Darren.

Got the same problem on one of my Stradic 1000FI's. I've taken the bail apart and found gouging in the plastic of the arm which houses the spring. Thinking about sending it to DVT for maintenance. I've tried grease, oil, etc. (all reel specific), but nothing helps. Just have to make the full close by hand. My other Stradic, slightly newer, doesn't have the problem. Edit: I should say that I always close my bail by hand, but have to force this particular Stradic to fully close.

LOL!! I was telling my wife all about R Sherman, and his belligerent ways. Suddenly he opens his mouth to Erin Andrews and proves it! Priceless moment. I just look at my wife and she looks at me hardly believing what she's hearing RS say. Was a funny moment. He'll only be able to cover ONE of Manning's receiver corps. Once again, advantage Denver!! <fingers crossed> But I do have to say, Sherman's got game. He's dangerous x 10.

We are all so very different in what we like, don't like. Easy to say, "dude, buy this brand, it's the best", but what if you do buy that brand and end up hating it. Rather see you spend your money on something that feels great in your hand, that helps you feel connected to the fishing environment you are in. What works for me may not work for you. Guys these days tend toward longer rods than days past, me, I prefer shorter rods 6'6" and under for my style. As mentioned, take your reel(s) in to BPS- -- or if they have your reel, just use one from the box -- and put it on different rods to feel the balance in your hand. That way YOU are in control and can say "yeah, this feels better than that". Wish it were as easy as just saying "go buy XXXX brand of rod."

I give the nod to Broncos in the SB. Manning will be prepared for Seattle's D, and with more weapons in his receiving corps, victory is within his grasp.

Welcome aboard, Dan!

Welcome aboard, Brian!

x2. We're not talking country of origin, right RW?

As a fan of both Shimano and Diawa, I will admit to no experience on the water with the X-ship, which both the new Symetre and Saros have. Have heard nothing but good about it. Concerning line management on the Lexa and Stradic FI, they're relatively even, but I'd give the nod to the Lexa for a tighter wind on the spool. Just my experience with the 2 Stradics and 1 Lexa I have. To the OP: I don't think you could go wrong with either the Symetre, Saros, or Lexa. All would be excellent choices, especially if you have any plans to do salt in addition to fresh, as they're all rated either/or. Not sure the Abu are rated for both.

Same experience here. Did not care for YZH US much. Prefer straight YZH hands-down. But again, for me, I'll go P-Line Floroclear first, then YZH. I use both, I like both, have lots of spools of both. Almost always have both on different rods I take with me...just because.

Que the braid brand wars in 3...2...1 Power Pro. <duck for cover!> Sorry, this is a feisty conversation you're asking for. Highly opinionated, and not solved until you find one you like. That said, I've used a number of brands: Power Pro, Berkely, Sufix, etc., and keep coming back to plain old Power Pro. I'm just comfortable with it. I use 10lb test on all my spinning reels, and 20 lb on my bait casting reels. I always tie on a leader varying from 6-15 lb test depending on the conditions. Braid is expensive, so I try to make it last and last, thus the leaders, and I always use backing on my reels.

Welcome aboard, Chuck!

I skipped over the Symetre and Saros in favor of the Stradic. HOWEVER, I think both reels are excellent reels and you really can't go wrong with either one. I'd also throw a Lexa into the mix, as I'd probably choose it if I were picking today. I've got the 2000 series Lexa and find it an excellent reel. So I'm a Shi-Daiwa guy, LOL.

Yes it was mentioned, and you need to go sit in the corner for that middle paragraph.

I'm pro-scent, but there have been times that not even a scent-laden offering made the fish bite any better. At times more fish bit a scented bait for me than a non-scented variety. Was it due to the scent or placement of the bait? Dunno. But I use Megastrike, Bang, JJ's and Yum F2. Or at least I have them all hanging around. Perhaps "use" was the wrong word. I will squeeze Megastrike into a bag of worms and mash it all around. I like how it lubes the worms and such and helps them come through cover better - at least in my experience. I'd say experiment and see what works for you. Like others have said, it can sure help cover up your scent. So that's a bonus.

Welcome aboard, Chris!

A fun endeavor. I made mine using a short square aluminum tube and some black cutting board. Allows me to fold the transducer arm in when I don't need it. For $250, you can find just what you need/want in a FF. Personally, I'd add $50 to that and get a DSI model. Me? I use a cheap Garmin for now.

Welcome aboard!

Can't compete with everyone here, but the Great Wolf Lodge here in Williamsburg has a little pond. We spent a night there and I took one of my long poles (no reel) to the little pond out behind the hotel and caught several nice bass up to 2 pounds.

Lots of $$ invested in the Apple ecosystem, so it's all Apple TV for me and the fam. Same thing can be done from any iDevice

Maaaybe. Depends on the size of plastic you're moving. I use a 4/0 on 6" models, and below that I use a 2/0, and sometimes a 3/0.

Since I don't get the show, what color is it - can you tell?

Not surprising as he gets his hands on all the pre-release gear. Would be nice to see a close-up of it, though.

I owned one for a short time, a 6'6" M spinning rod. Was super light, sensitive, etc. I returned it for something different, cheaper, at the time. I have fished the same rod again (buddy has one), and I do like it. I'm not sure I would buy another one at the price point given that there are other rods on the market that I have liked more. Past tense for the Shimano Compre, previous version with cork. I think the Veritas has a great feel, although I've not fished one. Don't think you'll be disappointed. But definitely get your hands on several different rods when you go. If BPS carries you reel, ask if you can put it on each of the rods (or bring your own reel) so you can feel how it balances to your liking. You might be surprised.

"Fun fishing" is variable for me. Can be when I'm out alone, or bank fishing a small pond with my boys and a friend catching all manner of fish. Fun fishing can be when everyone gets to catch something big or small. I'm a non-tournament fisherman, too. So the sport is for enjoyment, so it can be "fun" all the time, but it isn't, LOL. Sometimes I am my worst competitor and sometimes a nasty birds nest or snag on every cast can make a "fun" outing "not fun".... know what I mean, Vern?

Welcome to the forums, Dave!