Jrob78

Here's a bit of the history of the Rico. http://advancedangler.com/?p=3277

I'm a big fan of the Yellow Magic. I have a few Rico's but don't fish them much in favor of the YM. I need to tie one on next time I am on a popper bite. The Splash It's are really good too and a little cheaper. I tie them with a loop knot most of the time.

I only have experience with the older, orange, Excel rods. They are very good rods that get overlooked by most people. In general, Lamiglas makes very good rods, designs their own blanks and rolls most of their blanks in WA. The Excel II rods aren't made in WA but I'm sure Lami designed the blanks. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Lamiglas rod if that's what you want. I have about 8 custom rods built on Lamiglas blanks and will continue to use them for builds.

Using original Power Pro isn't a faux pas at all. It's a more than capable braid. It just isn't the best braid on the market like it probably was at one time. Some of the newer 8 carrier braids are more round, smoother, quieter and handle a little better. If PP is working for you and you're happy with it, it's much ado about nothing really.

The XCS is my favorite of the cheaper sq bills. I'll take it over the KVD every time. I like the lipless baits a lot too.

If they meant something to you, why did you use them?

I like jerkbaits but I don't use them anywhere close to the same way I use crankbaits. They serve two different purposes for me. They aren't interchangeable.

I've started using regular offset worms hooks for worms and thinner plastics. I like the Trokars a lot. Academy puts them on sale for 50% off quite often so I get them at a reasonable price. I haven't had any rolled points and they stick fish really well.

For the reasons already mentioned. Your eyes are too important not to protect them from UV rays and flying projectiles. Plus, good polarized glasses allow you to see into the water better.

The Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Worm is great for swimming.

In that case, I would seriously think about upgrading your glasses. I wear polarized Oakley's, they are one of the most important pieces of fishing equipment I use. You should be able to get a good pair of glasses for under $100.

Anywhere from 4 hrs to sun up to sun down. Usually closer to 4 or 5 hrs in the heat of the summer.

A weightless Fluke would be a good choice.

If you're the type of person who constantly loses glasses and generally doesn't take care of them, it probably isn't worth it for you. If you can keep a pair for several years and keep them relatively scratch free, it probably is worth it. Sunglasses aren't something I will ever skimp on but they last me years before I replace them.

You will need the rod model because the tips are all different.

Shell Cracker Not

You are absolutely right, that's the best way to know for sure. Edge rods should be on sale as they aren't on the list, they aren't G Loomis. Did you buy an Edge rod by chance? They are very intriguing.

I don't know if it works or not but it's probably pretty hard to prove either way. If the baits are good they'll get bit, UV or not.

Lucky Craft hardbaits.

That's a ringing endorsement if I've ever heard one.

This. I try to never just cast and reel without imparting some action to whatever bait I'm fishing. I try to make my baits crash into cover and off the bottom. I also pause and change speeds with just about every moving bait I fish.

I don't eat them very often but I won't hesitate when I get the urge. Bass are good, never noticed them tasting like grass.

Google is your friend.

The manufacturer usually dictates what can be put on sale, not TW. MAP pricing.

Yeah, you are probably right about that. I'm just going off of the advertised exceptions.