Brian4618

What landing was this tournament out of? Lake or River?

Thanks guys, the magic eraser worked great, ill try some of the other suggestions if I want a better look.

Is there any way to wash or clean the cork on a rod? Some of mine have faded from the factory white and clean to a dark dirty look. Is there anyway to clean them?

Very good for running into timber inducing a reaction strike. I like to use split tail trailers (same ones for spinnerbaits)

Thank you everyone for your input, helped me a lot on making my decision. I went back to the tackle shop, picked up a Shimano Compre crankbait rod (what I plan on pairing it with) and the the Curado E5 felt great. Im going to spool it with 12lb P line and use it for cranks. Thanks everyone. Does anyone have any experience with the 7' Compre cranking rod? http://www.***.com/Shimano_Compre_Crankbait_Casting_Rods_/descpage-SCCCRD.html

Has anyone had experience with the Compre rods? The crankbait one specifically

Okay, im driving myself crazy trying to pick between these reels. I have decided I need a new reel for crankbaits and I gave my self a limit of $200 for it. If you have any other reels to add please let me know and why you would choose it, but these are my options I have in mind. 1. Abu Garcia Revo Winch 5.4:1. Pros: High Line Capacity and 10+1 bearing system. Cons: Heavier weight (8.5oz) 2. Quantum Energy PT VI 5.1:1. Pros: Lighter weight (7.7oz). Cons: Have never had experience with Quantum products. 3. Shimano Curado 200E 5.0:1. Pros: Lighter weight (7.6oz) and have had good experience with Shimano products. Cons: 5+1+1 bearing system. 4. Quantum KVD PT 5.1:1. Pros: Lightest weight of choices (7.5oz). Cons: Again, dont know what to expect from Quantum. Remember, my pros and cons came only from looking at the specs of the reels and holding them at the store. So if you can add any help, please do. Thank you, Brian.

I just bought a spool of 10lb CX for shallow cranking, am I going to regret this...

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Like I said before, I got a couple TT swimbaits because of the 60% off sale, I got the slow/fast sinking model in a 4inch bluegill pattern and a 5inch blue back herring pattern. When they come in, ill let you guys no how I do. I will probably move up to a better quality bait after this season if swimbaits work out, again, thanks for the suggestions. Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Just bought a 4" and 5" Tru-Tungsten swimbait from ***, they are 60% off! at $12 each, I figured my pocket wouldnt hurt to bad if they arent what I hope for.

The Shimano Clarus is a nice rod, I have a Medium XF one for soft plastics

How is the quality of these baits? I dont want to buy the best, but I also dont want to waste money on a poor quality bait? Also, can anyone give any input on the Tru-Tungsten Matt & Ish Tru-Life Swimbaits?

I have been looking into buying a few hard body swimbaits for the upcoming fall and spring fishing season and was looking for some suggestions on a few baits to start out with. Unfortunately, I have a couple conditions. I dont already have a rod or reel for the massive 8 inch lures nor do I want to dedicate that much money on a setup that will pretty much only do well with the big swimbaits. Before I do that, I would like to test the waters with a couple smaller baits on some setups I already have. Im looking for a couple baits that I can hopefully get under $25 just to see how I like it, how well it produces, and if I want to dedicate a new setup to fish swimbaits more effectively. I was looking at the Spro BBZ-1, Strike King Shad series, Koppers, and the Sebile's. If you have any other bait suggestions please add your input and reasons why. I plan on using these baits on a 7' medium heavy rod with 50lb braid if that helps any. Thank you, Brian.

Just curious, how many rods do you carry to somewhere like this?

Agree completely, I also have a 3000 and could not be happier, they are very smooth and light. The only problem I see in this reel (probably isnt just this reel) but the frame of it has a tendency to scratch easily. But it isnt hard to keep it clean, mine scratched because it got left in the jon boat on the way home. But this reel is worth every penny and more, in fact I have another Saros on the way to my door.