.ghoti.

Precisely!! Any time you spool up with line with a rating exceeding the rating of the rod, you've set yourself up for disaster. But, if you have the drag set correctly, and use some common sense, you can get away with it.

I use the Avid 6'8" MXF casting rod for Senkos and Ikas. I just got two of the spinning version of this same length and action, but haven't had the opportunity to fish them, so I can't comment on them. Side by side, the spinning version seems to be a bit lighter in power, and the tip is just a bit softer. I'm thinking it might just be a really good rod for small cranks. I'm not a proponent of using one rod for everything. Most people aren't. We all have different rods for different applications. But, if I had to use just one rod for everything, that AC68MXF would be the one. It's as close to an all around rod as you're likely to find. I'm hoping the spinning version is as good. Cheers, GK

Geez guys, me too. I'm 6'1" and only 260 pounds dripping wet. ;D ;D

I was ggogling for some reel parts, and found Reel mechanic's site. He has a link to BassResource.com, so I checked it out. Kept coming back to read all the articles. I discovered this place in February or March of 2005. Finally clicked the Forum tab, lurked for a while, and then signed on. Been here officially since Ocober 2005. Never joined a forum before this. I'm really glad I joined this one. It's been fun, I've learned a lot, and it's great being part of the team. Cheers, GK

Before you permanently glue weight into the end of the rod blank, you might want to try fishing with a rod balanced in this fasion. I have one rod I stopped using. I used Reel Mechanics method to glue the weights in place. When finished, the rod was perfectly balanced with the reel mounted, and grasped in my palm. I though to myself, self, this is going to be sweet. It was until I actually fished with it. I did not like it at all. I eventually gave it away. So, try it first; see if you like it. You can get one the BPS kits that includes flat weights and a rubber cap that slides over the butt of the rod, or you can just use tape. If you don't like it, you're not out much, and it's easy to remove. If you decide you like it, then RM's method is the way to go. If you're careful, there will be no evidence that anything's been done. I did it with no problems on the first try. The slip on cap with weights from BPS is not a good thing to leave on your rod. It makes the rod longer and fatter, and the rubber just grabs every loose bit of clothing that gets close. It's a real pain in the membrane. But it's a cheap and easy way to try out a rod weighted for balance. Good luck, GK

Did pretty good with them last year on two lakes. Used a T-rig, with a pegged weight, and fished "em just like a worm or craw. Also rigged them weightless, twitched along just under the surface. I could almost make it walk the dog, and could do some really erratic stuff with short, sharp jerks. Good bait.

Cabela's has their Prodigy baitcaster on sale right now for $65. It's a Daiwa reel for a nice preice. Their Fish Eagle rods are alos on sale for $30 - $40. With shipping, that's a little over your target, but not much. Cheers, GK

You obviously aren't aware of the A.S.T.M. regulations for the proper testing of meatballs. one for temperature, one for density, one for texture, one for consistency, another for purity, still another for the presence of foreign matter, I haven't reviewed the regs lately, but I am sure there are a few others. 8-) Ronnie I stand corrected. Since I have at my disposal a complete electrical, electronic and instrumentation lab, I believe that I'm the proper person to conduct said testing. Please ship, by next day air, two dozen meatballs. That should provide a statistically valid sampling, and allow for redundant testing; to insure accuracy, of course. Please submit your samples forthwith.

http://www.insideline.net/index.html A good mag, at the best price. They're just getting started, so there's not much there yet. But, there will be. Cheers, GK

Good idea. Wish I'd thought of that. ;D ;D ;D

OK, one each should be sufficient for quality control purposes. Anything more is gluttony. ;D ;D ;D Is there a breathalyzer test for garlic, oregano and basil?

The Microlite series of rods is on sale at BPS right now. $30, I think. I have two of them, a 7' UL and an 8' UL, and they're perfect for gills and crappie. If you're just interested in dipping, and not in casting, the 750 size reels are OK. If you want to cast, get a reel with a larger diameter spool. I have a 30 size Quantum PT on the 8 footer, and a 20 size Symetre on the 7 footer. The Symetre is loaded with 4lb test, with a spare spool filled with 2. The PT has 6lb test, with the spare spool filled with 4. That covers all the bases.

http://www.tackletour.com/newsdobyns2-24-08.html

Catt, I saw this post the first thing Monday morning, and have been trying to think of something to say. And I can't. I have no words for this. My heart goes out to the family, particularly to the youngster. I can't even imagine what this is like for him.

Thanks for the report Ghost. I have a few of those that haven't seen the water yet. They don't work at all bounced off the ice.

I've had some plastics that had that nasty smell. About 20 seconds in the water wil get rid of it. No need to stink up the man cave with power bait trying to get rid of the smell. Just make your first cast out into open water and not at your target.

Crestliner, for fishing the Ika deep, if it's reverse rigged, you can fish it past 20' without additional weight. I do it at Table Rock every trip T-rigged with the 4/0 EWG hook is the way to go. That's the right size hook to support the bait. Ika's tear almost as easily as senko's. T-rigged on the 4/0, they'll usually get at least two fish per bait, sometimes three. If you try the circle hook rigged through the tentacles, let us know how it worked for you. It's an interesting idea. Cheers, GK

;D ;D Exactly! ;D ;D

Ronnie, I don't do Paypal, so how, and when, do I pay for the catered dinner? I'll be paying for two. Also, I no longer have a bed available. Electrikal is joining us, and will take the spare bed for four nights. Cheers, GK

Thanks for the links. And, that looks like our very own Mrs Matstone in the clip. Way to go, girl.

Found "em here. http://www.***.com/descpageAMSCROUNG-AMSH.html Been wondering the same thing myself. For what application were these designed?

If the fish wants to jump, there is not much you can do about it. Except enjoy it. I like it when they jump and tailwalk. Gives me a little extra charge. When they jump and spit the hook, I just call it a professional quick release. I've already gotten the best part of the game: I fooled him into taking my offering.

All right. Who's 91, or over?

;D ;D ;D ;D

Got the same problem myself, Red. I have a $100 BPS gift card I've been sitting on since mid December. And, I have almost $100 worth of rewards points sitting there. The bait monkey is starting to talk to me. Why don't you go shopping, and get him off my back? Cheers, GK