flechero

I wouldn't go cross handed for cranking. The rod itself will assist you in not "oversetting" the hook. Remember that the mod rods are "slower" in taper which softens a hookset. It's the same quality that helps to not rip hooks out when fighting the fish. Small to med cranks, I just use one on my all purpose reels. For deep or pretty deep cranks, I have a low speed reel, the BPS Fritts model. 5BL does as much cranking as anyone here and he used to recommend the BPS Fritts cranking reels for deep divers. It's not an expensive reel and is actually on sale (I just looked) http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90570_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1 Maybe he will see this and post some ideas. I don't have enough time behind that reel to offer much of a review. It serves my purpose so far.

I placed an order for some Batson blanks and luckily one of them was backordered. I got a call from FishSticks4u about the backorder and to give me some options (something few retailers will do anymore) So in the course of discussing my options, Robert mentions that the new model RX8 blanks (one of each) just arrived... well I asked which models and they happened to have gotten the model I had ordered in RX7 (an 844 mag bass) so I upgraded to try it out. The new RX8 blanks are painted "Titanium Chrome" and are supposed to look really sharp. Lucky timing as the new blanks are technically out but no one has them listed on the sites yet. I can't wait to see it. This one just got moved to the front of the line and I'll get pics up when I get started

Believe it or not, an ugly stick is a very good cranking rod, if you can stand to be seen with it. ...lol They have a mod action and are under your budget. I don't know if you'll find many options for a technique specific cranking rod in the under $50 range. Maybe one of the All Star Classic series or Berkley cranking rods are still priced there.

Thanks, it sounds like that really is the scale of choice. And the "non water resistance" is what I worried about. I wonder if ther is a scale like that, with some tolerance to wet conditions?

Thanks again, to everyone! This kind of response and support really makes me feel blessed, and reinforces why I like it here! You guys (and gals) are top shelf!

So your the guy that actually reads the owner/instruction manual before using or assembling. only when it's something I'm unfamiliar with... which sort of goes well with this thread, don't you think?

Wind like that is tough on us but it can be better for the fishing... the waves diffuse light and keep things stirred up which usually has baitfish on the move, and with that, the bass usually follow. I like wind blown points, wind created current along tree or weed lines and lots of other places... the trick to fishing in high wind is to get used to controlling the boat in it. The boater can get really frustrated if the t-motor is on high and you are going backwards! We fish in up to about 25-30mph winds, we are VERY careful, and use drift socks, anchor or tie up at each area. A regular partner is invaluable when drift socking, anchoring or tying!! Once you get comfortable operating the boat like this, the fishing is not so hard. But the fishing is greatly influenced by my ability to control the boat. General navigation can also be difficult and dangerous, depending on the wind and it's direction on a lake. Please use your head and wear a PFD. As for techniques, moving baits are easier because in high wind, the wind can actually troll your senko, t-rig, etc. C-rig is good because enough weight holds it still. Heavy crankbaits and rattle traps/spinnerbaits... basically things that cast well are easiest. You can get closer with the water churned up so don't eliminate pitching and flippin' to cover in a drift scenario. I sound like my dad. ...lol Good luck

That's got Belton written all over it! Nice looking jig!

I wanted to ask those who have certified digital scales what they make/model they have? I found a Salter at Cabela's (looks like the one Fish Chris uses from his pics) and when I read the reviews one (of 3) said it didn't last too well in a wet environment, Which may be why Chris keeps it in a pelican case. Anyway, the last digital scale I bought was almost 15 years ago and is still very accurate but the screen is beginning to go out. So I'm not to rough on it but it does get wet. Are there any other digital scales that are as accurate, trusted and easy to have certified as the Salter? Price is only a minor concern but don't want to throw money away. ...lol Thanks!

