mark nowak

I think you did a heck of a job! I was impressed when I first saw the pictures and now knowing that you are 14, I am even more impressed. Great job!!

After looking up the install on your vehicle, i would pay the $300. The install on the montero is a little more difficult than it was on my jeep. It looks like you have to remove the bumper and the hitch alone is over $200

I was in your situation about a week ago. i was looking to have one put on wife's 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I had estimates from $400-$800 to put one on, it seemed crazy to me to pay that much. I ended up ordering on from etrailers.com for $137 that included the wiring harness. It was really simple and they had videos of the trailer hitch and wiring harness being installed on all kinds of vehicles. I would look into that if I were you. It took me all of an hour to install everything and left a lot of money in my pocket.

The BPS stuff is sold individually. but if you buy the bibs and jacket it should be around $150 total, could be cheaper than that because it goes on sale pretty often. Edit - I just checked Bass Pro's website, the price is little higher than $150 for the complete set. I guess the price has gone since I bought mine a few years back.

Thanks! Thats a pretty good tip!

I have the BPS high performance raingear, I am really happy with it. It should also fit into your price range.

I also travel a lot for work and looked at these rods...I was not impressed. I ended up just buying a two piece shimano convergence, not the best rod but better than any of those telescoping rods I looked at. I guess the what really matter is are you driving or flying for work? In my case I drive a lot so keeping a two piece rod in my vehicle was not an issue. If I was flying a lot it would be a different story. I have also flown for work and in those cases I normally find the nearest walmart and pick up an ugly stick.

your cousin's setup most likely casts farther because he is doing something(it might be wrong but it is something) compared to nothing. I am a strong believer in proper maintenance. Glad to see that you found some useful info and good luck with the maintenance!

I am a big fan of the Ego nets, they seem to work pretty well.

I work in the concrete industry and cements dust kills my boots, I have tried them all Red Wings/Irish Setters, Danners....Believe it or not the best boots for the price that I have found are actually Dr Martens, they are extremely comfortable and seem to hold up very well. I have been wearing the same pair for 4 years now. It is pretty nice because my company gives us a boot allowance every year and I have just been banking that. I have a pair that has steel toe, steel shank, slip resistant...not sure if they come in you size or not but might be worth while to check them out.

here is my piece of advice for you it is best if you let her pick out her own rod a reel...make recommendations about the length and action but let her make the decision in the end. Take here to BPS and let her see which one are the most comfortable for her. I am sure I have avoided catching a lot of heck by doing this, it seems like everytime my wife uses one of my setups something will go wrong with it and she will lose a fish and somehow its my fault.

Cool, thank you!

So you received a Gen2? I believe kylek said he received a gen 1, I guess its a crap shoot for which one you will receive!

I can't really help seeing as I have never used one, but my first thought was for the price it does not look too bad and the reviews on it are really good. give it a try and if you don't like it you can always take it back.

Saint Peter is sitting at the Pearly Gates when two guys wearing dark hoodies, and sagging pants, arrive. St. Peter looked out through the Gates and said, "Wait here. I'll be right back." St. Peter goes over to God's chambers and tells him who is waiting for entrance. God says to Peter: "How many times do I have to tell you? You can't be judgmental here. This is heaven. All are loved. All are brothers. Go back and let them in!" St. Peter goes back to the Gates, looks around, and lets out a heavy sigh. He returns to God's chambers and says, "Well, they're gone." "The guys wearing hoodies?" asked God. "No. The Pearly Gates."

Thank you! I got one ordered!

Are these a 1 or 2 piece rod?

I have never used a Dobyns, but I am very impressed with the Carbonlite rods that you mentioned, I currently have three of them and I am soon to add more.

Thank you, I will definetly try the Fox river. Thank you! St Charles is a nice place to live except for the cost, I actually just put an offer in on a house in Maple Park. Hopefully the move will free up some funds for a new boat.

Hey Fellas, Just checking in now that I am living in St Charles, Illinois. I relocated for my job! I just moved here from New Mexico, before that I was In MO, CO and I am originally from northern Michigan. Not real familar with the area yet, any help from some locals would be great. Thank you very much!

Thanks, I love that store, that is where I planned on buying from. I live about a mile from Roger's.

Roger, All very valid points, don't get me wrong, I will still be using my spinning gear a majority of the time. But I believe that baitcasting gear is just another tool to add to the arsenal. I would like to be proficient using this type of rod and reel if the need comes up. I believe now is as good as time as any to begin working on this skill and at least develop a basic working understanding of it.

Make sure you resize your photo to allowed size also. It took me 20 minutes using paint to get my photo down to an acceptable size.

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I actually checked out this combo at cabelas last night, I was pretty impressed. Thank you everyone for all your help. I think I have at least a decent idea of what I should be looking for. I appreciate you all taking the time to help a Baitcaster Beginner.