flechero

That was going to be my suggestion. If no feed store near you, most places that sell rock also have trailer scales.

Valascus, I see what you mean, but please realize that neither you or I know what the situation is with regard to the laws of all states and individual waters. I share your feeling of disgust for needlesss killing. But, he could be within the law and overrun with turtles that are destroying the pond. Just as some fish are designated as appropriate to "take" so are other animals. And many people do not stop and realize that most farm ponds are not natural, they are dug for cattle and fish... and as such, may need to be managed differently than naturally occuring water. And if they are out of control, overpopulated or otherwise endangering the very balance of nature, are you in suport of their removal? mattm, Please don't take this as an attack on you... hunting a certain bird or animal because it's a challenging shot is no better than killing ruthlessly... you could go to a skeet/trap/rifle range for the sporting shot... people who hunt, withing the law, need no justification. Should I be ashamed that I am a good shot with a rifle and can shoot a deer or other animal at long range? NO SIR. The fact that I am handy with a shotgun means nothing, other than I buy less shells than you when dove hunting. If a deer presents a good shot at XXX yds., should I pass it up since I know I can make the shot? The real truth is that taking a "challenging shot" is LESS ethical since there is a better chance of a wound, mame or miss. And yes, most of my deer hunting is with a traditional bow, a weapon I practice and shoot year round and still limit distances on live game to about 15 yds. Why? Because even at "gimme" distances, things can go wrong, and on occasionally do. But the responsible hunter takes shots that are 100% in his mind.. thus greatly reducing any chance of a screw up. Shooting snakes just because you think "venomous snakes" need to be shot is as rediculous as killing any other animal and letting it lie. Venomous snakes are as important to the ecosystem as any other creature, regardless of what you may think. Mother nature has them there for a reason, even if you don't understand it. Just like spiders, mosquitos, ticks and other "nusiance" creatures... thay all have a purpose, like it or not. Sorry for the rant, Keith

You are using a good rod I have a custom, built on that exact blank! (and a 2nd blank not yet built) Did you have the same trouble when you used power pro? My only other thoughts (which braid may have made up for) without seeing you set hook is that you may need to trim down the weedgaurds or you may not be getting a good snap hookset... the shape of a jig sucks for getting past a clamped jaw. A powerful "snap" set, beats all others with jigs, in my experience. I went through exactly what you described when I was started jig fishing. hope that helps

flypfisher, With all due respect, sinking line isn't the issue. You are using heavy jigs in what many consider to me fairly shallow water. I'm inclined to say that you need to work on line management vs. look for a new line. There isn't any reason, wind included, that you can't keep line bow to a minimum with a 1/2 oz. + jig. You just need to work on taking out the slack (without affecting how you move the jig) as a part of your working the jig. Yo-zuri is closer to neutral than most floating lines so if the bow is a problem, it will be less of a problem with Hybrid & U.S. Remember, a true sinking line will also bow on you, just the other direction. This is why i suggested that you address your fishing style.

That's funny! ;D

Brent, If there were a way to back charge you for LBH's trick stick orders, we'd already have new servers and hosting! ...lol On a serious note, Thanks for stepping up and becoming a s........r! Classy move. You already had my business on quality products and good pricing. I'll just have to start trying out some new stuff & colors to keep the cash flowing! Keith

I keep watching to see the truck go through... I know they have the footage since they show glimpses of it on all the previews. It was pretty cool to see how they actually made the roads thicker with the drill and pumps.

I guess we all have our own situations... I use 14# and 17# XT mostly ( .015" and .017") and use XT 20# ( .019") when I fish places like Fork. tacoman, Unless you are fishing real clear water, it's unlikely that you will suffer ill effects from the change. But even if you are, you may or may not see a difference... you'll have to try it to see.

According to Berkley, Trilene has a shelf life of about 3 years from date of manufacture when stored properly. The only catch is you have to know the date code (letters) on the spool. If you call the customer service people at whichever company made it they should help you out.

Mike, Welcome to the forum! Don't believe them- Canyon lake has lots of fish in it, it's just not known as a big bass lake. And if you want to mix it up a little, get out your fly rod and go below the dam. Lots of little rainbows down there... and further downriver you can catch Largemouth and Guadalupe Bass. Clean looking boat! Best, Keith

Depending on the material (some are rubber, vinyl, rubberized cork, etc.) there are a couple of glue/epoxy options. I'd clean the end of the cork or rod with alcohol on a rag and also the inside of the cap (glueing surfaces) As far as epoxy goes, my recommendation for this repair would be Locktite brand 6 minute expoy gel. (in the orange packaging) It is easy to work with, is fully waterproof and withstands a wide temperature range. I use this specific epoxy for much of my grip and handle work. It will adhere to any of the materials I listed but if it's vinyl, be sure to scuff up the glueing surface. You can get it at Lowe's for about $3 and most Ace Hardware stores.

