WdyCrankbait

Lew's, especially because it has the externally adjustable ACB 6 pin centrifugal braking system on it. I have that on my Tournament Lite SS, it is the best casting system on the market. Plus, the G has an external lube port to ease the chore of oiling the reel.

I haven't fished that area, but it should be good. I recommend a Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw in Green Pumpkin T-rigged swimming as a good search bait. Also, Rage Craw in Falcon Craw knocks them out on the river. Good luck and post any results, Wdy

It's the reel you want to fish with the most. Too many variables and different taste preferences to give a precise answer.

Use 12#. The flexibility of the leader will be noticeable.

I'd go with an Ambassador.

Spinning Rod definitely. I recommend Yo Zuri line and St. Croix does make good rods.

Healthy bass wasn't it?

Tournament Lite SS tackle warehouse is selling them cheap now. Great reel, the ACB casting control is the best I've used.

Welcome! As Sam mentioned I fish Echo a fair amout. it's tough, but I know there are some really good fish in there! Flat cranks in the early spring, the lake is a lot shallower then it looks. I have done well with topwater early and green pumpkin Yamamotoes (sp?). A lot of slime on the bottom of that lake. So, personally I would try a spinner bait, or big fluke type of lure. Also, I would honestly take your spinning rod out there to Echo and fish finesse lures. Power fishing is not the way to go in Echo, very shallow with slime everywhere. But, there are some healthy fish in there! Hope that helps!!!

Just to have one. I'm hoping to buy some land & want something to defend it if need be.

Hey everyone, I am interested in getting my first gun and looking towards an AR-15 platform. I live near Green Top in RVA and picked up a Colt Competition G2 expert .223 with 18" barrel. Granted, I dont know what I am looking for, or anything like that so looking for some feed back here. This is my first time venturing into the "Gun Forum," of Bass Resource so, I am trying to feel out the waters. Thanks, Wdy

There have been some great advice so far. I applaud the responders to this thread. I think everyone is on the mark. Also, there seems to be an illusion with fly fishing about tackle. Barring a disaster, you buy your set up and you're good until you want to upgrade. I still use my Orvis 6 weight I bought in the early 90's. Another thing, when you see the specs on a fly reel and it says WFF. Weight forward lines take up the most capacity on fly reels so that is the reason for the baseline. Lastly, if, or when you hook into a "horse," you're done. He's gonna run on you and you're going to be along for the ride. The clouds will part, the sun will come through and (as mentioned above) you'll wonder why you didn't do this before. Wdy

Ok, I am on my PC now. First, as I said before 9'-8# is universal. All fly rod manufactures have a 9' 8 weight in their arsenal. So, I think that will be your best bet. For the $$ you want to spend I would place more emphasis on rod, then line, then reel. Fly lines now a days are expensive, but good lines will preform better and last longer. You pay for what you get. Honestly, I would get a faster action rod. The reason I say this is I have one really old graphite Orvis rod and a fairly brand new Echo 3S boost (you guessed it) 9'-8 weight rod (fast action). My Orvis rod is crazy slow action, because back then it was one of the newer graphite fly rods so in general the rods were slower action to be near the bamboo fly rods. Meaning, not much of a change for the customer to become nervous and shy away from the newer graphite rods coming onto the market. I imagine you bass fish already and have casting rods/reels. If you do the faster action fly rods will be more similar to those rods and grant you better confidence starting out. Plus, to me, really being able to "lean," on a rod grants me confidence the rod can handle what I am throwing at it. As far as brands (rods), try the BPS, Cabela's (which did well when rated in Field & Stream magazines) as well as Allen fly rods. Basically, find one that is comfortable for you to use. I would say a White River reel (BPS), and lines well that's another discussion. Flies for bass, poppers, streamers and big dry flies. Watch some Youtube videos of people fly fishing for bass and see what they use. Flies for bass are fairly straight forward especially compared to bass lures. Last, enjoy this. I love searching for new tackle. If you get too far "down a hole," for looking for this equipment, you probably have gone too far. So, keep it simple, buy a rod and reel that is comfortable in your hand. Hope this helps, Wdy

9' 8 weight is universal. I can't respond fully to this question right now. (Wife time). But, you realistically will probably spend more $$. Buy a better Rod then reel. A reel basically holds the line. I will respond more tomorrow.

I would look for a Quantum EXO 100, it has been discontinued so, you should be able to get them cheap. Good luck!

Yes, it is good stuff! Nice Catch!!

I had the same problem with mine initially. I talked with DVT about it so, I tore my reel apart and made sure everything was super clean and lubed up. Make sure the shaft, or rod, what ever the spool is on is aligning with the side plates. The rod is very short on these reels. I tore mine apart a couple of times to do what I mentioned above and finally took it out and and starting casting a heavy lure to "stretch out the reel," and loosen everything up. After a couple of times of doing that she worked fine. Good luck and let us know if this solves the problem. Wdy

I personally would wait. I'm not familiar that much with the New river levels, but VA mountains have gotten a heap of rain this month. Better safe.

Claytor Lake?

I think there is a total of three islands across the width of the river at Pony Pasture. It is a lot wider there then most people think.

Great catch!

I haven't fished that place in years, but I would go to the very down stream end of the island and wade my way out.

Not really, I had the Revo in hand at home and just decided I didn't want to spend that much for a wading the river spinning reel. It was a nice reel, but at an $80 difference I need to be more responsible with $$ now. Thanks again everyone.

Thanks everyone, but I ended up getting a Shimano Symetry 2500 at Cabela's for $80. Thanks again for all the opinions, tight lines. Wdy

Popped this fellow a couple of years ago at Robious Landing Park.