Darren.

As I understand it, and I've Google'd it, FC leader is a much stiffer material than what you'd buy on a spool (like Red Label) at your local fishing store. FC leader is too unwieldy and unmanageable to use as your mainline, hence being sold as "leader" material only.

I'll go simple: GYCB Senkos. Fish 'em wacky, TX, weighted wacky, split shot, and then some!!

Good gravy, man! 17+, that's Fish Chris territory!!

Nice catch!

It'll fish! Better than anything I could do!

BPS, Dick's, Tackle Warehouse, Hi's Tacklebox Shop, others.

A happy one, Dwight!

Ok, yes you can use a swivel, but I tend to shy from swivels that will come thru my rod's eyes. Rather not damage, or potentially damage eyelets. As well, it *may* help with some line twist, but you'll still have it. Have you tried KVD Line conditioner? You'd spray it on your line (the spool) the night before and let it soak in overnight. Will certainly help with line management, but won't relieve twisting issues entirely.

All I can say is Buffalo got Kevin Kolb! Twas QB day in the NFL today. I think Radiers and Bills each got better, each relieved requirement to draft a QB in the top 10. Well, maybe.

Welcome to the forums, Kyle. Sounds like a good outing!

I made mine, but I believe Dick's Sporting Goods carries a hoist system in store. At least one near me does.

Congrats! May she bring you a lot of successful fishing outings.

Matt, you can go with both. I do. Probably my preference is to use spinning gear. The issue with line twist is easily solved by moving to braid for your mainline and using a leader (or not). Braid doesn't have line management issues like mono, copoly, or fluoro. So you can go with 10-15lb braid, and use a leader anywhere from 6 - 15 pounds (give or take). TIe on your wacky style hook with a snell knot, or a palomar, and go to town. I do the same with my baitcaster. I use braid main, plus a leader.

Too young, too soon. R.I.P. Doug.

Welcome to the forums!

Way to go Shin! He's a guy who'se technique I follow!

Would like to have gone out, but no. Was overcast, rain, then overcast. Probably a good day to hit the reservoirs! C'est la vie.

Creative! I like it!

Hey Joey, welcome! Already responded to a couple of your posts, wanted to make sure to give a proper greeting! Lived in the Dallas area during the mid-late 80's, early 90's. Once a Texan, always a Texan.

Probaby 3" lmb on a crappie jig. No pix, but it fit in my palm. Tiny little fella.

Sure! The seller I bought from has a 100% rating, name: torch-sports http://www.ebay.com/sch/torch-sports/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=200&_trksid=p3686

Though not "today", I, within the last couple weeks bought a new 6'3" Avid MLXF spinning rod (love), and a Lexa 2000SH spinning reel (love). First bass of season (3 lbs) came off this set. Always nice to break in a new combo with the first fish of the season.

Seriously? What, is he Michael Jackson II?

Only freshies that I know I've eaten: Crappie - not too shabby LMB (when I was a kid, never since) To be honest, I'm not a guy who goes out of his way to eat fish. It's rare I dine on seafood, even more so with fresh. CPR all the way for me

Joey, I'd recommend you stick with your Shakespeare spinning combo for now. No reason to "graduate" to a baitcaster any time soon. I didn't for years and years. In fact, some of us here on the boards don't even use baitcasters and catch plenty of fish. Don't let TV or magazines fool you into believing you have to throw the same stuff you see people doing on shows, on commercials. They want your dollars. Save 'em and become proficient at what you have now, then, when you feel ready to move to the next level, do so.