WanderLust

Last year I used tieable wire leader when I'm fishing for pike exclusively. But if it threatens my bass presentation, I will risk losing my lure. My largest pike last year was 41" and while that was quite a fight. 40# braid on a 7' MH Avid using a Curado was more than enough to bring it in.

No, more bearing will not increase your chances for a backlash... Just buy the highest quality you can afford and research how the braking system works. www * com/education/baitcaster-setup-101.html ^^^ Something like that is a good start. Someone showing the basics is also a good start.

Last year I bagged a 41" Northern Pike on a Curado; had no issues with power & drag. Most high speed reel have less drag but it works for these applications.

For stained water I would certainly try larger baits and some things that will attract some attention. Jerkbaits Traps larger cranks Keel weighted Space Monkey Jig & rage combo Large Spinnerbait with at least one colorado blade Look for staging areas with wind and clearer water or some current. The look for points, structure, cover etc. As long as its next to deeper water it should be ok. Slow, methodical and deliberate. and remember have fun!

When the monkey struck, I picked up a bag of pit bosses in green pumpkin. I'll try them but my vast collection of rage baits is 1st in line this year.

If you like Quantum... Check out the Smoke. After messing with an abused one at Dick's I decided to try one. ......but I already have (2) Curados.

So would you choose the Avid over the Powell? Yes and twice on Sunday. The Avid is great series of rod and that one in particular is a classic. I have a Powell as a backup for my lighweight bottom contact rig though and its a very nice rod for $139. I've fished the KVD crankin stick as wel and that is a very nice rod as well. I have (2) Compre's... The Medium cranking stick is a darn nice rod for $79. You'll need to evaluate what you want and check the tip for the type of action you want. Happy Hunting!

St. Croix Avid AVC70MHM is pretty much a perfect cranking rod for me... Powell makes a nice rod for the money as well. Powell Glass Crank Rod 7'5" Med Hvy 753 is serious candidate.

Jones is a cat of a different color. He has some pretty rare tools in MMA. If he continues to push he'll be dominate for a long time. Phil Davis could be quite a contender down the road. I would have like to see him versus Matt Hamill to get a gauge of similar foes. Should be very interesting to say the least.

That bottom left Pointer is one of my secret weapons... Just deadly here for browns, greens and toothy critters.

Oh it rocks. I was just saying that if performance seems lower than you expect, it probably sat for a while before purchase.

Nice! Was cruising around ABO the other day; I may use them for some bait and terminal tackle soon. One thing I would say about my Winch... It really benefited from a proper cleaning and lube. Performance was noticably better after a little TLC.

MH F is a great for bottom contact applications. That rod length is also good for jerkbaits, topwater and traps. Like Skunked said, very versatile. As for reels, just pick your favorite in your price range. Read a ton of reviews, research what other people are using & why and just make your own decision. I have (2) Curados which I love but also have a Revo Winch and just ordered a Quantum Smoke. Zillion is a really nice reel. For me it wasn't $100 nicer that a Curado; same with the Revo Premier.

Jones is the next evolution of MMA. Hopefully he doesn't let the relationship with Evans get in his head and destroys him as well. Jones should be a Champ for a long, long time. Shogun got mauled; I bet its been a while since he was dominated so completely.

Interesting design. Please post a formal review when you get a chance to use them.

Nice! At least your biggest fish didn't jump out of the live well, right before the weigh-in. That would be unmint.

weightless works awesome... Wide, shallow sweep. I also use Owner swimbait hooks if I want to get some depth. Typically the lightest the conditions will allow. and if you're bored try one on a swim jig or chatterbait.

As Chris Rock once said... Shaq is rich, the guy who signs his checks is wealthy. and yes, FUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMBLEEEEEEEE of words. Gotta love the media.

flip & pitch (fast tip would be better) Deep Cranker Swimbaits

LOL THis one? bassprofessor.com/elite/originalfishingsnake.php

Holy Shiza! Great fish! Congrats.

1.21 gigawatts! I'm an IT super freak so that stuff is pretty simple for me. Other things can certainly make me feel like a dunce though. Beers all around!

Excellent! I am ready for war, all the gear is tuned and I'm ready to kick some bass.

Nice... Did you take the pic from space?

Longer rod = longer cast... Shorter rod is much easier to walk, at least for me. I also like fast action but I could see why people would like a moderate taper. I use 12# Big Game for this one or 40# braid on a 6'8 MH F rod.