Darren.

The new Compre is a nice rod, I have the previous model and love it, plus the lifetime over the counter warranty is unbeatable. But I also owned a Lightning Shock rod at one point. Good rod, easy on the wallet. Since you have a BPS nearby, I assume you've put your hands on various models in your price range? Have you taken your reel in to feel the balance on those rods? BPS will let you do that... A good way to get the feel.

That's interesting. Always smirk when big names switch to the highest $$ sponsor -- like the Lindner's dropping Shimano for Quantum. Money talks.

I just go with what feels right, and what I can afford. For me, Shimano Compre's feel right. St. Croix Premiers and Avids feel right (though I own neither yet). I pick up Abu rods, various other manufacturers and like some, don't like others. I don't like all Croix or Shimano rods. Loomis rods feel good. And so on. So as far as location is concerned, I'm not seeing that. I see more angler preference, type of warranty coverage, etc. At least in my dealings. For what it's worth.

Well, you may stick with Senko during spawn, too! And post-spawn, summer, turn over.... Thank you Gary Yamamoto!

Go for it... YZH is one of my two go-to lines, the other being P-Line Floroclear. I have 10, 20, and 40 lb braid and tie on various lb test of either depending on the conditions, etc.

Hear, hear!

IMHO, rigging the hook perpendicular (normally, thru the bait) is the best way to go. Obviously the O-ring concept works despite (at least the way some rig it) the hook being parallel to the bait. When I use GYCB Senkos, I know I might get 2 fish on it, if I'm lucky I'll get as many as 5. Darn lucky. But they are what they are. Yum, BPS Stik-Os and many others tend to last me more fish, tho I find the originals tend to catch me more. I've got some rigged up with the shrink wrap, and thanks to JFrancho's tip, I'll look for clear stuff. It definitely keeps a Senko on the hook longer, and probably the way to go.

My take is it is never cheating unless you're using dynamite. Or stealing a fish from an aquarium... or fishing a tourney and setting big bass down in traps in certain holes and ... well, you know. Here's the thing, you're either fishing or catching. I prefer catching. Heck, if the only thing that worked was a worm and bobber, I'd use 'em!

That's a chunk, Case. And welcome to the site!

Shimano Compre CPS-X59MB Short, efficient, strong, sensitive, fun.

I started out listening...and buying their recommendations, but soon stopped after their way didn't fit my way. So I ignore most of it ... Or as my Dad taught me, chew the meat, spit out the bones. I'll watch for technique and method of retrieve as stated above. The rest is marketing... IMHO

Hi Mark, and welcome to the forums!

Just FWIW, my last purchase of 10lb YZ, 600yd via Big Fish Sports on eBay was $11.84 shipped.

10lb braid on spinning gear, leaders of varying composition (copoly, fluoro) in varying pound test and varying lengths. Sky's the limit when you add a leader. The braid (I use yellow Power Pro) is great to watch as it lays on the surface while your worm sinks. I can see the slightest twitches and reel down and set the hook. Braid adds to sensitivity for certain. I love it. Braid is better for managing line on a spinning reel. No memory to speak of, while fluoro, mono, copoly can often retain memory of the spool and coil off. Line spray will help that, but there's no need with braid. Regarding retying hooks, leaders, once you get proficient at tying new leaders on, you will not mind it so much. Might I suggest you learn the reverse Albright (or variant thereof) and practice it. It is quick to tie, a super tiny knot that doesn't hang up in the guides, and it's strong. Whether you spool with mono or other, you'll still have to retie hooks and eventually eat away at your spool, meaning you have to respool more often. Changing out a leader is more cost effective, IMO. You can also pre-tie leaders/hooks and put them in zip-lock bags. Sharpie the line/test and hook/size on the bag. This can save some time, too.

At least the sprinkler system didn't come on.

I knew SOMEbody was gonna go there!

I've got some Yum F2 as well, crawfish scent in the squeeze-spray bottle. I'll use it sometimes if it is handy to grab.

Yeah, congrats Baltimore... Since I didn't have a horse in this race (GO BILLS! ), I was good either way, but was leaning toward the younger 49ers. Both teams had great stories this season. But the Ravens were the momentum team just like the Giants in their recent 2 SB wins. Very similar.

eBay - Big Fish Sports (99.9% seller rating). Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/YO-ZURI-HYBRID-Fluorocarbon-Fishing-Line-10lb-600yd-GREEN-NEW-/370667964137?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564d8846e9

Good stuff!

I've had luck, but don't use scents all the time. Squeezing some Megastrike into a bag of worms and mashing it all around is one way I've used scents. Other is dipping into JJ's Magic. Since I don't keep stats, I can't really say whether I've caught more or less with scented baits. But I have confidence in the two mentioned...

Congrats!

We liked the Oreo commercial best. The Kia commercial was good, too.

I don't know why they didn't just put up some bucks and run this:

While they don't hold a lot, my kids have those "sackpacks", and they are great for a box or two, some tools, line, etc. Not bulky whatsoever. We use them for bank fishing. Here's a link where you can see some from Adidas: http://www.ebags.com/category/backpacks/sack-packs/b/adidas/g/boys?origin=left_nav