Darren.

Dang. Y'all are killing me. I've been in DSG twice this weekend. Both time for SOCCER related stuff (3 of my boys are in travel leagues). I told my wife I'm all set on fishing gear. Now what am I to do. I *have* to find a way to go back to DSG...

Dr. P was pretty sacred up in the DFW area, but the waitresses always asked what kind of Coke you want: "We have Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Coke, Diet Coke".... and so on. What killed me was when I lived in Western NY. It was PAAAAAAAHP. Must be said with heavy nasal sound, too. Not "pop" as in your Dad, but paaaaaahp as in what kind of soft drink do you want. Man. I took this off topic pretty bad. Sorry, LOL. Back to the non-existent Polar Vortex of Awesomeness.

That's a beautiful 2 pounder, Big-O

Bob, it is up to you what style hook you use. Of course there are hooks specifically designed for wacky rigging. Usually they have a shorter shank than an Aberdeen or TX-style hook, but people use those and catch bass. Personally, I prefer the smaller profile of a wacky-designed hook like the Gamakatsu Wide-Gap Finesse hooks, Owner Wacky hooks, etc. They all work and work well. I believe the smaller shank plays to the worm's weight differently than a long shank hook does. If you tie one of each type on two different rods, drop each in some clear water and twitch them, see which performs "better" (subjective, I know). The Gamakatsu, Owner hooks mentioned are not octopus, in other words, the hook is in line with the shank and eye, whereas an octopus hook is slightly offset. Some will argue that octopus hook more fish, but are also more difficult to dislodge if swallowed deep. Can't say that has been my experience, but I do not use octopus hooks for wacky rigging although they work just fine. I guess my point is (no pun) that you can use any hook for the technique just like you could use a putter for an entire 18 holes. But there are better tools for the job out there. Tools designed for specific functions.

Welcome aboard!

Have had success both ways, but more often I find success when wacky rigged.

Agree with Felix, good write up. Jury is still out for me with pure FC line - and for me it is leader only. I remain unconvinced it is *truly* a difference-maker. Although there have been times it felt like it was. There have also been times where I felt that P-Line Floroclear or Yo-Zuri Hybrid were the difference-makers, too.

Awesome! And welcome to the forums!

I stand corrected. I lived in Texas, did travel in other southern states, but I guess I didn't hear it too much elsewhere. I'm "fixin'" to go back to work now.

You also call it "pop" but the correct term is "soda". And if you're from Texas it is "coke" no matter the soft drink!

Can someone make sure the vortex extends to south eastern Virginia, please? We endured two days of soccer tourneys in stifling heat and humidity, and very light winds. I'm ready for some cool. Don't really care how the fish react at this point. I want to get some outside housework done!!

Awesome catch! Congrats!!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Craig!

Welcome aboard!

Our local DSGs are in midst of a huge clearance, but I have never seen a Crucial in-store. Online yes... I'll have to check again to see if they brought any in-store. Finger's crossed.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Bubba!

Welcome aboard!

I'd prefer Shimano return to the same cork handles they had on the previous-gen Compre. My fave. Either way, I want to feel them in-hand!

Reading about this on TT, as well. Cork handles, indeed! 1 year warranty, though, apparently. Meh... Debate over the reel seat, balance, etc. There are a few more pictures there as well.

Looks good! I like that my white Chronarch 50e's will match any color rod!

I'm very happy for Cleveland. Never liked the move to the Heat, but like LBJ wrote in the SI essay, he grew up. I can respect that. And I really respect the move back. As for the odds. Too high, IMO. If Gilbert gets the right players around him, like Kevin Love, I think the chance gets closer to Vegas odds.

I thought it was here on BR - or maybe it was on TT - that Bantam1 said there is no Curado I 50 size in the plans. Don't have time to hunt for that right now...maybe someone else can confirm?

When I pulled the trigger on my second Chronarch 50e, I strongly considered the Curado i... I love the size and palmability of the 50e, and the I is not really far off whatsoever. I use my 50e's mostly for plastics, and I throw a lot of light, weightless stuff with them, too. Now the I is supposed to be able to throw similar weights. I guess in the long run I was familiar with the 50e and wanted the same thing for another rod. Probably doesn't help you much, LOL.