RichF

40% off one item at Dicks online up to $50 till 3pm. Just ordered a budget, Daiwa BG for $52 after my reward cert. Not too bad a deal!

Definitely. It's noticeably smoother with the micro module gearing. Didn't think it was going to make that much of a difference. I was pleasantly surprised.

I just got mine at the beginning of the week. I was gonna order my dad one for christmas, but the sale had already ended. I may just end up giving him mine...even though it's a sweet little reel and looks so good on my frog rod..

I'm sure they will be nice. That name though...

$40 is pretty average I'd say. I did have one guy ask me to put $60 in his boat after he made the run to the Chickahominy on the James River. I don't believe any of the big name guys my dad and I drew asked for anything (even though we offered). I always try to get the money thing out of the way first thing in the morning (although boaters usually won't humor me that early). The reason I do that is to hopefully avoid them "up-charging" you if you catch a big one or they have a bad day. I don't think that happens often, but it's not unheard of. As for offering to help launch and clean the boat...definitely never hurts to ask!

Shoulda waited for a Vexus!

Kistler makes incredible rods. The KLX line is hard to beat at that price. The Avid X is a great choice too like others are saying. I have to mention the Shimano Zodias as well. They are really nice at $200. I have all these rods and I honestly couldn't tell you which is more sensitive. They're all really good.

Can't be, Zona's with Daiwa now..haha

I actually don't think nets can be used anymore, so you might not have to deal with that headache. I've only fished 5 Opens but never had any real jerks. Most boaters just treat you as if you're not there, which is fine by me. As long as you don't cast in front of them or get too messy in their boat, they should be fine. I got to fish with Ish on the final day of the 2011 Open on Oneida that he won. He was a pretty cool dude. Gave me a couple white frogs, which was awesome. I also fished with John Murray. Seriously, the nicest guy ever. My dad fished with a lot of big names too...Ike, Gary Klein, Randall Tharp, David Fritz, and Randy Howell. I think the biggest piece of advise I can give is this: don't have extraordinarily high expectations. Fishing as a co-angler is uncomfortable and while skill is really important, "luck of the draw" is almost always the main factor that leads to the prize. It's still a great learning experience and I wish you both, @Fishing Cowgirl & @GGE the best of luck!

C'mon TW, you gotta do better than that!

Not quite as good as TW's black friday sale but still something. https://www.tacklesupplydepot.com/Monthly-Sales-s/1505.htm

Welcome! I fished a few Opens as a Co but never practiced with anyone. I'm not sure how helpful it would be honestly. It's good for the boaters to have someone with them because it will help them establish a pattern quicker but since you're likely not going to be paired with whoever you practice with, what you find out will be less helpful. If you have the extra time and cash to get there early, go for it. Another day on the water is another day on the water! Good luck!

Fishing for me is more about the techniques and actual art more than the fight itself. I get more satisfaction from skipping a jig into a ridiculous spot and yanking out a 2 pounder with a heavy rod and 20lb fluoro over fighting a 4 pounder for 10 mins on ultralight gear. So for me...yes, overkill every time!

I just got that same rod a couple months...it's incredible. All my Kistlers are.

My dad and I are jig fanatics so that's good to hear! I've been on google maps for a few mins and can't believe how much standing timber is in there. Thanks for the tips!

I think the 15 yr warranty is more than fine. Honestly, I'd want to replace them all long before the warranty is up anyway so it doesn't bother me.

I appreciate it fellas. I think the place we're staying is near Dale Creek, so towards the south end. I'm on the hunt for a hot spots map now. I gotta imagine it's kinda like fishing in NY...in April (the only time I throw moving baits haha). @Catt, the red lipless is always tied on in the spring!

St. Croix is awesome. I've had defective rods...they've made it right. I've broken several...replacement program is fantastic and easy. Oh, and their rods are pretty dang good too!

Hey Fellow Bassers! I just booked a house on Lake Fork for an extended family weekend visit in February. I've read that Feb. is prime time for the big prespawn gals there. Any insight would be much appreciated! Thanks

Took my last fishing trip of 2017 when I was in NY for Thanksgiving. Water temp was 36. Caught 2 nice smallies first thing but then the wind kicked on and blew us off the lake. The bass can be caught, it's just not the easiest thing in the world.

You want to get $775 worth of gear but only have $125?...

If you're looking to buy a bunch of rods, the Kistler deal is incredible. The KLXs are awesome, heliums even better. 50% off $999. That puts the rods at $100-$135 a piece. Made in the USA too.

Glad I don't live close to that store...Steez SV TWS 40% off!!

I'm in VA right now...deal with the winter and move to Northern NY!

I think Elite anglers can stay in two years regardless of their AOY standings. Those guys will mostly like be in next year but might have to re-qualify for 2019 if they are below the cut after 2018.