gopherbass

I always thought education was king in the South...

Which is basically like getting Al Capone for tax evasion.

With all due respect, I highly doubt that. When I saw all the investigators on Vick's property I was shocked. Cracking down on dog fighting is the best allocation of resources the FBI can come up with? Who cares? There are bigger fish to fry than dog fighting, somebody just wanted some time in the spotlight. And for the record, I didn't like Vick prior to this incident.

I don't disagree with you. I simply said a transcript matters only for a first job, from that point forward, it will never be brought up again.

All the more reason to drink as much as possible. Your transcript is only useful in obtaining your first job (and getting in to grad. school should you go down that path).

I think the Core is a pretty good deal at $350. Chronarch 100mgs used to go for $330 and I actually prefer those over Calaises. The Core seems to split the difference in features and price.

Bargains always come along on reels if you're willing to be patient. In the past 3 weeks, I've bought a Calais and and a Calcutta GT for $200 each.

Touch é. I consider the incident an exception and not the rule, however.

I don't think a "poor" rating means collapse is imminent.

I had a nice balance on my Gander card by the time my tenure at Gander Mountain was complete. Working at Gander was fun, however. Just don't get sucked in by the employee discount.

Consider putting more than $.62/paycheck in to an IRA, unless you'll be content to retire on $7,000.

Are you talking about the converter or the hub? I've tried a new converter but didn't have any luck. I'm thinking maybe there's a blown fuse.

The lights work on my trailer for turn signals, brakes, and hazards but the lights don't come on when I turn the headlights on in my truck. They do, however, work when the trailer is hooked up to another vehicle. Obviously there seems to be a problem with my truck. I tried a new 7/4 converter but it didn't help. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Docks with lifts.

I suggested a medium because it'll easily handle all the baits you want to throw. Also, I've caught several bass on the rod you were talking about while walleye fishing and all you can really do on a decent bass is just wait until it gets worn out.

Everything dies.

I think the rod would suit you well for some of your applications but not others. I own a 6'6'' ML Avid and basically only use it for baits that are too light for the rest of my casting rods (Flukes and floating Smithwicks). If you can handle jerking a 7 footer it'd work well for your topwaters and also some of your finesse applications. However, even a with a medium power Avid, wrestling fish from cover is difficult. Although the rod is a good deal, I'd probably spend the extra money to get a medium power for the broad range of presentations you require. A good deal isn't worth it if it's for something you don't want. I just realized you're probably talking about a spinning rod. If so, I believe you'll have some serious issues fighting 7lb fish. A 7 footer probably isn't necessary either. Look at a 6'6'' M.

My family just bought a new motor for the pontoon at our cabin. In the interest of longevity, my dad has instituted a policy requiring the gas be run out of the motor after every trip. I believe doing so is absolute nonsense. Besides my skepticism concerning the practice's benefit, I've also found it to be time consuming- generally in the neighborhood of 2.5 beers before she finally dies. Is running the gas out worthwhile?

I had trouble with hinge durability on Native's interchangeable earpieces. Fortunately I bought some Costas. With the exception of weight, I find them vastly superior to any brand I have owned.

I'm not much of a flippin' guy, but for what's worth I've got a Kistler Magnesium "All day flippin' stick" and have been very satisfied. It's rated for 1/4 and will go up to 1.5

Alpster, I certainly respect your opinion. The reel is, indeed, an engineering work of art. I did not mean to down-play other aspects of the reel, I am simply worried that my thumb will become uneducated, if that makes sense. May I assume your assessment is a buy recommendation?

Redsyn, The casting distance is incredible. The chip seems to work as advertised; the reel is very easy to operate. I don't think I'm alone in saying there's a certain degree of pride in being able to operate a baitcaster well. With DC technology, I feel like a chimp could outcast me on my Calais. Still, I see the allure of the reel and it's fun to burn money...

I just passed up buying a new Calcutta DC for $350. I thought about it but I've used them in the past and, frankly, I feel like they perform TOO well. I'm still tempted to get it but I'm wondering what kind of experiences people have had with the DCs. Should I pull the trigger?

KB, here's Costa's spiel on the 580s: http://www.costadelmar.com/ourJourney/technology.cfm I can't really speak to what, if anything, sets the 580 lens apart in terms of technology. However, there is a noticeable difference when you put them on after wearing 400 lenses. My comment earlier about my eyes feeling wide open is about as close as I can come to describing what it's like to wear them. It feels great. The link I posted also addresses your second question. They don't make an amber lens in 580 (although the copper lens is what I'm looking at for that 4th pair...), they also don't make 580s in RX.

I've had Natives, Oakleys, Solar Bats and numerous cheaper brands. When I got my first pair of Costas I was shocked at the difference. My eyes felt wide open. They're worth every penny, particularly the 580 lenses. I'm considering ordering a 4th pair.