Darren.

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.

The trick I found with Norman's is to work them on sideways, no squeezing necessary. Then basically the same thing to work them off. (don't remember where I found that tip, but wasn't orig. with me). And welcome aboard, @hairyfish!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Good luck on your first muskie!

Assuming one even knew "morel mushrooms".... Which I didn't. Until now.

Just started the Ned fishing this past month. It has been truly awesome. No skunks so far when I've used it! I even had three rods rigged with it last night, caught on all three. I generally avoid all foods provided by Mother Nature when I'm out and about because I simply don't know which ones are edible (for most part). So I should be safe...

Congrats! Der froggenmeister!

Glad you know what mushrooms are edible!! I'd be more likely to eat the wrong one and end up dead on the side of a meadow.... That said, I had a great Easter evening out on the water tonight. Ned rig saved the day, and even enhanced it! LOL

Welcome aboard!

DH'ers are a special breed Big drops, big travel, speeeeed.

Nice work! Both of ya

Welcome aboard!

No idea, but good luck finding a good mech! Given the heavy boating nature of our area, I'm sure there are some good ones out there.

Congrats! Interesting catch!

Welcome aboard! I'd go for one good combo, as follows: 1) Medium Fast Spinning rod rod in the $100 range. There are *many* good rods in this price range such as the Bass Pro Carbonlite, the Abu Veritas, St. Croix Premiere, and so forth. If you can find a MXF (Medium Extra Fast) rod, it will have a stiffer taper, also good. 2) Spinning reel in the $100 range. I'm partial to Shimano, and they make a great reel in the Sahara ($79) and Nascii at ($99). Or you can save more with the Sahara, or a Pflueger President and so on, then $100-120 on the rod with a little left over for more hooks, worms, etc.

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you had a really bad experience. Hang in there! By my experience, *most* fishermen are NOT jerks, although clearly, some are. I've had encounters with jerks on the water, but it is not common. I know when I've fished docks on multi-vehicle lakes with boat docks, I try to keep my casts low and under raised boats, or I simply avoid casting by docked, in-water boats.

Well done! A beast, indeed, for the north!

Wow, fat chunk wiper! Congrats!

IMO, you will be fine with a M/F rod. I use M/F and M/XF for 98% of my bass fishing, only have one M/H rod (casting) that gets some, but not a lot of use.