Reelin Wahoo

Hey guys, I recently just purchased a Quantum Escalade baitcasting reel and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with it. I recognize that it is a store specific model and probably lacks the warranty other reel models offer. I have found through my searching online that it is hard to get any consistent reviews of reels <$150. Some people love it, some hate it. An alternative would be to return it and get an Abu Garcia Silver Max. This is my first baitcaster and I am constrained monetarily so I am trying to keep it in this range. Any input would be great. Thanks, Evan

Today I had the experience of catching my first bass bank fishing at Walnut Creek Park near Charlottesville, VA. I have been fishing for a lot of my life, but mostly at the NJ shore for flounder. This week was spring break so I headed out to some of the local lakes to work on some techniques and hopefully catch some fish, but each trip yielded nothing. My buddy drug me out to the lake today and we were fishing for about an hour. I kept snagging the bottom, which was a little frustrating, but kept at it. As I cranked in my next cast I felt a little something on the line and thought it might be the bottom again. I cranked some more, paying more attention to the line, and there it was again. Convinced it was a fish, I set the hook and reeled it in. Turned out to be a small, ~12 inch bass, but exciting none the less! Caught it on a Bomber chartreuse crankbait and old old rod of my grandfather's (you should see the mechanism of this thing). Unfortunately I didn't have a camera, but needless to say I will be headed back out again tomorrow.

I tried searching before posting and I didn't find much. I'll scour some other internet forums and see what I can dig up.

Hey all, I was wondering if you guys had any opinions regarding inflatable boats. Given where I am located (most places to fish in my area do not allow gas motors) and my living situation (no place to store a boat), an inflatable boat would seem like the only workable option. Have any of you had experience with inflatable boats? If so, what are your recommendations and caveats? Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks Evan

Hey all, My spring break is coming up quickly and I was planning on heading to VA beach to relax. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good charter boats in the area because I am looking to get out and fish at least once. I will be fishing solo, so that eliminates a lot of the boats that one books completely. Are any boats running trips open to the public around this time near VA Beach? Thanks Evan

Luckily the latest batches of snow we received here in Charlottesville were much less than the forecasts (The snowpocalypse passes quietly...). That being said it is a little difficult to fish with 12 inches of snow and frozen lakes. I don't think I have ever wanted spring so badly in my life.

When I went down there last spring I booked a half day fishing trip with Super Voyager deep sea fishing. They have packages for whatever you want to do but you should check the winter schedules and fishing reports to see how things are going now. I can't post their website yet (new member) but search online for it. They are out of Calabash NC which is very close to North Myrtle.

Thanks for all the info Sam. DG&IF site later than night which has places to fish and is very helpful. Currently I am fishing from the shore. I'll make sure to check out the other suggestions as well.

Hey y'all, I am new to fishing and wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions for where to fish near Charlottesville, VA. I go to UVa (go hoos) and currently am fishing a pond on a farm but would like to try some new environments. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. E