.ghoti.

For the coldest trips I wear Cabelas MT50 bibs and parka, a spandex balaclava and wool socks under Air Force issue cold weather Gore-Tex boots. Under that I wear jeans, tee shirt and sweat shirt. I had this set on when Roadwarrior and I fished the White River a couple of years ago. The air temp was 1 when we hit the water. Had the drag freeze, then the rotor freeze on one reel. My eyelashes froze shut three times that morning. I was warm and comfortable the entire day. I have three sets of Gore-Tex foul weather gear from Cabelas; the MT50 set is good for below zero temps, a lighter weight (can't remember the name) set is good down to about 20, and an unlined, uninsulated Guide-Wear set is for temps up to about 75, but no good below 30 unless I layer. I have two different types of gloves; one for cold and one for really cold. I keep two pair of each in the Jeep all year. I'll have to dig them out and post the brands. I can do everything but tie a knot with either brand, so I would recommend either brand for fishing. I bought all three Cabelas sets at a substantial discount. They put this stuff on sale every year, somewhere around the end of September, or early October. Got all three for less than half price. It's worth waiting for the sale, unless you need something right now.

Those of us who live in the rest of Illinois do not even mention the C word in polite company.

That pretty much sums it up. I tend to fish this on the bottom, but I will swim it sometimes.

on an Evo Shake2 jighead, I have one of these tied on at all times when bass fishing.

This guy is nuts. Look for the vid with the old tank. It's priceless.

I've said it before; there's no such thing as a cleaner that will leave no residue behind. Don't believe me? Try this. Wipe out your favorite coffee mug with your miracle "leaves no residue" cleaning agent. Let it dry overnight. Pour yourself a cup of coffee the next day and drink it. Drink all of it, then tell me it left no residue.

I remove the shields, if possible. Some have non-removable shields, and some, like handle bearings, are too small for me to remove. Take the shields off, if you can, for cleaning. I bought some PS, on J Francho's rec, and it is what he claims it to be. Just about perfect for the job. I rinse mine by placing all the bearings from one reel in a fine mesh strainer and pour a teapot full of boiling water over them. Allow to air dry, then lube to your preference.

Thanks Hooligan; that's what I needed to know. I have a MH-XF LTB, and don't really need another. Something a bit lighter in power would fit in my line-up nicely. Been looking at KLX rods as well. You wouldn't have one or two of those you could evaluate would you? I'm looking some something close to MH power, with a more moderate action, and some of the KLX series seem to fit the bill. But again, I've seen too many conflicting reports to be able to pull the trigger.

Been looking at that one. Is this a St Croix MH or a Loomis MH. I've read too many conflicting reports, and nobody in my immediate area has one in stock.

I tried TSI 321 once on gears. Didn't like it. A good grease makes the gearing smoother and quieter. Have no idea about longevity; I didn't leave it like that very long. I love TSI for spool bearings. IAR bearing and levelwind, prefer cal's or shimano grease for gears and drags, and 90wt gear oil for frame and handle bearings.

Raider, I figured you for a fan of Yosemite Sam

when I buy a new reel, I ride it like I stole for a couple of days. That will prove that there are no defects from the factory. Then i tear it down, clean and properly lube it to my specs. Never had a problem doing it this way.

I did not attend the first two RoadTrips. I have been to all since, and will continue as long as I am able. I've made some very good friends at these events. And if a grouchy old bastage like myself can make new friends, think of what you can do. And if that's not enough, you don't want to miss my infamous Saturday Night Wine & Cheese Soiree, which is, of course, on Wednesday evening, and features a lot more than wine and cheese.

Great Reponse DVT. I like it when you get all technical. LOL My jerkbait rod is a Setyr 6'6" medium power stick with what looks like an X-fast action. They don't say what it is, but the bend under load is consistent with other xfast rods I own. I think the Avid 6'8" M-XF is a perfect jerkbait blank. Too bad the handle is so dad-blasted long. That's a problem with a lot of rods made these days. But that's a topic for a different thread.

Any of the other Jack Reacher books by Lee Child. There are 16 or 17 in all. The entire "Pendergast" series by Preston and Child. Read them in order. there are quite a few of these also. John Sanford's Prey series. Again, quite a few in the set, which you should read in order, but don't really have to. Michael Connolly's Harry Bosch series. Quite a few of these also. Robert Parker's Spencer series. Must be thirty or so of these. Start at the beginning. just finished the entire series in order, and it is interesting to see how the character develops over the years. Anything by James Clavell, particularly Shogun. It is a classic. If you read one per week, I've just given over a two year's worth.

Here you are http://www.***.com/Replacement_Blades/catpage-BLADES.html

Tax refund? What the heck is a tax refund?

I'm officially signed up to room with Dinky, Rhino and ProCrafter. Never let it be said that I will hang out with just any Tom, Dink and Larry. Note to Long Mike: my registration form is a work in progress.

Ditto.. Just take that thing out and fish with it. Be a bit careful the first few casts. You may just be impressed with yourself.

Now that's a d%$#@d good answer.

I get one bottle of Essence du Borderies each year. My fav local wine merchant gets two cases each year, and one bottle has my name on it. Not cheap, but it's what Henessey wants to be when it grows up.

The flea market is the only one I miss from the drop down list.

All I can say to you Jeff, is it's darned good thing I don't own a liquor store.

My grandmother used to make hot toddys for us when we were kids. Probably be arrested these days for such behavior. A cup of hot water, a shot of whisky, tablespoon of honey, juice of half a lemon, pinch of ginger. Good medicine.

Johnie Walker is, for me, the standard by which blended scotch judged. For single malts, it's Macallan.