flechero

That's not it... even if the info is accurate, guys flipping fish into the floor of the boats and letting them flop around long enough to ensure that the slime is evenly removed from both sides of the fish, and the back/belly slime of some as well. > It kills me to watch. We talked about this when the classic was going on.

Anything can happen... the question is why. They didn't use 65 pounds of pressure on the rod or reel... both would have failed. I suspect they either didn't retie when line was frayed or had weights with an edge on them. (or perhaps bad line) I don't have any trouble punching grass with XT. While braid is good in grass, it's hardly required for success.

None at all, a 5" senko weighs more than a lot of other baits and lure you'll use. Someone needs to weigh one on a good scale... this comes up enough that it should be a number we can quote.

I've heard that a lot around here.... ;D ;D Just foolin' around, Muddy!

That's like me saying I didn't catch any on a crankbait yesterday.... crankbaits are no good... these guys are all out to make a buck on me. Seriously? We have no vested interest in your success or failure as an angler and we sure don't have anything to gain financially from your purchases. Why is it that if you don't catch, we are dishonest? Could it possibly be that you have either missed something or just had a bad day? The Fat Ika is as good as any other soft plastic, and better than many... if fished where fish are present. Nothing is always the right bait.

That's the best advice there is... and often times the only way to free a jig or weight in the rocks.

Hammer, I think if you invite a guest, it should be inclusive. In this case, the 'guest' asked for the trip and they had agreed to split costs, at least that's what dink said.... so the guy is a stiff for his actions, but I think it should have been nipped in the bud. Dink, I never said look for the bad in people but really, if he needed $2 for a lighter, did you still think he had gas money? It's not like he was carrying exact change. ;D Or when he "threw stuff in the boat" you weren't out there to say good morning and show your guest where to stow his gear? knows how to load your boat for highway travel. When you got ice for the cooler, did you ask if he had drinks? You did say it was a good drive, so I wouldn't assume a non boater I'm not trying to give you a hard time but I think you must have seen the warning signs.

dink, Sounds like it was handled poorly, all the way around. 1. Did you ask about gas $$$ when he called? (knowing the extra distance you'd be driving??) 2. Did you ask where his food/drinks/tackle were when you picked him up? 3. You loaned him money for a lighter and were surprised he didn't have gas money? 4. You didn't say anything when he grabbed your rods? 5. And after all that, you didn't lock the truck when you had to clean out the boat and put away tackle? I think by the time you left the house, you knew (or should have known) almost every issue that was coming up that day... It's not worth the energy to get mad over. And if the was the first time you ever had an issue with a guest, you now know what to look out for.

That's all that matters!

I did have one thought but not sure if it's worth the effort.... how about something like softex, it's a rubberized coating (clear) that we use in fly tying. It's pretty tough. Just a thought.

Most* spinning blanks are a little lighter (not to be confused with slower) in the mid section. I've used them to build as cranking or trebeled bait, casting rods for those who don't like slower actions. I build my own spinning rods on casting blanks. (preference for the way they feel)

They obviously see "landing" the fish as a part of, or added challenge to just hooking a fish.

call me sappy, but I just teared up ;D

Seems like you answered your own question there.... at least it warrants another day or two of experimenting to see if it's for you.

No idea on a soft flexible finish that will hold up... but wanted to give you a shout out since I'm also in Bell County... (Belton)

I was thinking about fishing last night but went to the grocery store at 8:30pm to get a few things for the baby... and it was still 101 degrees. I stayed in the A/C. ;D

it's really only about a 2 minute job.

I was thinking the same thing. ...lol

Hmm... what are you, an investment banker? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Clean off the old epoxy.. scrape off the plug and roll up some 600 grit sandpaper to prep the inside of the blank section. Then I'd take a Q-tip with some rubbing alcohol and wipe the glueing surfaces down. (let dry) Then use any waterproof epoxy you have (or can get locally) to re-glue the plug. Locktite or Devcon brands makes a couple waterproof epoxies and you can get them at lowes or depot.

That's one of the better posts I've read lately. Certainly better than anything I've written lately! ;D

Call me a skeptic but it sounds like there may be a couple more details. ;D Doesn't sound like warranty to me, I'd just buy a new rod.

With this response, there should be plenty of handles available for the aftermarket. ;D

There are a few custom builders that are active here... There are also a contingent of builders that mostly build for self, friends and charitable/noble causes. PM coming your way shortly....

Sorry, the BassResource.com search feature wasn't working- that's why i went to google.