Revo_Carrot Stix

You should frame this and put it in the Flea Market...my wife just 'sighed' as she walked by...she should be thankful if you ask me. LOL! Great pic, man!

Welcome from cold and slushy Olathe, KS!!

I appreciated everyone's recommendations and helpful comments this has helped me tremendously! You cannot beat BR members and their willingness to help fellow anglers. Thanks again!!

Man...you are fast!!! I just got that.

I've had insane luck on the ChatterFrogs (which stay up on the water column) and decent luck with Chatterbaits and SK Poisons. I like to use Chatter-style-baits in stained-murky water when I would normally use a spinnerbait. I always have a few chart or bluegill colors in my box.

I will be traveling for business this summer and thought I'd spend time on the water vs. hotel room on weekends. I've narrowed my choices down to Flambeau's Pro Rod case or Plano's Jumbo Airliner rod case. One doesn't stand out from the other. Reviews from Amazon, Gander, and BPS are somewhat mixed. Would like to know if any BR members own one or could recommend something different? Most my rods are 6'6"+ and 1-piece. thanks in advance!

IMHO, the Xmas sales were better (ie RC Lucky Crafts were $9.99, same rods are on sale again). They use to extend the Buy 2 Get 1 Free with lures and soft plastics...not anymore - just 20% off which is NOTHING special. One Shot Deals to get $30-50 reels = zzzzzzzzzzz.

I had a chance to talk to Edwin Evers last month at BPS and he was shocked at this year's prices and promotions. He said somebody today can walk in and get a better deal on Z9 in 2010 then he got last year on his, including the 2-yr discounts and bonues points/cash. Boat manufacturers and motor companies are hurting big time. I would definitely check out some local dealers (and possibly manufacturers - Ranger) to see what they can do for you. Good luck and let us know!!

Bought 2 today Muddy Shiner and Herring. The store had them for $9.99 and I had them price match their web price at $6.99 which went back up today. Since I have about 5" ice, I can only compare them physically to BBZ-1. Details are pretty close to the same. Cabela's has a rounder (width) body. Everything else looks pretty close!! Can't wait to try 'em out now!

Awesome Goose! Sure does sound CLOSE to the BBZ's action. When you stop the retrieve, does it look back? That's when I've had some BIG strikes on the BBZ. Thanks for the review man! I will pick up a couple when I go to Cabela's - YOU CAN'T BEAT THE PRICE!!!

I had the same experiences with BPS warranties; HOWEVER, the last 5 rods I've purchased I've also bought the Gear Guard Protection. I've returned two rods since - one KVD rod (which broke in half on a 6# Larry hookset - still landed him though) and one RC sig series which I just didn't like. No questions asked and I was done in 2 minutes. I returned both rods within a couple weeks of purchasing them. BPS didn't make me call the 1-800 Gear Guard Warranty folks which was nice.

Nice!! The Rage Tails and Jitterbugs would have cost you $50 alone. Nice assortment of Normans and Bombers!!! You can't beat that!!!

Lucky you! Deeper LM/SM Bass: I would start with drop shotting and jigging a spoon (or a jig for that matter). I've heard Gulp leeches are deadly in your neck of the woods on drop shots. Good luck!

Since when does Wal-mart and grammar go together? It's been changed...

I'm going to stop by Cabela's tomorrow for some of their sales, and ran across this: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat603343-cat603338&id=0074862124802a&navCount=6&podId=0074862&parentId=cat603338&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true Online, this looks pretty close to Spro's BBZ-1 @ 1/3 of the price?!? Anyone seen or use these? I will get my hands on these tomorrow and check them out. If they are not 'junk' i'll get a couple...

Gentlemen Thanks for the information! I appreciate it...now where's the Bait Monkey?!?

I have/had Bionic Blade, Carbonlite, and Rick Clunn series rods. I got the BB on sale for $49.99 (reg. 79.99) and it has to be the best rod for $50 out there. I just got the Carbonlite (matched with JM Spinning reel), but haven't used it yet this year. I wasn't happy with RC 6'6" MF Worm/Drop Shot casting model - could not cast worth a darn, didn't like the action, and returned it the following week. I'm gunshy about "signature series" rods that are technique specific because IMHO, we all fish techniques differently. I'm not ashamed to say that Rick Clunn and I don't fish our worms/drop shots the same way. I have bought some BPS UL rods (for Crappie) and they have worked well - even when I "accidently" catch a bass on 'em.

No. He mentions in Bass Pro's Series DVD (in season 1 or 2??) that he uses 5.4:1 gear ratio crankin' because he tends to want to fish fast and the reel makes him slow down.

Most brick and mortar stores will refer you to the manufacturer for any warranties anyway. At this price level, you should not have any problems buying it new. I've always taken my reels to a local guy for repairs which is usually reasonable versus shipping and waiting on the manufacturer. As far as eBay goes, if you're worried - just make sure the seller is an authorized Abu Garcia dealer which usually means you'll pay a little more too. I bought a new Premier for $135 on eBay - perfect w/ no problems. The seller bought a lot of rods and reels from a tackle shop going out of business (I assume at cost) and he wanted to quickly turn a 20% profit. But I'm sure there are some bad stories out there too.

I have 09 Premier and SX and don't have a problem with either. GREAT REELS!!!

pg 84 in Bps catalog is the 2010 model which has the "bent handle" and the copper-looking cap inside the handle. Compare the handles to the link you posted.

I have not ordered from this site. They are getting rid of their 2009 models. 2010 models have externally adjustable Infini Brake dual system, bent handle and drag star. I wouldn't call this a "great" price, especially for 09's now. You could probably do better on eBay or BR Flea Market if you have the patience.

Also, if you fish docks, you NEED this lure!!!!!

As I'm anxiously awaiting the details for the BPS Classic sales and event, the monkey sent me Cabela's doorbuster flyer for next weekend. I doubt the Mrs. will want to go next Sat/Sun. Here are some highlights if you're interested: Cabela's Prodigy Rods: $99.99 on sale $49.99 Cabela's Tourney Trail Rod IM7: Buy One, Get One Free $59.99 Quantum Catalyst BC: $149.99 on sale $99.99 Assorted Storm Hardbaits and YUM plastics - $1.99 Jigs (stanley, sk, war eagle, lunker lure,terminator) - 25% off Rapala DT14 and 16 - $2.99 It's beginning to look a lot like Spring boys!!!

Knot Wars: Scroll down to Round 10 - Leader vs Surgeon http://www.fishingclub.com/ExtraContent/ExtraContentDetail.aspx?id=132344