MN Bass Man

I've never tried the Vicious, but I've tried a few others. The one I've found that I really like is Triple Fish. Works just fine for me, being treated with KVD Line and Lure. And it's relatively inexpensive compared to some others. I haven't found a reason to give it up, except to continue to experiment with some other brands.

I have to agree with Burley that 7'6" is too long for a shore rod. I do quite a bit of bank fishing, and I find a 7' rod even becomes a bit clumsy at times.

I think you might be thinking of Yum's Money Hound.... http://www.lurenet.com/productdetail.aspx?id=ymh3934

In doing a little more research, I discovered that Dean Rojas claims to have had a hand in designing the rods. He was also recently sponsored by Gander Mountain. Apparently the X-Factor name will be on many of Ganders house products, including clothing. Story here: http://www.basszone.com/2010zlines/rojas1.htm

I'm in the market for a left handed LP bait caster in a 5.x:1 ratio. I looked at the selection on your site and saw nothing. However, that's not surprising as almost no manufacturer offers that, aside from Abu, that I've found so far. Is there anything being developed that would meet that need for us lefties out there?

Same for me. Right around noon, on a VERY hot and sunny day. Caught on a shady part of the lake out of some pads.

Swimbaits, jigs, Carolina rig, flipping, swim jigs....

Yeah, I thought it was like the Code also. With the flipping switch, and where it says burner, it uses the same graphic. I wonder about the rods though.

Any idea who is producing these for Gander? I had a chance to hold a few in the store today, and was impressed. They're attractive, light, good components. Would have considered trying one, but the didn't have the model I'm in the market for. They also have the X-Factor branding on a few reels and also some soft plastics, which say they're made by Big Bite Baits.

I would bet that if you have a WalMart, you'll find Pinnacle products.

I believe that BPS is a major part of the Mall of America expansion that has been on again-off again for the past few years. I think I may have heard a rumor that it may be back on. I hope so, I can't wait. Cabela's is only an hour west from me, but it would be nice to have that other option an hour north from me.

I found this guide to choosing line at another site, and am wondering if anybody had anything to add, or anything you would change. http://www../articles/fishing-line-guide/ To the mods: I know linking to other sites is typically frowned upon, but I have not seen anything this clear and concise on this site, which I think would be a great addition. Maybe we could use the info gathered from this post to create something similar with input from the members. Never mind, it's been filtered. Please delete post.

I've got a Falcon Cara, and a St. Croix spinning I got for christmas that I haven't fished yet. If you'd like to send me one each of the others, I'd be happy to give you my thoughts.

Both Walmarts in Rochester have recently remodeled, effectively reducing the overall sporting goods section by more than half, in order to expand their electronics selection. I'm sure it's a companywide decision, and if yours hasn't been remodeled yet, it will be. I'm not too bothered by it, I'd rather go to Fleet Farm anyway. Probably the best prices in town, better than Dicks or Gander Mountain anyway. And Cabela's is over an hour away so I keep those trips for things I can't get in town.

After seeing another thread that my favorite pro, Mike Iaconelli had posted, I got to wonder how many other pros use the board. I don't think I've seen any other Elite or FLW pros post here before. It would be nice to interact with them, kind of a question/answer thing about their career, pleasure fishing, new techniques and equipment they're hearing about. I know with their hectic schedules it might be rare, but it would be nice from time to time.