Darren.

John, are you using tungsten or lead? I use pencil style, lead, from BPS. Depending on the bottom, I don't usually feel the tip over - could also be because I'm using 1/8 oz sinkers that are *maybe* an inch long.

1/2 price for a previous-gen Crucial is pretty awesome. I loved the feel of those rods.

Thanks, Eli. I've got the same Stradic (2 of them), plus a new Lexa 2000SH. I'm going to try both models on the new rod. Can't wait!!

I just bought (last night) an Avid AVS63MLXF... Hope to get it next week. Only other Croix's I've tried are the Premier. Never handled the Pearl series. Currently use two Shimano Compre's - cork version (previous model), and love 'em. Have always wanted an Avid, and finally pulled the trigger. Can't wait to try it out.

I'm almost afraid to say ... An Avid 6'3" ML/XF rod with a nice discount. I'm done buying now. Other than bait and terminal tackle, I *have* to be done.....

Welcome to the site, Ross!

Actually, Amazon peacocks and Surinam wolf fishing would be a blast....

Tend to agree. I have one baitcaster with 40lb test, but rarely ever use it. My spinning rigs all have 10lb braid and I use a leader. My main baitcaster has 20lb braid + leader.

Braid is best on spinning tackle because it has virtually no twist as compared to mono, fluoro, copoly lines, making it a great option for a mainline.

Okeechobee

Niiiiice!

The Albright, Modified Albright, and other iterations are what I tie. Uni-to-Uni as well, but I rarely tie this anymore because of the slim/small profile and unbelievable strength of the Albright family. Been tying Albrights for years now, and have found that when I'm tying with NEW Power Pro and leader that I need to do 7-9 wraps UP the line, then 5-7 back down. If I try a normal Albright, it may slip. If the Power Pro coating is worn off, the regular Albright holds perfectly with 7-10 wraps. With all of this, give whatever knot you tie a good pull to test. You don't want slippage on that 8 pounder you just caught.

Welcome, Steve!

Unless I'm mistaken, I think BPS makes a #1 J-bend, or EWG hook that could work for you. Here's an O'Shaughnessy Hook Super Lock in a #1 http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-SuperLock-Hooks/product/15821/ Could also try Octopus hooks from BPS, Gamakatsu, others....

Wise move. Don't make a knee-jerk purchase (I've made enough to know it's not a good idea)

Jack, do you have a Bass Pro nearby? If so, take the reel you plan on using to the store and try it out on several different rods to see which *feels* best to you, as Bass Junkie mentioned. Or, if BPS carries your reel, they'll be happy to open a box and put it on several rods for you to test out.

I may be the minority here, but I have not found *need* for a wacky hook bigger than a size 1. I normally use #2 Gammy Wide Gap Finesse, in fact, it was either a #1 or a #2 WGF hook which I caught my PB (7.5lbs) on in thick grass on 10lb test. The bigger the hook, the heavier, and the faster the fall of the worm. There's a lot more metal in 1/0 and up. But that's just my experience. I'm not dissing others for using bigger hooks. I just don't see the need to do so, my experience hasn't proven that smaller hooks have worse hookup rates. Fly fishermen catch big bass with tiny hooks. It can be done. I've never broken a hook on a bass. Let me add that I use these sizes with 4", 5" Senkos all the time.

Heck, as long as the Bills get back in the race, I'll cheer if it's flag football, LOL.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome to the forums, Mike!

Very true, but you can't always prevent it...

Well, 1/16 (total weight of rig) can be thrown on medium gear, although I might prefer it on a ML rig to get more distance unless the M rig is a moderate to fast tip.Rules out the Daiwa I mentioned as the weight starts at 1/4. The BPS Extremes are on sale from $99 down to $79. The Light model is rated for 1/16-1/4... And so is the 6'6" ML http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPSExtreme-Spinning-Rods/product/11092205011617/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL

Are you looking for L, ML, M, MH? I've been eyeing the new Daiwa T spinning rods at BPS. They're incredibly light, get good reviews. But they start at M, so if you're looking for ML or L, you'd have to look elsewhere. I'm a big fan of the Compre rods, but the previous gen with cork handles. New models get good marks from folks on the forums here. Lifetime warranty is hard to beat. Veritas also gets great marks. Also mulling sub-$100 rods myself.

Please be respectful to some of us by not reopening the most painful 4 years of a Bills fan's life.... But really, this decision has me scratching my head. Colin Cowherd was great on the topic today. Normally a supporter of Goodell, he just doesn't get this rule.

Happened to me as well. I'd estimate her at about 8 lbs, she danced just inches from the outstretched net and gave me back my worm. Sad day. But I caught the 6 pounder in my avatar a few minutes thereafter!