and set up shop at your new place.

And then what? Ask any wealthy person what they are lacking and it would be "quality time with the people I'm close to" Redline is in line it's not like you can't still have toys,....Hummers, spider's, Rangers....etc, it's just that you start to tailor your toy list to accommodate what is lacking. I drive a Jetta but am surrounded by some of the best people you could ever meet, most of them fish....I'm richer than most. There is no quality time better than time on the water with a buddy or your significant other IMO This is where I find my "inner peace" and Peace can't be purchased