onion man

Fishing is different things to different people, just like most things... However, once you touch a Loomis, it is practically impossible not to go on a massive mission to buy as many as possible and ditch everything else. Same thing with the Core.

X2 I made/bought presents for each of my siblings and parents and it felt better to give than to get. It even felt better than getting my first Loomis .

Champion 735C vs. Cumara CUC-74H. Thinking about getting one or the other (or maybe a Loomis) for football jigs and texas rigs. Which one would you go with?

How does the Cumara compare to the Dobyns Champion in terms of sensitivity? I know they are two completely different rods, but sensitivity wise, how do they compare? Sorry don't mean to bomb the thread...

x3. IPT (inches per turn) is more important than gear ratio. It is not "one size fits all" when it comes to different companies, where any company could manufacture a 6.3:1 reel... Shimano's bantam reels had a 6.2:1 gear ratio, just like the newer ones. The bantams had 22 IPT, the newer stuff has 26 IPT...

Your 8.5 is a brute! Sweet fish, and the way the sun shines on it, it makes the coloration almost look like a spot... Not many people have caught fish, let alone smallies, that huge.

In Texas 10 pounds is one fish...

I wouldn't say "several" mid-range spinning reels vs. one high end reel. It is more like two, MAYBE three mid-range reels vs. one higher priced reel... IMHO But everyone's needs are different for the type of fishing they do, and the type of budget they have... Opinions will always differ and if they didn't, than life wouldn't be interesting . As for Stradic FI and the PQ, you will get what you pay for... Shimano spinning reels are notorious for lasting lifetimes, and they are very dependable. The PQ will get you by in the short-term, but if you want long-term "bang for your buck", I would actually say that the Stradic will get you more of that. My .02.

I just received a Shimano Curado 101 Bantam reel, which my first Bantam reel from Shimano. I don't know too much about them, except that they are time tested. There is one problem in the handle, and it kicks back whenever tension is put on the spool... Is this something I can fix, or do I need to take it to somebody who knows what they are doing? Thanks.

Very nice.

I agree, GPS. But I fish lots of lakes under 700 acres, so GPS isn't really necessary, but topo maps are always nice. SI is nice for that but I wouldn't want to be lost on a place like Kentucky lake without GPS lol...

She's got a gut on her 6.5+,... congrats.

That's a popular comparison... One person will say Mojo, the next will say Veritas. Just don't let looks deceive you with the "white" rod. both good rods.

I don't fish them much, but if you can get away with it go weightless. The bait is loaded with salt and whatever and should cast a mile. Should be a big fish bait. If you go deep, c-rig.

I don't fish senkos much, but everyone has had to fish them at one point or another. Gamakatsu, owner, trokar, etc. are the better hooks out there. Pricey, but if saving $2 for buying the cheap pack, it could mean losing that 5 pounder. I like to fish 3/0 as much as possible because if gives the bait more action, but if the fish are short striking move up to 4/0. Hope this helps!