tholmes

Yo-Zuri hybrid co-polymer, 6-10 lb. mostly. Tom

Yes, Depends are almost always on the bottom. Tom

There should be a number stamper on the bottom of the reel foot. If it was made after 1972 (likely) the first two digits are the year of manufacture. For earlier reels, check out this site http://www.lurelore.com/freds/abu.html#section4 Tom

I don't have that exact model, but I have several round Ambassadeurs that I still use regularly. That would be a good reel for deep cranks, A-rigs, swimbaits, etc. Depending on how old it is, it will have either a 4.7:1 or 5.3:1 gear ratio. I'd spool it up with 12 lb. mono and give it a whirl. If you decide to go with a different typew of line, you can leave about a half spool of the mono on it for backing. Tom

I peg bullet weights almost all the time .I fish in waters that have a lot of submerged rip-rap and brush piles that can cause an un-pegged weight to separate itself from the bait Maybe it's just me, but I think I have a better feel for what the bait is doing when the sinker is pegged. I guess I want to feel what the bait is doing, not what the sinker is doing. Tom

^^ This is what I do also. Tom

Talonman - You're my hero!

I've been cleaning and replacing worn parts on my reels, cleaning out my tackle boxes, sharpening/replacing hooks, restocking soft plastics, hooks and weights, looking outside to see if the snow has melted, pacing the floor, playing my guitars and generally going slowly insane waiting for fishing weather to arrive. Tom

I did that job for 5 years back in the early '70s. It's a tough gig. After that, I worked in a machine shop for 23 years, and now I am a property code compliance officer, aka "junk Nazi" Tom

None. The tax refund goes into my IRA. Tom

I don't mind fishing in the rain. Problem is, around these parts, rain is usually accompanied by 40+mph winds and lightning. Not very enjoyable. Tom

Same here. Been using it for almost everything for 40 years with no problems at all. Tom

Yep! Tom

^ . n8cas4 - You've got a good start on colors. Chrome, gold and some kind of shad imitation are three of the four colors that I use the most.The other? Red craw. The only way that you'll know if a particular color will work in your waters is to get a few and try 'em out. Tom

I catch quite a few bass on spinnerbaits. One of my favorite tactics is night fishing with a 3/4 oz. black spinnerbait with a single, soup spoon-sized Colorado blade.Absolutely heart-stopping strikes. Tom

Norman Fat Boy - easily my favorite. KVD 2.5 Rapala DT-Fat Xcalibur XCS Tom

Good choice on the BPS MicroLite. I've used the 6'6" version as a trout and panfish rod for several years with no complaints at all. Tom

That sounds familiar! OP - You have a great selection there. As soon as the weather permits, get out there and fish it! Tom

I also prefer mono for cranking. I generally use 10 lb. Big Game. Tom

Fishing for sure, especially this year. I don't care about the Seahawks and I despise the Donkeys, so I won't be watching even if the weather is bad. Tom

Put me in the "average at best" camp. I've eaten a few bass, but if I want a fish fry, I'll get a mess of crappie, bluegill or walleye. They are much better table fare, IMHO. Tom

Browse the Fishing Flea Market forum on this site. When possible, buy house brands from the big retailers rather than (pricey) name brands. You don't need the latest, shiniest tackle to enjoy fishing, Tom

Exactly this^ Tom

Welcome from another flatlander! Tom

Lure Parts Online carries a pretty good selection of blades also. Tom