RichF

That's exactly what I'm referring to ahahaha!

Nobody's giving the bronzeye any love? They are my favorite by far. Koppers are good too.

By all means, enlighten me.

I have a degree in Biology and have worked in the environmental field for 8 years conducting scientific studies and monitoring projects. What I've learned....you can't always believe what Mr. Scientist says. What most people don't understand is that many of these fisheries biologists making decisions/suggestions about our sport don't even fish! I've sat through lectures given by some of upstate New York's fisheries biologists regarding bass health in the state's northern waters. All I can say is that the majority of the public will believe anything these people say if they "back it up" with a couple of statistics and charts. In reality, sample sizes are always too low, data collection techniques are often weak, and there are far too many variables present to draw definitive conclusions. I wonder what our bodies of water were like before fisheries biologists started "managing" them. The "take the smaller fish out" mentality probably works for small ponds/lakes (if you want to grow bigger bass) but I'm not so sure about larger bodies of water. I feel like these larger ecosystems balance themselves out for the most part. I'm a big proponent of catch and release and cringe when I see people keep bass. But if you're abiding by the laws and only keeping the legal limit, I won't judge...I'll still be a little ticked though.

I can't stand BPS and haven't dropped a dime in that store in a very long time. It's cool to look at the critters swimming around in the aquariums but other than that...

I love my Zodias. It's super crisp, very sensitive, and looks awesome. I think Shimano's new warranty makes their higher priced stuff a bit of a hard sell though. A lot of companies out there have much better replacement options. If I'm only basing my decision on the rod's performance and build, I'd say it's absolutely worth the price. Do I think there are comparable options out there with better warranties?...definitely.

I've fallen asleep on the couch with a rod and reel in my hand. My girlfriend has pictures to prove it. Does that count? Lol

Haven't tried them but they look way more durable with the full palms. I imagine they would be a little warmer though. Sierratradingpost has the guide gloves for a pretty good price.

I have about 6 pairs of the simms sun gloves and love them. Super comfortable. I've been able to get about 2 seasons out of a pair and I fish a lot.

Joe Balog has a pretty interesting article on this subject that posted on another site today. Worth the quick read. http://www.another site.com/docktalk_article/15423/balog:-jerseys-for-everybody#.VwaRkU3mqUk I think you should be able to wear whatever the heck you want on the water. If you wanna shell out the $$ for a jersey with your favorite brands on it (even though you're not sponsored) I say "whatever makes you happy." I wouldn't. But I also won't knock guys that do (unless you act like something you're not).

I'm from northern NY and most of the lakes I fish are super clear as well. Don't let straight braid and clear water scare you. My father and I have no problems catching them with it. In fact, my father almost exclusively fishes jigs (and only big jigs) with straight braid just about anywhere and he always does well.

I fish with a jig 80% of my time on the water. I always let it fall on slack line even if under windy conditions. I just throw a heavier jig. It also helps to have a pretty sensitive rod since the wind will make it pretty difficult to feel what your bait is doing under the water. That's what is really key. I agree that line watching is important but it doesn't compare to getting the "feel" down. When you can feel what your bait is doing at all times and really distinguish between bites, grass, bottom composition, etc. then you'll really succeed as a jig fisherman. It won't matter if it's windy, rainy, or slick calm out.

The under armour iso chill line (which I think is called cool switch now) is awesome stuff. The material actually does feel cool to the touch and the shirts have mesh venting from the armpits all the way down. They're pretty expensive at $65 a pop but I think cabelas might have the older styles for half off.

I just got a spool of the new Cabelas no vis in 20lb. Haven't used it yet but the diameter is pretty small for being 20lb. I imagine it will be similar to Seaguar red label, which is good because I like that cheap stuff in 17lb plus. I'll give it a try this weekend and report back.

I have both a smoke and an energy but last generation. I don't really care for either but I'd say the energy is better. I may have got a dud smoke though because I ordered it off amazon. The smoke can cast a mile but isn't as smooth as the energy. The finishes on both reels aren't great either (chip and scuff easy). I've never used an SX but I have 3 of gen 1 revo premiers. I like them better than the Quantums....but not that much more. I would imagine all three of the reels you mentioned will be pretty close (performance-wise). I will say that the revos are definitely more comfortable to palm.

Well played sir

I think there should be penalties handed out to anyone who uses a senko in a tournament hahahah!

What's your mark up on those righties?

I don't think I've seen Jones throw anything but a senko.

Completely agree. The E6X looks and feels like a cheap piece of junk. The zodias is far superior. Super light, wickedly crisp and sensitive and it looks awesome.

You just have to put the time in on the water. Aside from casting mechanics, knot tying, etc, which I learned from my father as a youngster, I've learned techniques, seasonal patterns, and productive locations simply by practice and spending as much time on the water as possible. I've fished many of the same bodies of water for years and continue to figure out new ways to catch them all season long. A really good way to GET overwhelmed is to listen to the pros. Remember, a lot of them are trying to sell you crap you don't need. You'll get bombarded with a million different colors of the same baits and even more variations of hues, scents, and shapes that are so subtle, the fish will never know the difference nor care. Pick a couple different baits for each part of the water column in two color variations (dark and light or natural and bright) and go fish. You'll eventually build up confidence in a few baits that will always be your "goto's." Then you can branch out and try different baits/techniques. It definitely takes a while to get dialed in but when it happens, it's one of the best feelings in the world. Be patient, you'll get there.

I'd stick with the chronarch. I have a couple of older energy pts. They are super smooth but the chronarch is a superior reel. It will feel much smoother when you put line on it and use it. If you like your curado E7 you'll really love the chronarch. A lot of people think they are exactly the same but I think the chronarch is just tighter all around. No back play in the handle and it really does cast a little better. Better drag than the quantums too. Of course these are just my personal opinions and you should go with whatever feels good to you. Good luck!

Normal. I just bought 8 avid neos/rages. All the same.

They're nice rods. I have a 7'3 H micro. It's sensitive and looks cool but the thing is an absolute broom stick. I think I've only used it like 5 times in the 2 yrs I've had it.

My father and I have kept track of all (or most of) the bass we've caught for the past 7 or 8 years (weights, species, and what they were caught on). He whipped up a pretty cool database to maintain the records. We've even provided our catch data to the New York State DEC for use in their creel studies of lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.