The_Natural

I was going to say, I want to see Raul's stash. I've seen the tub of Rapala's, but I don't think I've seen pics of the whole enchilada.

Without question you spend $100 on the rod and wait on the baits. I'd rather spend my $100 on a rod even if it meant I had to dig up my own worms to use the rest of the year! No kidding! Get yourself a Shimano Compre' or Daiwa Light and Tough if you can find one for $100. I think the '07 Avids are pretty much gone. I'm sure someone will recommend the Crucial or '08 Avid, but at $159 that puts him way over budget. If that happens I'll recommend the IMX . $99 or $119 is more like it...Falcon Lowrider would be another option.

*raises hand* I can tell! I have to agree with Roadwarrior...it's not a huge difference, but Loomis rods are for life; $50 is going to get you a new one regardless of how you break it for the rest of your natural life. Why not get a new $350 rod versus a $250 rod whenever you shut it in the car door or something? The sensitivity difference between the MBR GLX and MBR IMX is noticeable, as is the weight difference. It isn't substantial...but you can certainly tell when holding the rods side by side. The sensitivity difference between the BCR GLX and MBR IMX is more discernible...the BCR's are just incredible. Get just one BCR...I dare you!

+1. I do like my BCFR 894 for flippin' and pitchin'...I can get quite a bit more distance with that extra 5" versus a 7' rod. Get yourself an 894 Mossyback if you can't afford a GLX...assuming you are going with Loomis

I thought about that when I was watching a DVR'd episode of 'The Bass Pro's' with KVD fishing Falcon lake. He was killing the bass, but every cast with his 1/2oz spinnerbait made a very audible wheezing sound which didn't seem healthy at all. His casts weren't going any farther (if even as far) as I can throw with my Daiwas. His reels sounded like they were due for their mid-season trade-in . No way they were special in ANY way! I'm sure he has a storage shed full of new reels from Quantum ready to go, and I bet he changes them out twice a year.

Ok, so Burley's not known to sugar coat ;D

Man...these rods really are light weight. Sensitivity is what it is with an IM6 blank, but regardless...I hadn't handled one in years until tonight at the Garland BPS. They were really ahead of their time in terms of weight when they came out in the mid-90's. The handle is probably the most comfortable I have held. Am I going to trade my Loomis' in? NO! But I thought I would throw a bone to the Light and Tough guys...they seem stellar for $119. Just another option in the really tough middle rod market (glad I'm don't have to decide on a rod between $120 and $150!) I would consider a 6'6" LT for jerkbaits...nice action and feel.

I haven't purchased spools for my TD-Z's, but have for my Alphas (IZE' factory red spools). They made a difference...I noticed about an extra 10yds consistently on a 'good' cast. It doesn't change your reels characteristics really. I'm sure the Mg spools that are available for the TD-Z's would make a noticeable difference, but I'm so content with how well the ceramic hybrid spools cast that I just can't see spending the money. I'd probably rather add 90mm Bassart handles with cork knobs before I went with spools. Just my opinion...

I can't believe nobody mentioned the BPS XPS fluorocarbon being on sale. 14lb and under is $9.70 a spool for 200yds! I've got bulk spools of Berkley 100% in 12 and 15lb, but the XPS is stellar line, and I need some 8lb and 20lb. I'll probably pick up a thousand yards of each (less than $50 for a thousand yards!)

I dig it. I don't use Quantum, but I'm down with you sticking up for your brand. I own 90% Daiwa with a couple of Shimano's thrown in the mix, but it's all opinion. There are no facts on brand longevity other than anglers own experiences, and some have had great experiences with Quantum or Pfluegur.

I can't say just one size for worms, because the length and girth dictate my hook choice. I like a straight shank for t-rigged worms (not in grass), but I may opt for an EWG if I am fishing a thick bait like a GYCB 8" grub. I pretty much follow what KVD preaches in his book. T-rigged worms get straight shanks...C-rigged baits get offset round bends...tubes, creatures and other thick baits get EWG's. The order I placed the hook choice in ranges from the best hookup ratio (straight shank) to the least (EWG). I know a lot of guys just use the EWG for everything, but the straight shank and offset round bend have better hook angles (although they can't be used for every bait/situation). Still...I find myself using the EWG for most applications, because I fish a lot of grass and thick baits. I have a good hookup ratio, but nothing beats the straight shank for that sure-thing; roof-of-the-mouth puncture!

