SoFlaBassAddict

Crucial 7'6" Flippin Stick. MH for moderate to thick cover. H for the really nasty stuff.

Way to go, Red. Now you've got to set yourself a new goal to keep things interesting. Time to search out that 20 pound bag ;D I'm still trying to hit a 10 pounder this year. I haven't even been close. A couple that hit six and a half to seven, but I can't seem to crack the DD mark again.

I think one reason why I like having the dual braking is because I use braid...a lot. When the wind kicks up, having the little extra help with the magnets makes braid a lot more manageable in strong wind. There is no replacement for an educated thumb though. You're a far more efficient caster when you rely on your thumb than if you rely on the reels braking system. To each his own. Use what you like and what you're comfortable with.

My last habit from the Army is smoking. I've drastically cut back in recent months. I just can't do the cold turkey thing. When I'm at an install for work, there are times when I just need a smoke to calm me down. A pack lasts me about two to three days now. I'm hoping by the end of the year to be down to a pack a week or totally quit. There is just something nice about being out fishing and having a smoke once in a while. I didn't have a problem quitting Copenhagen. That was a really bad habit. Now that I look back at it, man that stuff was nasty.

Theres a new Dick's Sporting goods that opened up on the SE corner of Flaming and Pines for you local guys in the area. Not a huge fishing department, but they do have stuff in it not carried by most of the local stores around here. Large selection of Yamamoto stuff (flapping hogs, ikas, pro senkos, senkos, grubs, etc etc). They carry Dippers and Beavers, Roboworms. Tons of spinnerbaits and cranks that you won't find at BPS. Stanley finesse jigs along with some Strike King jigs that BPS doesn't have. Power Pro is under 10 bucks for the 150 yard spools. The 300 yard spools are on sale also. Plenty of hollow bodied frogs also. Sure is nice to be able to pick up some of that stuff locally instead of having to order it online. Theres another one that opened up a bit farther north that Piscicidal checked out. I'm assuming they carry the same stuff for the most part.

Well, I guess I'll have to take it apart and see how it goes. Seems a few people have at least done it without issues. Appreciate it.

Any of you guys ever cut down a TM shaft? I'm getting tired of having the bow mount on my Jon sticking way the heck up in the air. It's just getting in the way. It's an older Motorguide Pro Series 4300. Not under warranty, it was bought a while back off of craigslist. I'm just curious before I try to take it apart and start cutting away if theres anything I really need to worry about.

I agree. You could use a 4' fluro leader if ya want, I'd go 20 to 25 lb. Just make sure you tie a Good knot.. x2 If I'm fishing heavier stuff I'll put on at least a 20lb fluoro leader. For the most part though, straight braid for me when flipping.

I forgot to reply to the text you sent me. I told you that you'd have a good day because I couldn't make it Stupid Murphy's Law.

I think the only time I use the magnetic braking on my reels is when I'm in heavy wind. Otherwise it's turned off. Generally I only use 2 cent pins. Set the tension knob correctly like mentioned and you're good to go.

About the same quality. The paint chips a little easier.

lol Not all employees are created equal. /facepalm

Well that sucks. Guess I'll be shopping elsewhere. It was a good price for a while. I wish I had ordered more when I had the chance.

Anywhere you can get away with using something that has treble hooks. If the fish are on a good topwater bite, they can be a fantastic lure.

Sorry to hear it, Francho. Hope he's got some good fishing up above.

This is a prime example of why there are so many different makes of rods on the market. I've got several Crucials and love them. I couldn't be happier. I like them better than the Avids I've used. It all comes down to personal preference. Taking advice from people on the internet is all well and good, but you really need to go to a store that stocks the rods and play with them yourself. Most places are more than happy to allow you to stick a reel on them to see how they feel.

The worst part is when you start playing on really nice courses. Through some of my business contacts, I get opportunities to play on some of the nicer courses in the area. You can really tell the difference between the cheaper public courses. and the more upscale places.

Congrats!

Wow. That is one fat little fish. I'd say your plan is working just fine.

Ask permission if you're concerned in any way. Generally, being polite helps a lot also.

Romeo makes some fantastic baits. And it is a no BS custom order. He makes it however you want it to be made. Even custom labels the packaging for you when you don't buy a standard color.

Spro, TT, Bobby's Perfect, take your pick on the hollow bodies. They all work. Horny Toads, Cane Toads, JD's Custom Frogs. I like the Rage Toad and Shad, but they just tear far too easily. Great bait when they stay together though.

Shocker, somebody from Ohio that hates LeBron James. What are the odds of that?

Pretty funny when Doc Rivers said "We won, because of luck." This is going to be a fantastic year. I can't wait to see what happens when Wade gets fully recovered. Sucks that he lost so much time from the hamstring. If Miami and Boston go 7 games in the ECF, I don't care who wins. Thats going to be just great to watch. Not having Mike Miller really hurt Miami. Ray Allen sat outside and murdered the Heat. Miami didn't have it's biggest outside threat. Heres to hoping that the next time they meet, both teams will be 100%.

We just sent our entry in. I mean what would you rather be using than a FlappinShad, Big EZ, Ugly Otter or Cane Toad? Throw a B.B. Cricket in there also.