That's it! And it's not like there aren't stickies that say "READ ME-BEFORE POSTING QUESTIONS" at the top of EVERY SINGLE SECTION. It only takes one extra click to change sections... So with that in mind, there are only about 3 possibilities... lazy, slow or inattentive. ;D Which would you like to be? I think I'll keep posting in the right sections. ...lol

I never tried a kit... never found on with the blank and all components I would have chosen so rather than settle, I just ordered what I wanted. If the kit has what you like and want, it's probably a few $ cheaper to buy that way. If you decide against it and need help putting together the shopping list, feel free to ask one of us or just post. We'll always help people spend money!! ;D

Eddy, Just move the computer to "the room," that's how I do it... as epoxy is setting, between wraps or as finish is drying, etc. I just turn around in the swivel chair and log in. ...lol The other thing I did was open a separate account that my "allowance" goes into... so I order all fishing/hunting/rod building stuff with that debit card... she doesn't get nervous anymore! ...lol as long as I have the funds, I'm home free! ;D

You guys are great, thanks! Russ, the only hitch in your plans would have been that the LMS332C is color! There are only a few surprises in life that are great either way... this just adds to the suspense! We asked not to be told and when the sonogram tech was in "that" area, we turned away, just in case. ...lol

Yup, were pretty fired up! Thanks again to everyone for the well-wishes! I'm already thinking about a little 4' spiral wrapped spincast rod to fit tiny hands and a little zebco! ;D Or better yet, a new rod for "Dad" to commemorate the occasion! ...lol Maybe I'll just make a matched pair, one UL and one MH

No, they fall between GL3 and IMX according to Loomis. That's the reason so many of us still suggest IMX over them. Now, if you needed an X-fast for something specific, I might go this route but for most tecniques and rods, a fast in IMX is plenty fast. (comparable to some brands X-fast) But the price I saw the other day was great...

There's just something about a Texan with a fly rod that doesn't seem right... : I'm confused? What's so crazy about us flyfishing? We use heavy rods (big surprise) big flies and usually fish the same cover we flip or pitch to. It's no panfish lift! We also target smallies when they are up hunting craws in the shallows. It's also good practice for salt water. So, what's odd about it? :-?

That's funny! Thanks!

That's a great fish... even better on a fly!

The problem with that is that a deep cycle battery takes several hours to charge... and if it's run all the way down, it will likely need to charge overnight. A second battery will be cheaper than the gas you burn while charging. (assuming you do this more than once) A buddy of mine had rod holders mounted in oar locks- depending on the model, it can be as simple as changing the mounting bolt.

I've done it twice in Texas, once with a home built trailer and once with an old trailer with no numbers. They have a provision in the forms for home built or unserialized trailers. A VIN is not required, they will issue a plate. The only thing I see as potentially troublesome is you being from out of state. Maybe I just thought you were from your post. I don't know if there are different rules for bill of sale or notary requirements for out of state purchases. You can call any county tax office and get the rest of the answers though.

You won't be the only one! ...lol Thanks everyone! Yes, Olebiker, this is our first.

That's awesome! You should have loaned him your hat for the *** contest! ;D

You make a good point... the fork fish (like many lakes I'm sure) are thicker and denser than Belton fish... which only further complicates a guess from a picture. I wasn't thinking that when I posted, I'm going to edit my other post so it doesn't come across as accusatory. But I do know a number of people that always "guess" high!

Well after changing my avatar a few days ago, I forgot to post my big news... and RW caught it in a thread and reminded me. Mrs. flechero and I expecting! We feel so blessed and are absolutely thrilled! We did not find out if it's a boy or girl, just letting it come as a surprise! The baby is due in early November- what a great Thanksgiving it will be!! I realize that sonogram pics are not as exciting for everyone else but hey, it's all we have for now! And if you don't like sonogram pics, check out this cool shot of my graph with the fish suspended near the creek channel! I wondered if anyone thought that from the little avatar pic. ...lol

Yes, thanks for the reminder! Just posted in "everything else" to avoid a hijack.