tholmes

The correct pawl for that reel is part # 1104800. The one for the 5000C (part#5176 or 51765) may or may not fit. Schematic here: http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/content/purefishing/Abu%20Garcia/Schematics/2005LP%201400.pdf Tom

I use an ABU Vendetta 7' M. To me, it fishes a little heavier than most medium power rods which makes it great for squarebills. Tom

Heat the old tip with a lighter for just a few seconds to soften the old glue. Grab the old tip with a pair of pliers (a crushing grip isn't necessary) and pull it STRAIGHT OFF OF THE END OF THE ROD. PULLING AT AN ANGLE MAY BREAK THE ROD TIP. you may have to re-heat for a few more seconds to get the glue to let go. Once the old tip is removed, get some hot melt glue, melt a little bit and work some into the new tip. Press it (carefully) onto the end of the rod, make sure it's in line with the other guides, let it cool for a few minutes and remove any excess glue. It's a lot easier to do than it is to describe. Hope this helps! Tom

Silver Buddy style blade baits, I make 'em myself Bucktail jigs, also homemade Sluggo Snagless Sally Tom

I use 10 lb. Big Game or Yo-Zuri Hybrid. Tom

7' M Abu Vendetta rod, Abu 4600C3 (tuned) reel, 12 lb. Trilene Big Game. Tom

I'd throw the same bait. If it worked once, it'll probably work again. Tom

This has been my experience also. I have a couple of reels that, for some unknown reason, tend to fill unevenly. First, check to be sure your line guide pawl and/or the worm gear isn't worn, which can also cause "stacking" the line unevenly. If the pawl is okay, just fish with it for a while and it will even out. Tom

The professional series followed the round ProMax and BlackMax reels and had a similar design. One-piece aluminum frame, 5.3:1 gear ratio. they're solid, strong reels. Tom

For inline spinners, I usually use 1/16 oz. to 1/8 oz. I'll go up to 1/4 oz. if I need to cast further, but that's about as big as I'll go. Try a 1/16 oz. - 1/8 oz. Kastmaster spoon also. Tom

Thanks, guys! Your prayers and well wishes are much appreciated. I'm back home today. The surgery went well, and I'm already feeling better than I have in months. I can stand up straight without pain for the first time since last August. The doc says I should be able to get back to some light fishing in about a week! Again, thanks so much! Tom

Hey, all! I'll be away for a few days starting this afternoon. I'm going to have surgery on my back to hopefully correct a severe case of spinal stenosis and a couple of bulging disks. Surgery happens Fri. morning. If all goes well, I'll be back home sometime on Saturday. I'm hoping for relief from the constant pain and also to be able to go fishing again. Thanks! Tom

Same here. Tom

Congratulations! It is a great feeling to catch a bass on a lure that you made. Here's hoping there are many more to come! Tom

^ What he said. Try the black/gold blade too. Tom

I listen to just about anything, except what Raider listens to. Tom

One of my favorite Bandit colors also! Tom

Looks like a Yum Crawbug. Tom

Between fishing and guitar I don't have any money left over for golf. Tom

Living in Kansas, I know wind. Around here, if you can't fish in the wind, you're gonna stay home a lot. Many great suggestions so far. One of my favorite windy day lures that I haven't seen mentioned yet is a silver buddy-type blade bait. Honorable mention goes to a Kastmaster spoon. Tom

For many years, I've worn Walmart Solar Shield fitovers. They're $20 a pair and have side and brow shields. I wear them at work, fishing and for working in the yard at home. I can't (won't) pay big bucks for prescription sunglasses, since eventually they will be lost, broken or scratched so badly they're unusable. I've benn wearing my current pair for three years now and they're still going strong. Tom

I routinely use 15# Big Game for fishing jigs and T-rigs. Does it stretch? Yeah, a little, but not enough to concern me. After all, you only have to move the hook an inch or two to get it set. I've never had any problem setting the hook on a bass with it. Just use good, sharp hooks and you'll be fine. Tom

I use Trilene Big Game in Solar color. I gotta be able to see my line when fishing jigs and bottom bouncing soft plastics. Tom

Me too! I'm terminally infected with that disease. Tom

I'm not trying to be contentious or anything, but I assume that you mean a size 3/0 or 4/0. There's a lot of difference between a size 4 hook and a size 4/0. Tom