I don't fish plastics or jigs without hosing them with scent. I don't think it actually 'attracts' fish, but I do believe it can prevent sampling by masking unnatural odors and giving your plastic a familiar taste and/or texture. The scents I use are oil based and make your plastic bait slimy like a real worm, lizard, or frog, which I feel buys you an extra second or two. I buy whatever I can find on sale that comes in an aerosol. Aerosol sprays are the least messy, and the quickest to dispense.

Depends on the season. Right now in prespawn you won't catch me without a weightless lizard tied on...either a Zoom lizard in tomato or a Wave Worm lizard in red plum swirl. An Xrap is right there in black shad, as well as a 1/2oz white spinnerbait Red River Tackle with the fluorescent red kicker blade). I usually have a Lucky Craft Moonsault Cb (100 for ponds...200/250 for lakes) in Chartreuse Shad tied on as well. Everything else is just experimentation.

Yes, it appears you put them on ebay. They seem special to a couple of people, that's for sure

I selected the Pointer, but the X-rap has produced just as well for me to be honest. I generall throw the Slender Pointer, which has a similar action to the X-rap. If you own Pointers...you should add a few Slender Pointers to your arsenal. Especially if you fish waters with smallmouth present.

I think it is a good idea. The coffee doesn't attract fish, yet hides odors. Coffee is frequently packed around drugs to hide the smell. The coffee in the tubes will mask any unnatural odors.

I prefer Berkley Pro-Grade...2nd choice would be Bass Pro's XPS fluoro. Unfortunately for Gamma and Sunline, Tackle Tour took all the fluoro's through a battery of tests. It proved more expensive definitely doesn't mean better. If you fish Gamma or Sunline...you better keep fresh line on. Gamma has less abrasion resistance than Trilene XL, and Sunline's Shooter has equivalent abrasion resistance to Trilene's softest offering. Bass Pro's XPS clearly surpasses both lines in the tests, and is nearly 1/3 the price. Abrasion resistance....(Trilene XL represents '0'...lines below it are less abrasion resistant, and lines above it are more abrasion resistant) Knot strength...(Again, Trilene XL represents '0')

The 844 will launch a 3/8oz jig just fine, and you will appreciate the heavy power for setting the hook (especially in deep water). The 844 is the first Loomis I purchased, and one of my favorites. It is a supreme jig, c-rig, and plastics rod.

One of the best worms around. It doesn't get a lot of talk...but I catch fish every time I tie one on.

My uncle has several of them, and he fishes three different trails every year. He abused them all last summer and had a lot of praise for them. I own a couple of Daiwa Tierra's, and I am very impressed. Daiwa has raised the bar for lower priced spinning reals IMHO. The Exceler is the cheapest you can get into a Daiwa that has the Digigear technology, as well as the air-bail. The air-bail really is impressive...very innovative.

The Core's graphite paint does have metallic fleck in it, but it doesn't bling like that unless you hit it with a camera flash 8-)

I dig 'em...

Man...if you lived by me I have some 1500 grit sandpaper that would make that cork look knew. The 1500 doesn't take any cork off, and more importantly doesn't take out the cork filler like running a rag or toothbrush over it does.

I bought several 2-packs when BPS put them on sale for nearly half price. I wasn't impressed. They do stand up nicely as advertised, but get hung up significantly more than usual. For open water, i.e. rocky points...I think they work great. It just isn't as weedless as a normal jig. You can spend less on a Tungsten jig that won't hang up as much. Bobby is a good guy, but I have to keep it real.

I've got the Crappie...but haven't fished it yet. Here in Texas...the state record (18.18lbs) was caught by a crappie fisherman when he caught a crappie and a huge bass chased the fish as he reeled it to the surface. He dropped his shiner back down immediately and caught the bass...which ended up being the state record. I thought the Crappie Giron seemed appropriate for my new nest in Texas. I'll add that Jackal baits are just top notch in every respect...from construction quality, to hooks, to fish catching ability...excellent baits.