flechero

Boy, we are splitting hairs now... No, I came to that conclusion by comparing and fishing with the finished rods, factory built as I have owned them over the past 15 years. I think that my experience with the MBR783, MBR784, MBR785 (both tapers) and the MBR843, MBR844, as well as a number of SJR rods (all of them in IMX or GLX) would qualify me to give my opinion on the ratings as compared to the other brands I have used... I said "I think Loomis over rates the MBR line of rods by one power rating" I wish this thread had come up before I sold the casting rods, I would love to have gathered CCS data on all the rods mentioned here and been able to give an undisputable answer. Anyone own a 783 Loomis and (preferably) a 6'6" Med st. croix that would be willing to measure the CCS data for us?? I can send instructions for measuring.

True, but the vast majority that I have seen, don't do that.

What you notice when pros set hook is a function of technique, not a special rod. Try removing the slack from your line before you set hook... that will do more for you than anything else. As far as rods and reels go... unfortunately with reels, the more you spend the easier they are to cast and use. (most of the time) I'll let others make suggestions on reels. Rods are also worth what they cost... but a good value are the lightning rods at wal-mart. Many of us began with them (and some still use them). (edit for spelling)

I'm not picking on the one who said this because I've heard it from LOTS of people over the years. You may think you've never missed one but think of the initial reaction strikes on a buzzbait for example. I've had hundreds of fish over the years hit the buzzbait as the blade makes revolution number 1... and they do not go under water when I throw them. So you may not have missed a fish but you may very well have missed many opportunities to catch fish. Same for some other baits, too. You guys should really think about buying the reels with cranks opposite the hand you cast and hookset with... it will only help you in the long run. Yes, I know there are many people, pros included, who switch hands... but this question comes up often enough that I think most people would benifit from learning to cast or crank with the other hand. It's just not that hard to learn. But this is fishing and 90+% of us fish for recreation... so in the end, do what is comfortable.

Yes, if it's a MBR rod. I think Loomis over rates the MBR line of rods by one power rating. As compared to almost every other brand. For instance, the MBR783 is a ML - M in my book and it's rated MH which it is not.

Which Loomis models have you fished? The only neg feedback I ever heard was on the GL2 and the blends... never (and I really mean never) heard anyone say they didn't like IMX or GLX What brands do you use now? I'm just curious what you like if you are underwhelmed with Loomis and kistler and don't have any St.Croix.

Thats too bad, you are eliminating 2 very good rods before you even get started. You do like the shimano rods... they have some dropshot models out. Have you seen or looked at them yet? Or the St. Croix 3C69MLXF, 3C68MXF. (they have an SCV model but it's out of your specified price range)

What a great offer!! I'll have to put in my order early this year also! ...lol

I wouldn't get a 7.1 as a first reel... and I sure wouldn't get a 7.1 as a crankbait reel.

One thing in common in all the benches I have ever had... they all seem too small after you have had them a while. ...lol Ronnie's suggestion was great, I will also have to employ that one!

OOPS!!!!

Al, You did well, I think you will be so happy with it that you'll probably start saving next week for the next combo!! The exotic stuff, IMO, will not fish any better than that rig. They classify stuff as exotic either because it's high dollar, imported or real new cutting edge... none of which garauntee it will fish any better. I have been underwhelmed with one of my "exotic reels" to the point that I consider it a $400 mistake. Don't let the label fool you. I do however, LOVE the 50MG's I bought this year. My all purpose dream rod for many years was the MBR784C IMX... I've since gone custom but will be building that blank again as a split gripped, spiral and a few bells & whistles.

Any of the service shops like ReelMech's should be able to order them. I'd try him first... If no luck with him, call southwestern parts and service on Mockingbird Ln in Dallas. They are a major service center that also sells parts.

