Darren.

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.

My name is Darren, and I like Bill Dance, too. Edit: I thought this was a 12-step post... LOL. No really. I will watch most of the fishing shows on NBC Sports. Bill is a nice guy, a fine teacher. Now Charlie Moore? I have no idea why that show is on TV.

I'll take a lady like that here in VA. Nice fish!!

Appreciate your transparency! Not everyone responds to PMs, so nice to read you're concerned with such things!

Payin' close attention to this thread...!

I've used GYCB craws, and one bag of BPS craws. Had most success on the GYCB craws.

By bait, are you referring to live bait (nightcrawlers, minnows)? Otherwise, when you get to your shore-bound location, scan for any visible structure (fallen trees, etc.). I'd start there. If you're at a dock, start at the dock pylons.

Dude, can you check it out in person? Edit: at 3.5 hours, can you ask her to hold it till you can check? Take a day off from work, a vacation day, a sick day, whatever, and check it out.... Sometimes you hear of $80K Mercedes being dumped for $5k in divorce cases. If you're first in line, check it out and if legit, jump. But I don't want to see a fellow bassresourcer get jipped. I'm sure there are other words of wisdom from other guys on the forum. I've just heard of too many divorce cases in which pricey items are sold at beyond bargain prices due to wife getting back at hubby. If that's the case, then you win. If not, then you've been had. Impossible for any of us to know for sure unless you can get an address, and time for a visit.