Darren.

You keep going to Baccarac and you're gonna need the 30# model!!

Congrats! Is on a list of things I want... In the mean time, my econo-scale works well and is rather accurate. Though it has seen better days.... I *really* want a boga.

Jake, did you try the Blue Team Daiwa rods at BPS? I really liked the feel of them last time I tried 'em at BPS.

Totally agree. Not sure there's a QB like that in this year's draft. Then again. Who'da thunk Kaepernick or Russell Wilson were gonna be so great this year. Of course coaching helped, and solid depth on the teams....

Welcome aboard, Dana!

Very good article, John. I might just try it this year.

Sigh... Probably true.

Welcome, Austin!

Welcome aboard!

We'll see. I still expect a QB drafted by the Bills... If Kolb becomes stater, he'll have a better O Line than he did in AZ, Philla. Unless he's had his confidence beat out of him....

Simmer down? Nothing to simmer down about. My opinion is he's an upgrade from Fitz.

Have a long look at the new Daiwa Lexa 2000SH or 2500 You can score one on eBay (from a highly rated seller) for right around $100. I bought one (2000) and absolutely love it. And I'm a Shimano fan. I have two Stradics as well. For the money, the Lexa is hard to beat IMHO.

You can, but like Top said, they can bleed. I just leave my soft plastics in their original bag, then put them in the ziplocks in my worm bag. Keeps 'em separate, and I always know what that color was that caught -- or didn't catch.

Not alone, Jay. I've come across people who say they caught a 10 pounder, I engaged them enthusiastically, and in the conversation ask about how big they thought it was... On one instance I caught a 2 pounder (dock fishing) while in conversation, and the person said about that size.... LOL For the most part, it has been kids. I take the opportunity to offer a little education on size, girth, etc. They're usually receptive when discussed kindly, encouragingly. Sometimes I just nod and say "way to go!" and avoid the situation all together. Can't remember what the review was about, but there's a kid who posted a picture of a "7 pounder" on Bass Pro saying he caught it with whatever worm or lure. The fish couldn't have been more than 2 pounds. In the church we call that "evangelastically speaking"....

Some of the other guys may have other recommendations, but here's a link to BPS's inventory: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchTerm=mustang If money is not an object here, I'd personally look at this model: http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Competition-Inflatable-Life-Jacket-with-HIT-Model-MD3183-BC/product/98131/

Goodness! The head on that thing, not to mention length.

When I have used pure FC, and tying to say, a worm hook, I will tie a snell each and every time. If I were tying to a lure, I'd carefully tie a palomar with plenty of spit. I've also used a clinch knot being careful to keep it plenty wet.

If I were you, I'd look at some of the Mustang manual/auto inflatables. Because I'm in a kayak, I tend to prefer a non-inflatable vest, but if I were in the back of a boat, I'd wear an inflatable all the time, probably. A life is a terrible thing to waste.

Really up to you. I fish both, no tournaments, though. Would say my primary is spinning, secondary is baitcasting. As well, my primary fishing method is soft plastics.

I looked for them at our local BPS, all out, every time I've checked. Will eventually try one out, perhaps after the rush on them has calmed down a bit.

Good haul. Could be anywhere from 2-3 pounds.

Welcome to the forums! Hey, a 5 pounder is nothing to sneeze at. A nice fish if that's a lunker from your pond!

I've got the QA 7.1:1 and it used to be my main BC until I bought a 7.1:1 Lexa. I'm a major fan of the higher ratio. While I'd still get the PQ, the Accurist is not a bad reel.

I have, probably same year, Accurists. They are good, but if I had the opportunity to go back in time, I'd have gone with the PQ. I think the PQ has better braking system. Just my .02.

Good stuff, happy times! Nice combo.