No offense meant- but you don't sound like you are ready. Start putting the entry fees in a coffee can... you can fun fish the day of your local tourneys and see what you would have caught and then check the weigh in for weights. This way when you see that you wouldn't have gotten a check, you still have your money for another day. Most people throw away a lot of money in the begining by thinking they are ready to T fish. You will also see how busy the lake gets and that your favorite spots may have been taken before you get there.

Yes, bass anglers... not historians. 5 - Abu reels

Please don't overlook white. In over 20 years of bass fishing, my #1 color for crankbaits and topwaters has been white or white with a little splash of blue or black. And this is not just me but most of the people I do and have fished with over the years.

Awesome!! Carp on the fly is like hunting with a longbow!! I caught about a 4-5 lb carp this weekend in the colorado river on my 4 wt. took me about 50 yds deep into the backing.... going UPSTREAM!!!! I had to go in the river and give chase by foot to keep from getting spooled. ...lol The carp were nosing in the grass and feeding like redfish... never saw what the were eating but a well placed "bonefish biter" did the trick. I only got a film pic so I have to wait for the developing before I can post a pic. Hope you tear em' up!!

I'll give you my opinion on it... the presentation of a flip is the same but a pitch is a little easier to control on a baitcast, IMO. There are several people here that do in fact F & P with spinning gear. It is my opinion that that the biggest reason is the rods themselves... a spinning rod is softer in the mid section (don't confuse this with a moderate taper) and as such it feels underpowered (to most people) for that particular task. To put it another way a spinning rod (with same power as a BC) has a less powerful (stiff) mid section than typical casting rods of same power. And since F & P is usually a close range, heavy cover technique, most prefer a heavy rod with good power through out the blank for quickly moving a fish out of the cover. The 3rd reason (for me anyway) is that I have much lighter line spooled on my spinning rods... way too light for F & P work.

I applaud your effort to be involved, the fact that you put forth an effort is more than most people do. Good work! And very cool of the DNR guy to respond to your letter! One thing to consider... the only way to make any program work is to HARVEST fish in the legal size range. So many people get caught up in catch and release (and I'm as guilty as anyone, I don't even like bass) that they let all of them go and then wonder why the fishery doesn't progress towards the goal. In your case, keeping as many 15-16 inch fish as you can may really help your cause. Most of Tx is a 14" size limit, except for a few lakes and a few slot lakes... we seem to have a good population of big fish but I think the key is that we have a large number of people keeping the 14"-16" fish for the frying pan.

I wish you were my UPS man... even on a good day, he comes after 5:30pm. ...lol

;D

Congratulations!! What a blessing for you!

That might make a difference! Although I though a good amount of your reel business was shipped in. No? The academy and sportsman's warehouse stores near me are constanly sold out... rarely do they have them in stock more than a couple days. I'm really not on a mission to defend the viento, I don't own one and have no plans to buy one. just seemed like there was more speculation than fact being written about it. Triton9's dad is the first bad experience I have heard about so far... how many other reels do we hear about lemons right off the shelf? Lots! Seems to me like the viento might just be a good little reel.

Not likely.... the world is slow to change, spirals look so different that i think many companies are scared to go that route until it's proven by a few. ...lol Look for only a couple companies to offer this for a while. It also has that "gimmicky" look to me. I would need alot of convincing before making the change to that style. Avid, You can try one of mine at fork if you like. (unless roadwarrior wants to hog them!) I'll try to bring a couple extras so you can see if you like them. All of mine are bumper spirals, meaning only one transition guide. It took me exactly one day to decide I didn't want to fish guides up, any more. It takes a little time to get used to the look but if you just fish it doesn't take long to be sold on the performance. (if you doubt any of what I'm saying, ask ReelMech, Alpster or justtrying... they are all spiral converts as well. Here is a paste from the guy who talked me into trying it: That was from an email he sent me over a year ago. It actually makes me thing of you now, having read of your elbow, wrist and shoulder troubles. Food for thought.

Not likely.... the world is slow to change, spirals look so different that i think many companies are scared to go that route until it's proven by a few. ...lol Look for only a couple companies to offer this for a while.