Billme

Shimano Crucial CRC-X610MH - my favorite rod especially paired with a Revo STX. It is my worm and creature pitching setup. Unfortunately it suddenly snapped yesterday, I was stunned because there was nothing extreme about the bend in the rod. I'm trying to ignore the fact it was Friday the 13th. Now I get to find out how well the warranty works. Wish me luck!

"i bought maui jim, the reason being when i was looking at oakley every single eye docter that was selling them would only say bad things about oakley's quality. i honestly never heard a single good thing about oakley for the entire 2 months that i researched sunglasses." I got the same info from my recent visit to the eye doctor. They said there are much better lenses available for the price of the Oakleys. They are all too pricey for me right now.

Man, you must be fishing the same waters I am! The closest I've come to establishing a pattern (so far) is placing a jig or spinner bait precisely under a floating or submerged piece of a tree or a lay down. They haven't chased anything yet. Water temp is still in the mid 50's.

I just went through this exercise. The best deal I found was using the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon. They carry Iwata. They bundle the airbrush in kits that include different accessories depending on the model. Also watch Harbor Freight, Michaels, and AC Moore for coupons each week. They all post their weekly coupons online and you can print those. I've managed to get all my paints and miscellaneous items at prices better than what I found online. Michaels had a good deal going last week with 40% off your entire purchase. I picked up 14 different colors of Createx paint. I'm painting one bait at a time so gravity feed allows quicker color changes.

You've been busy! They look good. I found some SK Red Eye Shad on clearance at a Walmart last week. I got all of them and plan to do the same thing.

If you have a Michaels craft store close by you could go online and get a 40% off coupon good for the entire purchase of artist paints. Createx paints are included as artist paints. I was in there yesterday and got some. If you miss this sale just check back because they have sales frequently.

Look good to me. I'd fish 'em!

Thanks all. I'll follow up with your suggestions. I was thinking of using it for a backup crankin' setup or if I could step up the ratio higher as a backup flipping setup. Depends on what I find. I just like the simplicity of the reel.

Just a quick question - where is this show in High Point?

Thanks Bear, that gives me something to start with.

I'm curious if anyone has changed the gearing on a older 5000? and if so is it cost effective? I believe I read somewhere that the gearing is 3.7/1. The reel is in good shape and I could probably find a use for it but would like to speed it up a little.

I got the best results using the stiffest rod I have so I can avoid flexing the rod tip. I found that if the lure went high I was doing it too hard/fast causing the rod to flex too much. Likewise if I got an 'overrun', I was forcing it. For me it's more of guiding the lure into a landing, not launching it.

I'm suffering from the same affliction. I believe BR is a front for the Bait Monkey

Went to the fishing expo in Raleigh this weekend and attended one of the seminars with David Fritts. He talked about how he uses a crankbait and said his favorite was the DT6. Even stated his favorite color was a cream body with a dark top. There was a vendor selling all Rapalas for $5 each but they didn't have the color combo that DF mentioned. I got some anyway, couldn't resist.

First off, thanks for such a great forum. I really appreciate all who contribute and are helping me up the learning curve. I've been a fair weather casual fisherman for years, usually ponds and the last few years more frequently kayak fishing on the Yadkin River. My tackle has always been minimal, plastic worms on ponds and spinnerbaits for the river. This year I was forced into early retirement, not necessarily a bad thing, so I've decided to get more involved in bass fishing. Bought a boat, more rods and reels and lots of tackle. I'm working hard to broaden my skills and I'm planning to fish year round. I'm enjoying the learning process, not getting discouraged, and look forward to catching more bass on purpose I live near Lake Thom-A-Lex and if anyone would care to share the secret to catching fish there I would be extremely grateful! Thanks again for the great "resource". Bill