Jrob78

They are cutting them down to the first 2 days for 2015 and out of the FWCup. In 2016 they will be done away with altogether. I know it sucks for the co-anglers but I'm sure the pros love it. They shouldn't have to share water with someone in the back of the boat. It might set up more marshall type opportunities too. http://www.flwoutdoors.com/fishing-articles/156587/2015-tour-rules-and-entry-dates/#.VEGQMUpX-uZ

You're right. I never noticed that before. I guess that's partly how they justify the added cost.

From the rod building side of things, there is no distinction between the Rage and Avid blanks. The SCIII comes in Fuchsia and Carbon Pearl. I don't own a SCIII and I don't know if the Rage and Avid have the same color blank but they don't sell anything that would make me think there is any difference. Whereas the SCV's come in Gloss Blue/Green Flip and Gloss Forest Green Pearl. The Legend Elite is Forest and the Extreme is Blue/Green. Even in those blanks, I don't believe that there is any difference besides color.

I imagine "long lining/strolling" or whatever you call it will be next. As long as everyone plays by the same rules, it really doesn't matter. I mean, the Elite Series doesn't allow nets and doesn't have co-anglers, FLW does. Them's the rules. It is a non-issue and definitely doesn't effect my fishing.

LOL

I've counted 11 different recommendations so far. Decide how much money you want to spend and buy one from one of the major manufacturers. I like Seaguar and Sunline. With fluoro, you generally get what you pay for.

I've caught plenty of nice bass, just not any over 10 lbs. That's my current goal. They live in every lake I fish, just haven't connected yet. I will get a weight, a picture and let her go. I'm not interested in mounts, bragging rights or anything else. It's just for personal satisfaction.

Different lengths for different techniques. I have rods from 6'6" - 7'10" and they all have their purpose.

X2

I might still have the rod and reel, I don't really remember what I was using. The bait was a RI Sweet Beaver, so I obviously don't still have that.

I use an empty reel to transfer line from reel to reel. This way, you can take up the mainline and the backer and then respool it and have it be in the right order. Although, I guess you would need 2 spare reels to trade line from one reel to the other.

I use a MH/F casting rod for those techniques. A ML wouldn't have enough power for t-rigging those baits, (for me.) If you're talking about wacky rigging and open hooks, it would work a little better.

Fish the same baits you fish during the day. Prey species don't get larger or darker at night. Think about it.

This size of fish (bass) you catch is completely irrelevant. Bass spinning gear is generally finesse oriented. Choosing casting or spinning has much more to do with the weight of the bait and line you are throwing as well as the cover you are throwing into. Casting gear is generally going to be much more powerful than spinning gear, saltwater gear aside.

I have an original Carrot Stix with metal guides that has seen braid exclusively. It doesn't show any grooving at all, after 8 or 10 years of use. I don't know why some groove like the OP's rod and some don't. Or more importantly, how to tell the difference between the one's that will and the one's that won't. Fluorocarbon is very hard but it's not harder than stainless steel. Braid is much more apt to pick up debris and carry it through your guides. I'm sure it has to do with the water you fish and maybe even the braid you use.

Have you used braid extensively with any of your rods with metal guides?

Nice piece! My cousin just bought a 9MM shield, it felt really nice in the hand. It sure made me want one to replace my Glock 27 for summertime carry. I love the Glock but it is so dang thick.

My only experience with grooved Recoils is from pictures online on the rod building sites, I've never seen one in person. If St. Croix says they've never had a grooved Recoil guide on any of their rods, that works for me. If you guys like Recoils and have had good experiences with them, that's all that really matters. Clearly the guides used in the op are very low quality and I shouldn't have grouped all metal guides together. I know Recoils aren't the same as cheap stainless steel guides. I'm just personally not a fan of non ceramic guides and feel that there are better options for the money. The cost of Recoils is very comparable to titanium sic Fuji guides. To me, they aren't even in the same class. That's just my personal opinion though, not to be confused with fact.

I will never buy or use a guide that doesn't have ceramic inserts, including Recoils. I think they look cheap and I've seen too many with grooves. I use micro guides to save weight, a size 5 will pass any leader knot you can tie. As for the blank, that's just disgusting.

This is a thread worth resurrecting. Thanks for the recommendation, 00mod, this is a really good bourbon. I'm enjoying it very much.

They're saying Mo likely tore his ACL but won't know for sure until tomorrow's MRI. He's been terrible though, Moore def deserves the chance to really show what he can do. I just hope it doesn't cost them depth issues going forward. I'm right there with you. I'm really happy they played well today but I won't be surprised if they get blown out next week. I'm hoping that they are developing an identity with the run but wonder if they will stick with it. Years and years of mediocre play tends to keep your optimism at bay. One game at a time but so far so good.

I agree with you. Romo has finally started looking more like himself the last couple of weeks. If Murray can stay healthy and they keep running the ball, it will keep some of the pressure off of Romo's shoulders. I can't wait to see what Demarcus Lawrence brings when he comes back. Spencer and Melton are getting healthy enough to play and Rolando McClain has been awesome. I just hope his heart stays in the game, he can be a difference maker. It's hard to be optimistic as a Cowboy's fan but so far so good.

Other than a little stretch in the 4th quarter, the Saints just never found their rhythm tonight. I don't know what that fake punt was all about, that cost them any shot they had at getting back in the game.

It ain't over till it's over, especially with the Cowboys.

Dallas has an excellent O line and Murray is a really good back. They've made an effort this year to establish the run and it's opened up the offense. Romo doesn't have to try to throw the ball 50 times a game. It also helps that the defense isn't nearly as bad as everyone thought they would be. Through 4 games at least.