WanderLust

Slightly used or new Shimano Curado 200 series - less than $150 St. Croix Avid AVC70MHF - $190 $340 for one heck of a setup. As luck happens, one that I own. Keep looking at the flea market... End up with a Loomis BCR GLX rod for $200 - 225. Another popular setup Daiwa Advantage A - $169 or used Revo STX Powell Casting Rod 6'8" Med Hvy EF 683C - $139 I have this rod as well. Excellent choice for senkos & spinnerbaits... and around $299 for the setup. Get the best quality rod you can afford. Most of the big boys for reels in the price range will be quite nice. Everyone has their favorites.

Both for sure... For me it comes down to the right tool for the job.

inline spinner chatterbait with a fluke on it

LC's are incredible. American Shad Ghost Minnow Chart Shad Ghost Bluegill Ayu In that order for me.

And lest we forget Wakasagi and Ghost Pearl Ayu. So many choices... And yes, the bait monkey has me on speed dial for these. If you're looking for a new x-rap color try the Hot Pink one.

For LC American Shad Ghost Minnow or Misty Shad Female Ghost Bluegill / Has a perch quality to it But I have a ton of different colors as well. I have 78, 100 and 128 in chartruese shad as well but its my number 1 Northern jerkbait color.

Not sure on Maine but we're still iced out here... Still at least one week away. Dying of cabin fever.

LC Pointer in 78 / 100... American shad or some other local forage & hold on!

Nope... But the book was excellent.

Caps Lock Police? Tried one briefly... but not enough to form a solid opinion

Yep... Cost efficient and catches fish. X-raps work well too and can be found on sale most of the time. Even LC's can be found at a reduced price; Gander Mountain had them on sale. Search the interwebz and get the best deals!

Pit Boss looks like a winner. I'm on a Rage tear at the moment though so between the IKA, tubes and all my various Rage baits it may be tough to fit.

In Pursuit Of Giant Bass and Knowing Bass are both must reads...

That's awful! My condolences to Larry and his family.

If you can find a Zillion or a 2010 Premeir at a reasonable price I would say sure. Otherwise another Curado is in order... There's NIB 2010 Lefty STX in the flea market for $145. I snagged one of them.

Tons of good options here. Shimano Compre is makes a great rod for $100 with a superb warranty.

I agree with DVT. A used higher end used rod would be an excellent choice. I keep hearing excellent things about the Fenwick HMG as well. Out of these choices I like the Verdict better... I would know better after for fishing it for a season though.

Terminal tackle is cheap just buy it and find what works for you. Also 65# is a good weight. I don't use PP but I know a ton of people who do. If you like PP then I would say go for it as well.

Nice job! There was an old bassmaster article with a complete do it yourself instructions if someone wants to look it up. Also Cabelas sells a few kits to facilitate this need.

Roboworms for sure.... Also want to try Jackall Crosstail Shad... Lots of buzz on this one.

2 more weeks sounds right. > Those northerns are some of favorite ice out targets. Not really into ice fishing though.

Congrats!

I have fished both but I own (2) Curados. Shortly I'll own (2) Revos (STX / Winch). Abu is really smooth and performs great. Curado is simple, efficient and if maintained will last a long, long time. If we're talking 200 E7 then its a superb bottom contact reel but I've used mine for just about everything from weightless plastics, jig, frogs, topwater, traps, spinners, cranks... you name it. Veritas is a great rod for that price as well. Highly advise it. I like the 7' MH Fast.

Japantackle is probably your best bet. What makes the 1501 attractive over say a 51E? I ask because I also looked at that reel when searching for a new setup. Oh and ask in the flea market forum... You'll need to specify a price range as well.

LOL Looks interesting... Will see what the buzz is before I commit.