flechero

I suppose you have only 1 rod, 1 reel, 1 lure, 1 wrench, etc, etc, etc.... Shoot a few different weapons and then you will probably understand. No 2 guns shoot alike and many of us enjoy shooting. So from a recreational standpoint, several per person could be very practical. Add to that, the different uses for different calibers and styles and you could easily have use for many. Haven't even discussed dedicated SD weapons or collectibles... the list goes on and on. Stasher- one of my favorit sayings is: When seconds count, the police are only minutes away

On natural cork, the magic eraser is unbeatable. On burl or exotic burl, warm water with a light brush and a touch of dish soap is much better.

That is the definition of "house poor". We downsized considerably, to avoid being house poor... as both my wife and I had to find new jobs last year. key chain bass guy- you might enjoy Dave Ramsey. It was by following his plan that we took firm control of our finances.

I didn't read the article, I just responded to the 20% down. soccplayer07- If that's the case, why not buy a smaller house or rent a few years while you save... like our parents and grandparents did. Instant gratification and buying too much house turned into foreclosure for 100's of thousands of people in the last couple years. No one ever said it was or should be easy... look at our entire generation vs our parents and grandparents... most us of started out (buying a house) comparable to where our parents left off... so as a "kid" I bought what my parents worked up to over 40 years. They had equity, low payments (due to good down payments) and never took on more than they could handle if things went south. Being able to affording something shouldn't just be determined by whether you think you can swing the monthly payments.

I think 20% is reasonable. If you can't make a down pmt, you aren't ready for the house. IMO. Maybe I'm just conservative. This protects the lender in case of a downturn... I believe they have some recent data to suggest that is a good move. :

Is an upgraded, and tuned reel stock? :-? I can assure you (with 100% certainty) that many rods and reels used by pro's and spokes people are not what you see on the shelf. Since you're 100% certain, what type of differences are there between a pros rod and reel and store bought. I can see maybe changing out the bearings or drag washers, but what else can be done. And what can be done to the rod. On the Abu reels, they were upgraded bearings, drags and all contact surfaces polished, and tuned. I have heard from trusted friends (but can't personally confirm) that the other brands follow suit. Rods were not built on the line- some built in a separate area, start to finish by a select builder. Some show up at the facility in a UPS truck. In some cases the components and blanks were the same, and in some cases (upon very close inspection) the decals and color scheme were the only things that appeared to be "stock".

Is an upgraded, and tuned reel stock? :-? I can assure you (with 100% certainty) that many rods and reels used by pro's and spokes people are not what you see on the shelf.

You didn't know that credibility is a function of high post count? ;D

Amen to that. I have one and it's hard on your shoulders.

Thanks guys! I must be the only one that throws out rainsuit pants when the arse rips out! ;D ghoti has graciously offered up the first blown out pair for me. ;D If they are cursed, badly stained or continue to rip, I'll check back with you (Kent and Jay). Thanks again!

Anyone have an old gore tex (or similar water proof and breathable) pant that is either ripped in one leg or otherwise not needed? I need one leg's worth of the material. Pleeease Sounds weird, I know... but I have another 4-6 weeks in a cast and need some way to keep it dry while fishing. Plastic bags and the like are not breathable and therefore not practical, due to sweat and condensation. I'm happy to pay the postage if you have one to donate. Anyone? Thanks, Keith

Yup, and when you up the order to $50, they make more so they can cover the freight. It's a win-win.

Chris- I knew you'd grab the tourney comment! I just couldn't quantify it in a sentence or two, using us "real" fisherman as the example. ...lol Hey nibbles, line watching is great, when the wind is down or when you are fishing close or shallow. If I only set hook on line watching, I'd miss about 3/4 of the fish I catch. Come worm fish the timber and cedars in the wind with me and you'll see how line watching only works sometimes.

And yet, people win tournaments every day on mono... If braid were that much better, no one with mono would be able to keep up with braid users. Nothing is universal.... braid only helps some people. sorry for straying off topic.

Honestly? It costs more than the scale and camera it would protect. ...lol Plus, my scale and camera are kept in a dry storage compartment in padded cases. (same end result, just not a portable option)

Properly choked, you will have no loss of casting distance.

Uncle Ed's Lizards

I figure that if you have time to go swimming, you'll have sufficient time to make a few pitches before anyone says anything.

Money isn't the concern, it's purely comfort. If it's comfy on the neck I'll keep it on.

I still use a mid 80's ABU Power 4, it is a great cranking reel.

Oh, I see how it is. You custom rod guys think you're so cool...apparently mine was not good enough. ;D not exactly ...lol there was a delay of about 10 minutes before I hit post on that- when I saw your chart I deleted mine... the hazards of posting from work.

The XF has the softer tip- which is why it bends "quicker" or "faster" than the fast, with the same amount of pressure applied.

I bought one 18 months ago from Cabelas and like it pretty well... my only real complaint is that the neck is a little tight and didn't loosen much when it was broken in. I'm 6'1" 240lbs and 18" neck. Any of you guys have specific recommendations for auto inflatables that either have a little extra room in the neck or loosened up nicely, with some break in? Price is not an issue on this. Thanks

No, the XF has the"shorter" and lighter tip, but the backbone comes up further in the blank. Who has the action diagram to post here?

Even the 1000yd spools save a lot... and it doesn't take long to eat those up. I go through 2-3 a year on average. (which is way down since my unmarried days. ...lol)