Here are the differences (blank, guides, reel seat, warranty.) as the St. Croix website shows them: PREMIER AVID

Here is what they mean http://tackle.redshad.com/proddetail.php?prod=WNS&cat=24 then click rigging instructions

I'd bet that the filler came out and the pits are now black (or close to it) If they are that bad, just clean and refill the cork. It's quick and easy to do. As for wraps, I don't use them but there are a handfull of guys here that do.

It sounds like your problem is usually later.... which means you just need to troll your line out (without any lure) to get rid of accumulated line twist. If you use the rod a lot you might do it at the start of each day but if you don't use it all that often you can do it every few fishing days and still run trouble free.

I always keep them in the original bags. The different scents and colors bleed/combine and sometimes different brands will mix into a glob of sticky melted plastic! I'll second that. The easy view is great... especially if you are not very organized... there are always your favorites right there. I keep my favorite/most used colors in the easy view and the rest in soft side worm bags until I need them. For example, I usually have the easy view loaded with about: 5 colors Zoom lizards 5 colors sweet beavers 4 colors fat Ika 5 colors super flukes 2 senko 2-3 baby brush hogs I usually have a couple bags of the colors I'm using in the windshield or on the deck. Before I got the easyview, I used a little tupperware container for my most used stuff and before that it was a tiny duffle bag about the size of a shoe box.

Good info! I wish I had read something like that when I started jig fishing. On a local side note.... If you were home right now you wouldn't believe it. Stillhouse is 32 feet high and Belton is 24 feet high... and both still rising!!! (floodgates are closed due to downstream flooding) http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/reports/fish.htm

Big T, You have some perfect rods for bass fishing... I'd choose the applications by trial. We all have our preferences. If I were in your shoes, I would the my casting rods for t-rigs, if 7' then also c-rigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, frogs, jigs, or anything else without treble hooks. (but I'm not much of a spinning rod guy.) I use spinning for finesse, treble hooks and lighter wacky rigs. You can also mix and match any of the other things on the spinning rods. I'd hit the lake with your rods and start fishing each of them with varied techniques... it won't take long at all to develop preferences. Read the write ups from BPS... different blanks, guides, etc. definitely NOT the same rods. The cost difference in guides alone (Alconites vs. titanium SiC's) is more than the difference in rods. Besides, he's already got the rods.

Blade, No offense meant, I see people who have been fishing for 40 yrs or more that still don't know what they are doing. The length of time or body of water doesn't mean anything. Breakage by swinging 3 pounders into the boat on a med power rod is NOT a defect or rods fault. Tie onto a 3 lb weight and swing it around with your Loomis... and then use the Expeditor. Do you use these All Stars for some specific technique? I'm starting to think that they are your spinnerbait rods. (as those seem to take more abuse) Also, are you a braid user? If you broke one by simply fighting a fish... LOOSEN YOUR DRAG. It is entirely possible that you and your friend bought a bad batch of rods.... but from what I have seen so far, I'm leaning towards the other possibility. A nick in the rods surface caused by any number of things can cause a failure when fully loaded, or torqued. You probably should buy another brand though, seems like your mind is made up and All Star is likely tired of buying you new rods. Not trying to start anything but also don't like to see ANY brand trashed for things that appear to me to be the result of the user.

Very cool, way to go Delainey!!

I'd be willing to be my life savings that there is more to the story. When rods break halfway up, they have usually been high sticked or pulled against a snag that overloads the rod... or that spot (of breakage) will line up with a place you lean them, or a car window, etc. (and inadvertantly nick or damage them and then they break when loaded) I think you are going to be disappointed with any decent rod if you don't figure out how you are breaking them. When you break 4 different models in the same place, start looking for reasons in the mirror, not the manufacturer. In answer to your question, I have used All Star rods for going on 20 years and also build many of my rods on All Star blanks. Have several friends who do the same and know lots of people here who use the rods... once in a while, a rod breaks... usually it's the fault of the user but All Star replaces them to keep people happy. Sorry to rain on your parade, but I think you may have jumped to a wrong conclusion.

One of the news stories said that Marble Falls has an annual rainfall average of just under 30" and they got 19" in one 24 hr. period. Absolutely mind blowing!

Fisher, If you make another trip south let me know!

We lucked out in Belton, all the heavy rain was just a little south of us. Lucky being 14" of rain in the last week... which is lucky compared to those just south.

Anyone who hasn't seen the news, Marble Falls had 19" of rain in one day- yes NINETEEN INCHES and other towns near Austin had slightly lower totals but many over a foot. Much of central Tx is having major flooding. The nightly news down here consists of 40 minutes of high water/swift water rescues and updated weather forecasts. Thoughts and prayers go out to all affected. Wishing all of our excess to those in drought.