flechero

or hooksets or speed of retrieve, or erratic retrieves. That's a classic case of the fish talking to you... No trailer hooks for me.

Perceived quality and value are things that are different for different people. Most BPS reel reviews are good... but there seem to be very few people that claim positive experiences over several seasons. (at least compared to the other brands) Since they are also very affordable, buying a replacement in a year or two wouldn't worry me either... even if you had to buy 3 $80 reels over 5 years, you are no further back than buying a single $250 reel. As with anything, use what you like and can afford... because rarely will any nay sayer buy your next reel! ...lol

Maybe you should only buy 1 of them now and see how you like the x-fast. If you don't, you can sell it fast enough in the flea market, x-fast has gotten real popular in the last 2 years.

I build along the spine. My feeling is this... until someone can prove beyond any shadow of doubt that building along the spine is detrimental to the rod's performance or longevity I will continue to do it this way. Why? Simple, I can't prove that it doesn't help, it's part of my build routine and the trigger to line up & mark all the parts. The truth is that is MAY not do anything or possibly the benefit is so small we can't measure it..... but as long as there is that possibility, I'll spend the 2 minutes needed to get out the jig and mark it. Heck, I'll waste 2 minutes looking for a particular color worm. ...lol

I watched most of it... I was amazed (in a bad way) by the snakeheads. I hope things aren't as bad as they seemed from the show, they made it sound like the snakeheads could populate pretty much anywhere. Hopefully they find a way to control or get rid of them.

See your first post above. ;D You can easily fix that... it just takes time and effort. Maybe even a little sacrifice. Very few of us were born with a silver spoon.

I prefer Christmas! ;D

No need for my rant. Sufficed to say I'd like to see some tax cuts in my bracket. But I do like beer!

Muddy, This is also one of my pet peeves... warranties are for defects in workmanship and material, not use and abuse. The rod replacement programs, like the Loomis Xpeditor are different... they advertise anything goes. I pretty much gave up posting about it and now just shake my head and rarely respond to those posts. I have "eaten" a few things that were my fault, and I sleep just fine.

Good luck guys, I'm routing for you!! I know smokeless is a little different, but I can sympathize with you. Stay strong, you will be SO glad you did!!

Mike, I'll usually be one of the first people to argue quality in rods, however, I don't see the value in a "nice" crankbait rod. In any "feel" application (worms, jigs, etc.) you can see a tremendous difference in rods. What is sensitive by cranking standards is not the same as other needs. I think you're on the right track by looking to upgrade some equipment, but I think you'll be better served to buy a nice soft plastics or jig rod instead. Sorry. Others may have a different opinion.

Thanks for all the replies! I got the info I was looking for.

;D ;D Good thing you qualified that, we don't have any slop or big fish here in Tx. :

Not true, Russ... my A/C will freeze you out!! We sometimes have to run the A/C on Christmas, so we can have a fire in the fireplace. ;D

Maybe tomorrow will be a down pour and you'll get the close spot and she'll have to park an extra block or two away. These things do have a way of evening out over time.

How many of you like vs. dislike a hook keeper on your rods? And of the ones that like it, where would you most like it to be? Thanks

Many of us have used mono with buzzbaits (and EVERY other application) trouble free for over 20-30 years. Using adequate lb test mono is just fine. I will agree that braid has some good qualities, however, it's not magic, and certainly not for everyone.

moloch16, You need to get a drift sock and an anchor. You will learn to use the drift sock to make wind your friend. ________________________________________________________ as an amazing side note: This is a BassResource.com first. Muddy, Avid, Catt and flechero all replied in a thread with God in the title and no one was cussed, banned, flamed, reprimanded or ex-membered!! Grin Grin (only noted for fun, please don't take exception anyone)

I hear ya, I took a second job, in the midst of a bunch of other stuff... we really need to get our scenes under control and plan an outing in the next few weeks. Heck, we already fish the same lake. ...lol

Go to Academy, BPS or any other marine retailer... they sell the carpet in pre cut (to fit 2x4 or 2x6 bunks) in several lengths. Around here it's in 8' or 12' strips (you can half it for 4' & 6' bunks) It's probably cheaper to buy it that way than to try and make other types of carpet work. (easier, at least) Academy sells the 12' roll for $12.

You can buy the carpet and lumber separately and make them the same size as the ones you are replacing. I would not want to find out later that you really did need 8' bunks. FYI, my 19' boat has 2 - 12' bunks and 2 - 8' bunks underneath.

I also have a 332c and like it. I can't compare it to the 520, as I've not see that unit. The 332 has plenty of detail for me... I think the mapping cards are the limiting factor, not the unit's ability to display them. Lowrance had the "sidefinder" in the early/mid 90's. (I still have an X-55 w/ side imaging) However, a lawsuit from I think bottomline over the technology or patent infringement, ended the manufacture of them. It's pretty cool when you are pitching docks.

Glad to see you checking in. Hope all is well on the homefront. If it makes you feel any better, you haven't missed too much... last week Stillhouse kicked out a record number of dinks! (man, I hate to admit that here!) Best, Keith

That was one decision I have not ever regretted, even for a second.

Nice! Wood ducks sure are cool looking! How do they taste? I never tried one.