Darren.

Never tried a Phenix, but I've recommended the BPS Carbonlite series a number of times (as have others). Very light weight and plenty sensitive. FWIW....

Well, my rule of thumb is to have a little zing (spinning) when I set the hook, not so loose that the hook doesn't penetrate, but not so tight that the line could break (been there done that). As for your casting/spinning thing, thumb for casting, palm for spinning. No issue creating more drag on spinning that way, FWIW.

Welcome aboard!

Dang. Major Bummer. Been there, tho. A few moons back, but with largies. I have always assumed the bass was a PB, and I swear she laughed at me after she spit the hook inches away from the net and dove back into the depths of safety. Still hurts...LOL.

Welcome aboard!

I cut down a 6' St. Croix Premier MLF to 5'9" and it is my go-to Ned setup. The Man himself uses short rods, and inexpensive rods, too. But we all probably fish it differently than he does.

Welcome aboard!

Great writeup, Brian. I used to fish a similar pond in a development. About 2 acres. No longer fish it as the residents must've gathered together and banned non-residents. There were people who would sneak in, even cutting a fence for access. Ruined it for the rest of us.

Interview with the cast just posted. And there's another character that is returning...fans will recognize the name "Hugh".

Unless you are curious and tempted to try something other than a Daiwa, I'd stick to the brand you know. I am a Shimano guy but do like a lot of the LT model Daiwa reels out today. I'd be strongly tempted to buy one if I were in the market today. Hard to go wrong with Daiwa or Shimano.

Tell me about it. Subscription overload, and it's only gonna get worse.

Sweet catch on a top. I remember my first topwater bite. Full moon night, reeling a jitterbug across the middle of a pond and BANG! Quite the adrenaline rush, eh?

Yes, indeed!

The thing with the newer ones, specifically TNG, DS9 and Voyager, is that they all paid homage to the original. There's a DS9 episode where they actually time travel backwards and end up hunting a Klingon on the Enterprise. It's the episode Trouble With Tribbles. Kirk, Spock, Scottie, et al. Nicely melded in.

Welcome aboard!

That's a happy crappie. Nice catch. And welcome to the forum!

Welcome aboard, Vinny!

Welcome aboard! If I were in the market for a new BC, I'd take a long hard look at Daiwa's offerings. I have experience with the Lexa and really liked it. Son 2 of 4 is using it now as his own. I use a Chronarch 50e, used to have two, but downsized since I use spinning more than casting. As suggested above, Diawa or Shimano. Not that others don't make fine reels, but these two make some darn fine reels.

I was actually a fan of DS9, Voyager, TNG. Enterprise? Meh. Second season of Discovery was v good, IMO, following more along the lines of JJ Abrams' vision, to be sure. Sorry to mention his name! <ducks for cover> Picard looks to take off 18 or so years after the TNG timeline. I'm stoked to see the Borg, 7 of 9, Data, and whoever else shows up. Finger's crossed it is as good as it looks.

Be sure to let us know what you get and how you like them!

Okay. I *KNOW* I am not the only Trekker on the boards here. I just can't be. Second trailer for Picard dropped this week, and there is a stunner (for me) from Voyager who's in the show. Hopefully not just a cameo, but a regular. Anyone looking forward to the show? I am. I'm also a fan of Discovery, DS9, Voyager, TNG...

Welcome aboard, and back to the sport!

At that price also check out BPS Carbonlites, and they're regularly on sale. Although the new versions are $119. But in the $100 price point there are so many great rods. Would be best if you could go into BPS, Cabelas, or other sporting goods store and check the rods out in person. Most will let you bring your own reel and put it on rods you're interested in.

Carbonlites. I've got black and white versions and they are excellent weight-wise.

Why yes, yes I do . My favorite setup is my 1000 CI4+ paired with a 5'9" MLF Premier. And yes, I purposely cut the rod down from 6' to 5'9". Just prefer how it handles all around. 6' casting rod, which I don't use much now (sons do) is what I caught my PB on. I've cut down (butt end) one of my 6'6" spinning and a casting rod (both Carbonlites). Not sure I like the shorter butt end as much as I thought I would, but they're effectively 6'3" now. Fishing from a kayak, short rods are just my preference.