Nine Miler

http://www.***.com/Shimano_Compre_Spinning_Rods_IM8_Graphite/descpage-SCSR.html (6'8" ML or 7' ML) http://www.***.com/Shimano_Sahara_FD_Spinning_Reels/descpage-SSHFD.html Excellent set up for less than $200. If you can get your hands on these two, I would suggest checking them out before you make a decision.

X 7,432,812

i would only buy the 200E5 if youll be running deep cranks only. So would you go with the 200E7 or do you have something else in mind? I'd go with the Citica. It is a great value. I love my Citicas and Curados. I don't think durability will be an issue with the Citica, there are some lesser materials used vs. the Curado, but the biggest difference you will notice is the handle. The Citica is a 6.4:1, a good all purpose ratio, and you can get 'em for around a hundred bucks if you look.

I like the Extra Fast.

Get some Lucchese's and call it a day.

Info on Power vs. Action I threw this in because you mentioned a [ftp]medium action[/ftp] rod. Power is rated Ultra-light, Light, Med-light, Medium, Med-Heavy, Heavy, X-Heavy etc. Action is rated parabolic or slow or moderate, moderate fast, fast, x-fast etc.

Catching would be a better choice.

Rod: Length: 7' at least- This is a constant in my opinion. Reel: Your preference is fine in gear ratios. Most will want a more powerful reel such as a 5, 4 or even 3 to 1 for deep cranking due to fatigue- but again, its whatever you prefer. I am going to divide cranks into 4 categories: Shallow: Medium power, moderate action Line: 10-14 lb. Mono of your choice. Medium: Medium to medium heavy power depending on size of the bait, moderate to slow action, (graphite or fiberglass depending on preference) Line: 10-14 lb. mono or copolymer of your choice. Deep: Medium heavy power, slow action (fiberglass) Line: 10-14 lb. Fluorocarbon of your choice. Lipless: Medium to medium heavy power, fast to extra fast action- for ripping through weeds and grass etc. Line: Whatever you prefer, I like copolymer or braid in some situations.

This thread is a must read for you. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1283983595

I don't know about the Extremes one way or another, I didn't mean to include any negative connotations with that post. I just remember he was campaigning to sell them.

Just venturing a guess...I bet the guys in the 21' Rangers don't mind the wind as much as the guys in the 8' Pelicans. ;D I don't know what the guys on the bank think.

You don't. "Fish finders" are not best used to "find fish." They are best to scout areas that may have suitable habitat, migration routes, structure, etc. Learn about the habits of your target species, and it will become much easier to use your graph or "fish finder" to determine where they should be and when. Electronics are just a tool to help decipher a puzzle, not the answer to finding fish.

I would skip going to Dicks to ask about this gear. Not saying there is no chance for good info, but it is a 40/60 shot at best.

I want to know who bought his BPS Extremes.

There's some good chat about it here. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1284050177

I have that LTB you mentioned. It is really nice.

You guys are right. Just a dumb rule. We all know he caught that ball, but the rules say he didn't.

I was feeling the same way. He had so much control of that ball that the only other thing he could have done with it before he "dropped" it was spin it atop his finger. Totally robbed. Any self respecting Bear on that sideline should have campaigned to forego the review and lined up to receive the Lions' kickoff. The Lions won that game today.

Hahaha- X2

Nice bass! Next time, take that picture with the sun behind the photographer, instead of behind you, and you should get a much better result.

I can switch and have my hand on the handle before that bait even hits the water. I have 100% control just like you do. X2, except for a pitch. I don't flip all that much, so no issues there.

I prefer *

Remember this from the OP? Might have to seriously think about that suffocation technique. I think quick shots followed by retreat is the proper method. (i.e. Kick, run, kick, run, kick, run, etc.)

I have had a hard time finding one piece rods in that length, power and action. You could go with the Avid Series if you don't mind a 6'6" rod. Powell has a 6'8" model. For a little more than $200 you can get into the Dobyns Champion Series. AVS66LF- 6'6" Light Fast 4-8# 1/16-1/4oz. $160 681LEFS- 6'8" Light Fast 4-10# 1/8-3/8oz. $140 701SF- 7' Fast 4-10# 1/8-3/8oz. $230 Break your budget completely and you can get into a sweet Legend Elite. LES70LF- 7' Light Fast 4-8# 1/16-1/4oz. $300

Okay, I'll ask first. Budget?