Rich Tehan

Shimano Scorpion 1001 Does anyone know where I can buy this reel? and for how much?

It doesn't seem to me like it would have a good hookup ratio. A spro bronzeye seems to catch fish as good as any rat, although fish probly see a ton of bronzeyes now.

are they hollow?

Go with a spinning for now, and you definitely don't need to spend $250 for a nice spinning combo. Put some of that money toward line, baits and tackle, or perhaps a second rod. Here are some combos at BassPro that are in the 100-125 price range: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SportingGoods?RequestAction=advisor&RequestData=CA_AttributeSelected&UseSheet=&ResultsPerPage=25&CatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FFreshwater%2BFishing%252F%252F%252F%252FRod%2B%2526%2BReel%2BCombos&OrigCatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FFreshwater%2BFishing%252F%252F%252F%252FRod%2B%2526%2BReel%2BCombos&AttribSel=Price+Range+%3D+%27%2524100%2520to%2520%2524125%27&submitted=yes&cmSType=N&viewastext=false&eaport=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.basspro.com%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2F&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=100003000&deptId=100000000&subdeptId=100003000&ea_sortDirection=&ea_sortColumnName=&currentpage=1 Or perhaps you should look at a higher price range for a baitcaster (where you'll need performance) and save money on a lower priced spinning combo

1. You can pitch to what ever you feel comfortable. I make some really long pitches sometimes, just to keep up my pitching pace, because 2. I don't like roll casting with my jig pitching rod. Different sized rods, weight of lure, reel/line type and size, all are factors in how far you can pitch. 3. At the end of a pitch, I believe I hold the rod at about 10 o'clock but I'll quickly drop the rod to let the bait fall on slack line.

I agree with quantum accurist. I have 3 (2 PT's), they are great reels, I see a bunch on ebay for even less than your budget. BTW the flippin switch is great for someone learning to use a baitcaster because (if you turn it on) if you life your thumb off the button, the spool stops, it is kind of an added insurance, you can just stop the spool by releasing you thumb.

Where online can I buy a scorpion 1001?

I use and love Yum baits, Idk for a fact if it is their LPT scent that makes them successful. Last year I fished a Yum Dinger against my boater's power worm. He missed and lost multiple fish and I hooked every bite I got. Also I fished the dinger on a bridge piling after another guy fished it(I think with Senko), I caught the 5.4 lber on a Yum Dinger that he missed with his bait. This to me is evidence of Yum's effectiveness. LPT (live prey technology) is supposed to be made of certain enzymes that triggers bass to eat - Idk if it is a gimmick or not but I think it works so I marinate all my baits in Yum attractant.

Get some 1/0, 2/0, and lots of 3/0, and some 4/0 Gamakatsu Extra Wide Gap worm hooks. That would be a pretty basic set of hooks for various sizes of soft plastics. The size of the hook needed for a plastic can be easily judged. Just make sure there is enough space for the hook to be pressed through the bait on a hook-set (for a weedless rig). I use a 3/0 hook for a 5" Stickworm- I like Yum Dingers. 3/0 EWG also for Superflukes, and Sweet Beavers. If you want to drop shot, #1, or 2 octopus hooks are good for that, or for weedless drop shotting, a 2/0 Gamakatsu G-Lock Worm hook is perfect for a 3" stickworm rigged weedless. Another rig I use a lot is a 5" craw texas rigged on a 4/0 wide gap(narrower than an EWG) worm hook. This is a nice narrow package, good for heavy cover.

BobP, This "SVS centrifugal braking system" interests me. Do, You think this type of reel is really the best for light weight baits? How about all around? I want to get the ultimate setup for accurate casting. Should I put a scorpion on the 5'6" pistol grip that I'm contemplating?

Quantum accurist PT. One of my favorite reels - has a 'flippin swich' - which few reels have anymore.

Idk about the flippin rod, but I use a Dobyns 704C (7' H, fast action) for pitchin. It is an awesome rod, very sensitive and very light weight.

I use only LH. Any stupid hand can turn a handle, but the cast, the action, the hookset, and fight are are all done with the hand on the rod. I'm right handed so I want my more deft hand on the rod. I couldn't imagine doing all those things with my LH, or switch hands for every cast, idk how RH people do it.

I think you're confusing fluoro with braid. Braid is typically 1/3 the diameter of equivalent strenght mono. Fluoro is only a little bit smaller in diameter than mono. 8 lb test should brake at 8lbs pressure or greater.

rlrsurveying, NICE FISH! Where at, Erie?

Thanks guys Nice, what brand are they? I think I'm leaning toward the bionic blade, because I like my bionic blade trigger rod a lot, I didnt' realize it came in pistolgrip.

It's very manageable and cast-able, yet sensitive, and it sinks. It has great knot strength. I got it rigged on a few of my rods. I put it on the spinning rods that I use for flukes ands senkos or any casting, because of its manageability. - Also goes well on a baitcaster

I own one, and I like where the dial is. It is convenient for in-battle-adjustment.

I'm looking to get a 6' or less casting rod with a pistol grip styled handle. This will be for short casts and skipping. Does anyone know who makes a rod like this? or, does anyone use a rod like this?

grass trekker <- and if you pick my name give me a cut

I know how to land a pike. Just wondering how to better target them. I will try some big soft jerkbaits. Anyone ever use these jointed soft jerkbaits that I've seen. Some are weighted internally and others come with a big jighead. One was called "the super shad" I believe. Can't remember the companies' names, but I saw Larry Dalberg fish a bait like this

Yes

all of the above? If I had to pick one, I'd have to say the hookset when pitchin a jig

Can't see the girth but looks > 4

All those Dobyns rods! I'm jealous