Darren.

I definitely wouldn't go for red Power Pro - unless their dye has changed. It bled all over my Quantum baitcaster...haven't used red since.

x2, got these, as well as Boomerangs with me on the yak.

Yeah, daydreaming about fishing then a rude awakening always snaps ya back to reality. Been there quite a few times. In some ways we're like this:

Could also be the patent has expired, assuming the R2S was patented, which I would think so. Kinda like generic drugs, gotta wait so many years before we can buy them after a product first hits the shelves, but once that patent expires, it is game-on. If it even works like that for fishing lures...

They're falling for your wiles, laddie! Keep throwing sweet nothings at them and they won't stop! You might need to call Larry Dahlberg and give him some tips on Muskie fishing!

Welcome aboard!

Boomerang snips are excellent, but there something else you may not even think about: Kid's Fiskars scissors from Walmart! They really do work well.

Thanks, it worked this time...odd that. The way he thumb-bars is what I was thinking it was, and how I do it. So good on that. And man did he bring in two fat bellied bass!

Palming a spinning reel for me is either to add to the drag, or to stop the fish from taking line. When I use my thumb on the bait caster I'm doing something very similar, exception being ability to reel in with added pressure as can on a bait caster. Not the same, but almost the same in principal. Regardless, I still see no need - in how I fish - for back reeling. Based on how others describe it, I feel my overall technique does the same, with drag. I.e, being able to slow a fish down and turn it. [[BTW, the video page would not load for me, security issue apparently. Either the redirect was being intercepted, or their security cert expired...either way, I decided not to pursue. Chance you could embed it in the post?]]

I know of "thumb-barring" I do it myself, but not always. What I consider the equivalent on the spinning reel is palming the spool....

That's a *great* question! Drag is good on one, not the other?

4" for me. I've caught tons of 6 plus lbers on down with them. 5" was my PB, though, but I just don't have as much success with 5's. I've got a 6" that I rarely use.

Welcome aboard! Your setup looks fine, tho I'd probably go for a MF or MXF rod. To your quoted question above, yep, its mostly preference. I'd only recommend one if you want to learn how to cast and fish with one. But honestly, it is not necessary to simply enjoy the sport of fishing. I went the baitcaster route and have only one reel with 2 rods left (one rod is MH, the other ML - for diff techniques). I still fish it, but not as often. And I spent $$ on the reel - a Shimano Chronarch 50e with upgrades (had 2, sold 1 - have other brand casters, just never use them, or passed along to my sons). That said, I like having learned and become skilled at using one, but after all the time I spent doing so, even with the goal of going all baitcasting, I ended up back in the spinning gear camp for 98% of what I do. Spinning is just (to me) simpler, less worrisome with windy situations, equally as accurate (you have to learn accuracy for either). Both are tools for a job. Both work, both can "hammer", both can "drill", etc. On a particular technique one may be better suited than the other, but that doesn't mean you can't do said technique with the other.

Doesn't bother me. I don't backreel, never found the need as I feel I've got pretty good control over the fish when I'm fighting with drag setting/line choice/rod power, and so forth. I respect those who do back reel, just don't see need myself. Have both reels (in 1000 size) @A-Jay shows above, as well as a 1000 FK. The drags on these are nothing short of outstanding (IMO). The newer CI4+ model is amazing.

Ouch!

Welcome aboard! Nice ride Several NoVA/MD yakkers on the forums. I'm sure someone will chime in soon.

Thanks. That's what I was looking for. Saves me a call. Guess I'll end up replacing it eventually, when I have a spare $85 + $15 s&h laying around...

Yes, fully registered. I'm doubting the downgrade, too, but keeping hope nonetheless... The LT was actually an upgrade from an Avid....

For an 8 year old, it's probably just right. At 5'6", it isn't too intimidating and hard to manage for a smaller kiddo. If you think it worthy, I'd go for it.

First, no, I've not called St. Croix yet, and I plan to tomorrow unless someone has already gone through this and can put my question to rest. I've been mulling over the "upgrade" plan, sending in my 6'3" MLXF LT Walleye rod for replacement - broke the tip last summer - but as I've thought about it, I was going to ask St. Croix if I can actually "downgrade" to two Premier spinning rods plus the difference. My guess is they won't do it... You may ask why I'm considering such a drop in rod quality... Well, I've picked up a 6' MLF Premiere and am really enjoying it, especially the length. I really do prefer shorter rods, even if by 3".... And while I do love the LT, I doubt I'll buy something that expensive and nice (rod-wise) again. Hurt like the dickens when I broke it. Not saying I'm *gonna* do it, just pondering it and wondering if anyone else here has downgraded with St. Croix (if even possible).

Welcome aboard!

Welcome back!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Those look like Speedclips done better, easier! Even @J Francho should be able to use these.