senile1

To learn pitching and flipping, the procedures are more easily understood from a video or from watching a buddy, in my opinion. Reading to learn the finer points of pitching and flipping isn't a bad idea either.

Considering that I practically worshipped Jimi Hendrix during my days in bands, I know their history and own any Hendrix music that happened to be produced, including some crappy bootlegs. I was speaking of the original Experience. I was not that enthralled with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. Billy's bass lines were usually very basic and he played the bass note of the chord quite often with no real attempt to play a line. Due to Noel's guitar past, I thought his bass lines were more interesting. I also thought that Mitch Mitchell was a more interesting drummer than Buddy Miles as well. It's a shame they died so young.

Mitch Mitchell, the drummer for Jimi Hendrix and The Experience, died on Wednesday at the young age of 61. Noel Redding, the bass player, died a few years back. They're all gone now and they all died fairly young. Muddy, I figured you saw this??

Most of the articles I read state that you shouldn't try to time the market and that you should stay in stocks and ride it out. I disagree to some extent. With some fundamental knowledge of finance and the markets you can time it close enough to not lose a great deal of money and still get in on the upswings. In January of this year, I moved my 401K and other investments out of stock funds and into short term investments and bonds. (I didn't pull out of my 401K. I just changed the investment choices.) This downturn has affected bond funds as well as stock funds so it's been hard on everyone but I've avoided any great losses. A friend of mine stayed in stock funds and has lost 46 percent of his 401K. Unfortunately, it seems a bit unfair to expect everyone to acquire enough financial acumen that he or she can navigate this market and still have a retirement fund. You can't be an expert at everything, right? And what about those who are willing to work their butts off, scrimp, save, and still have no retirement fund. I really feel for some of these people.

Btech, I apologize for failing to enter the link for the rods at Basspro, above. I modified the post and it is there now. Regarding the reel, I've heard good things about the Pflueger President. These are approximately $59 - 65 at BassPro shops. I, personally, don't own one.

Btech, here's a link to BassPro shops for spinning rods. Scroll through these pages and you'll see that "high end" can be pretty high priced. There are some rods in your price range though. Some rods that I would consider in your price range are the Berkley Lightning listed at $34.99 and the clearance special on the St Croix Premier 6 foot spinning rods for $59.77 (slightly above your range but this is a good buy for a Premier). I'm sure there are other people here who can fill you in on some other good buys as well. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SportingGoods_All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FFreshwater%2BFishing%252F%252F%252F%252FRods%252F%252F%252F%252FSpinning_10151_-1_10001_navbar_page1_N_100002002_100000000_100002000_false_25___3

I agree, Muddy. Smart a## comments that are made in jest with the participation of all involved can be fun. But you know the ones I'm talking about. Someone asks a question hoping to get an answer because this site contains some of the best bass fishing info anywhere, and then someone else makes a subtle post attacking their intelligence or their reasons for asking such a question.

Ring Fry, I won't count Kansas out until it's over. They have played Texas tough in the past when Texas was highly rated. It's possible that they could beat Texas and then beat Mizzou at Arrowhead. I don't think it's probable but you never know. Too bad they lost at Nebraska.

Btech, welcome to the forums. Do you have a budget figure for the rod? If you can spend $75 - 100 on a rod along with the Symetre that RW suggested you'll have yourself a decent combo. There are a few rods in this price range that perform well.

Yes. You can catch fish with any equipment but to raise the probability of catching the big ones, you'll probably eventually want to purchase a more sensitive rod. The big ones are less likely to strike the lure with aggression like the smaller bass. You'll need the sensitivity to feel them. Additionally, you'll also need a good eye on your line to detect any abnormal movement and you'll want to count your lures down. When your lure hits bottom the line will go slack. If you make a cast and your lure appears to hit bottom before it should have, that could very well be a big one taking your lure.

Good point, moloch16. I'm a member. When I start to think negatively about BASS I just ask myself if bass fishing is better off because of its existence.

Dominick, that's great, Dude!! These people have no qualms about wasting our time, but God forbid, we waste theirs. That's classic.

I didn't get to respond to this on Veteran's Day as I was on the road all day yesterday driving from an upgrade that I just completed in Texas. While driving I was listening to different radio stations giving their salute to veterans everywhere and playing patriotic songs. One station played "Ragged Old Flag" by Johnny Cash. I haven't heard that song in ages, but what an awesome tribute it is to our flag and the men and women who defend what it stands for.

Yeah, Florida does look wicked right now. They could very well take it all. I'm a Missouri fan, but their defense has been very suspect this year. Also, Chase Daniel has shown that he is quite human after his awesome season last year. He has thrown ten interceptions; nine in the last five games. While his stats are still among some of the best quarterbacks he would be lucky to make the top five this year. I don't see Missouri beating the Big 12 South champion, but I'll be happily surprised if they do. Of course, Missouri has to hang on and win the North first.

I'll second that. I don't know much about rod building but I've had a few builders check mine out and have all had nothing but high praise for it. All I know is how it fishes and how special it is to me to have come from a BR buddy like flechero. Great job to all involved, enjoy the rods boys I apologize for leaving Ronnie out. Those rods look sweet! I've read nothing but good things from any of the members about the rods you build. Kudos!!

Bassnajr stated: Exactly!! There is no need for sarcasm or smart-a## comments when someone is asking an honest question. I see people comment that "there are no stupid questions" but from some of the responses on these boards a few people don't follow this mantra. Age has nothing to do with it. We can all ask questions that may have obvious answers to others.

Nice fish, Avid. I see you're still holding the camera out with your hand. I never think I'll center the picture correctly holding the camera out so I always hold the fish out at arms length when I'm in these situations without a place to setup my camera. So I never end up in my pictures.

Hmmm . . . . now that I think about it, I wonder if the Yo Zuri just didn't hold up. In order to save face, RW couldn't blame the line that he has championed so he blames himself. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Wow, what a story, Kent. That gave me a sick feeling deep in my stomach. You're one of the few people on here in an area that could possibly land a world record. We're depending on you to nail that smallmouth record. Old Mr. Murphy always makes sure that the one time you don't cut off the bad line that's when the fish of a lifetime strikes. Man, you had to feel sick after that. I think it would be so cool if you would break the record. That record has stood for quite some time.

Congratulations on your first boat, FROG. Regarding the trolling motor, a 42 inch shaft is plenty on a regular bass boat. You may have to go to 52 inches or more on a whaler. I can't be sure without seeing your boat.

For some people, I think the definition of being a hater has devolved to the point where you can't respectfully disagree with them without being called a hater. I don't see any hate or disrespect for Alabama in this thread. I see good people giving their opinions about BCS matchups.

Flechero, it sounds like you are quite the rod builder!

Welcome. That's an interesting screen moniker.

Texas Tech fans, forgive me, but I still have my doubts that this team is the best in the Big 12. If they beat Oklahoma I'll have to concede on this point. I think if they played Texas again they would be defeated. I know, I know, they played and it's now history but that's my gut feeling. It would be nice to see the Big 12 take home a national championship though. My Missouri Tigers really let me down this year.

8-) Catt, you are brutal. I think he was trying to present the pros and cons as he perceives them. But then again . . . .