IwillChooseFreeWill

yeah like the news story said: So he stayed close to the release area for the win...

There are currently 60+ BPS stores out there, there are 51 qualifiers for the Classic plus at least that many more that are considered pros, then add in a number of local guides and pros and you have at least 150-200 people to choose from. Take out the ones that are not really a "people person" and you got maybe 50 left over which is why some stores got shorted and do not have anyone visiting their store (like several in Colorado)

I myself prefer Pline CX and CXX for most applications but the braid with fluoro/copoly leader makes sense too. If you go braid, the general consensus seems to suggest 30 lb or better although I myself prefer 15-20 lb. since I mostly use spinning rods. I also do not care for having a separate leader as any extra knots/ties between the lure and the reel potentially comes a chance for losing the lure/fish (except for people that tie a perfect knot every time), but that is just my preference.

Since I do not have the income to support 8-10 rods at a time, I typically have 2 (and soon a 3rd) setup. Power Pro braid 15-20 lb for vegetation various types of mono usually 10-15 lb for shallow/topwater Pline CX or CXX copoly 10-20 lb for deeper or all around. The Pline copoly is nice because you can use it for almost anything. It is light enough that with little to no weight, it can stay on top or very shallow for topwater lures, it is clear and invisible underwater for deeper presentations, and so far I have had no problems using it in light vegetation. I have a few extra spools of mono but since I started using the Pline CX and its versatility, the mono mostly just sits there unused (or used for panfish reels).

color depends on the situation. for clear waters, go with the clear fluorescent for muddy waters the fluorescent green for heavy vegetation areas the mossy green Since I fish a combination of areas and usually do not have multiple rods/reels for different locations, I tend to just stick with the clear and change the bait itself for the situation. When I do have the 2 rods (and soon a 3rd), I have Power Pro green on one for vegetation, 14lb mono for top/shallow lures and soon my 3rd (when the order comes in) will run 15lb clear fluorescent Pline CX.

Take the whole pack, toss it in the trash, and go get almost ANY OTHER stick bait. I would rather use a 5" long cat turd than the sinking minnow. I heard some backwoods crazy types actually use that for catfish on the river (seriously)... no thanks

looks great... I am hoping to get my canoe out to a local pond tomorrow to see if anything is biting

sorry to hear of the terrible luck. It should be slowly warming up from here on out with one or two more short cold fronts so the pre-spawn and spawn should be under way in the next few weeks

I fish when I get the chance... catching something is just an added bonus ;D

I recently found out if you contact them with your request, they try to see if any publicly available contour maps are out there and add it. I got 3 small local lakes added this way, and they were super cool and quick about it too. I did make the request for the original lake mentioned here as well and they stated it should be live sometime Sunday or Monday (Feb 21 or 22). http://www.findyourwater.com/ or http://www.angling-technologies.com/ There are some lakes that are on state borders or have very limited contour information available publicly, so they have not added it yet, such as Lake Seminole on the FL/GA border.

I agree with Dan, I would have to say stick to 12-14 lb copoly, such as P-line CX or CXX clear fluorescent. I do just that, use the copoly for almost everything, except heavier vegetation where I have a reel with braid. So I tend to have both on me and try to work both the green stuff and the open/deeper water.

after many years I am now building my lures back up.. feel free to send me any freebies you don't want guys

Not any official testing but I have noticed these past few months that the first few and last few days of each month I get more bites than usual... some of the pros watch it closely and change their game plan accordingly.

Growing up in SD with the Northern Pike, if we knew they were active or had the chance of taking the lure, we would use a 30lb flexible metal leader, usually something like this, around 6-12" ahead of the lure. Otherwise using a quality 20 lb flouro leader can help too, just keep an eye out for nicks and abrasions. Some people just say to not worry about it and if a pike latches on, just snip a little line off and retie each time.

Nice selection!! maybe in a few years if I give a BC a try again, I may try for a leftie reel

A big thank you to everyone for their suggestions. Well I ordered it. I spent the last few hours looking over reviews for various spinning reels from various companies for various prices. One name kept coming up again and again: Pflueger. Due to how long the company has been around and the quality of their products, I went for it. I ordered the rod/reel combo from BPS for $60. The reel is the one piece 7' Medium (or was it MH, I need to check again). My accountant (aka wife) also approved increased expenditure funds so I picked up a spool of Pline CX 12lb and a basic $25 rod/reel 6'6" combo with a small 1000 spinning rod to replace one of my 30 year old reels that recently broke and old faded 1980s rod. That one got good reviews too for panfish and catfish, the reel is the BPS Stampede. Order total just a touch over $100 after S&H.

same here... I was thinking of trying the Seaguar line but that price is still a bit pricey for my preference.

welcome from northwest FL!

welcome mr ineedanewname

cool! and on my birthday too! of course that means I will be busy with the usual birthday dinner and family stuff but I will watch for the show to be posted online

this thread interests me... will have to watch certain places with my canoe

well looks like I am out, at the end of day 2, KVD is out front with 35-2

hmmm I haven't tried it either... may have to pick up a spool of 8-10lb when I get a chance

Thanks for the suggestions all... I was looking at the options and my budget, and I can pick up a Pflueger Trion GX-7 at a few places for $40 or a combo for $60. Combo: Rod TR701 7' M Reel 4740GX (195yd / 10lb) This seems to be the front runner right now unless someone can convince me otherwise I appreciate the offer but I would rather run with a 2000-2500 rated for closer to 200 yds for 10lb

I have a limited budget, $50 or less. The rod will be my (new) primary bass rod (7' MH). Suggestions on spinning reels only, no spincast or BC reels, please.