RichF

I fished a couple BFLs as a co-angler the last two years down here on the Potomac because I don't have a place for my boat here in Arlington. My boaters were fine but I've fished enough tournaments as a boater that I don't really care for the co-angler deal anymore. I have to agree with @Logan S. If you have your own boat and fish as boater normally, there's a good chance going as a co will frustrate you. If you're just using it as an educational experience it's definitely worth it.

My father has a 7'0 MH-M Avid that I think would work perfectly fine for lipless cranks. Doesn't feel overpowered at all to me.

I love my Croixs but Powell has a pretty good warranty/replacement plan also. Check it out on their website. You don't even have to send back broken rods. Just upload a few photos based on their guidelines and pay the $70 fee. Defective rods are different. They must be sent in but they'll take care of you. I purchased a old Max a few years ago that was defective. They took care of me.

I know those are solid bibs and a good deal at $180. Too heavy for warm weather use, for my liking. I just ordered the Gill KB1 Racer suit for $357. Smokin deal on a frickin awesome $700, 3-layer suit. Unfortunately, the bibs don't fit me right so they have to go back. Here are the links if anyone wants to check them out. They're an extra 15% off so they'll come out to a little less than than the $357 I paid. https://www.gillmarine.com/us/sale/kb1-racer-trousers.html https://www.gillmarine.com/us/sale/kb1-racer-jacket-1.html

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/ua-lw-stm3-fish-jacket/pcid1304634-924 https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/ua-lw-stm3-fish-pant/pcid1304636-008 CYBER30 for $30 off $100

Pretty great deal on Under Armour's website right now. Goretex Shoreman's Jacket and Pant set for $300 after $30 off CYBER30 coupon. I don't think a better deal can be found on a full Goretex fishing suit. I'm so tempted but I want full bibs..ughhhh

I would think so. It's usually the same players that are excluded: Shimano, Daiwa, Megabass, Loomis, Simms, etc. I always hear that you can get the discount on excluded brands if you call though.

Unfortunately, I can see a lot of fans saying..."that guy only did well because he's not fishing against KVD and co." I hope that's not the case because there are some really good anglers on that list.

My folks are still up there but I think they've had it with the brutal winters. They've been extra harsh the last few years. I'd move back up there in second, if I could. The fishing is THAT good!

My dad and I fish late fall (usually thru November) in northern NY. That time is usually colder than most southern winters. It's my absolute favorite time to fish. Pretty much have all the lakes to ourselves when it's raining/snowing and 38 degrees? You stay warm by catching a boatload of fish all day!

I'm surprised this hasn't been locked down yet! The mods must be just as entertained as all of us.

I tend to agree. But to be clear, I'm not saying that all the stuff being sold on NPS isn't quality or worth the price tag. I haven't used most of those companies products so I have no business formulating an opinion on them. I got to say though, that kind of marketing is pretty brilliant. It gets me to open my wallet more than I'd like to admit.

I thought it was a pretty neat idea so I signed up. I'm not really a fan anymore. I think it's a great deal for the companies involved but not so much for the anglers. You pay to put your "resume" in front of some companies in hopes they'll add you to their pro staff (pro staff isn't sponsorship in my mind). If you get accepted, you'll get a discount on their products (which from what I've seen isn't that great) in return for social media advertising. I don't think there is anything wrong with it, especially if you really like a companies products. My problem with it is now the market is flooded with thousands of anglers (a lot of young'ins) calling themselves pros, trying to push, push, push products (most of which aren't that good). The more I think about it, I really see the whole thing as companies "buying" their customer base. Give someone a "Pro Staff" title and make them buy your stuff while simultaneously making you advertise for them. It's win win for the company. The same angler pays you for product then advertises for you. Let me clear, I would totally do this for companies I really like. But I would also recognize that just because I have a pro staff deal, that doesn't mean I'm sponsored or am a professional.

I have 2, the 6'10 mh and 7'2 mh. I like them a lot. I did have the lock nut come unglued on the 7'2 when tightening a reel down earlier this year. I just super glued it and worked fine the rest of the year. The blanks are nice and crisp. Solid guides and overall looks.

I think this sums it up pretty well. Being a co-angler isn't all that fun so anytime a boater does something a co doesn't like (sit in one spot for 4 hours, move the boat too fast so your senko doesn't sink, cast to a piece of cover first, or just fish in an area you don't like) he/she will tend to cry "backboating." I feel I can say that because I actually did that when I started fishing tourneys as a co years ago. Eventually I just started to go with the flow and adjust accordingly, which is the best advice I can give to co-anglers. When I changed my attitude, the experiences got way better. The vast majority of boaters aren't out to sabotage their co-anglers. They just wanna do their thing.

Agree 100%. I've only had maybe one boater actually backboat me. We were fishing docks. It wasn't the fact that he hit everything before me (that's just dock fishing). Every time he broke off, he would troll out of casting distance to re-tie. To me, that was intentionally putting me at a disadvantage. I definitely had a cause for complaint but I crushed him and won the tourney anyway soo...

Should be fine. Just check the rules.

Smart, diplomatic response from Scotty. He and Thrift are gonna rule the FLW Tour.

Bibs are great because you dont get a draft up your back like you would pants since they extend up passed your waist.

The more I think about it...is this really "good" for the sport? The way I see it, the richest guys in the game just made their own exclusive club..How is this supposed to grow the sport again?

I think they'll be fine. You can just look at the Opens rosters over the past few years and see several of the same names fishing the majority of events. My guess is those guys/girls would have the coin to fish the Elites if they are invited.

Ended on Sunday.

I think it might be time for me to start saving for the Opens...

That XS looks sick on the Lund! Congrats brother!

I say let them leave! More room for dreamers like me;)