K_Mac

I saw VanDam (on TV) fishing one of the BASS tourneys this year (at Kentucky Lake I think). He talked specifically about the right equipment for deep cranking. He was promoting his new prototype crankbait rod. He was using was a 7'8" rod with the lower speed reel. He said it was important to use a long rod for distance and the slower reel for control as I recall. I was going to check my facts, but I have erased the footage. :

65 That puts you in the upper echelon of tackle crazies. Good for you.

That is a great deal IMHO. The Pro Qualifier reel is also on sale for $80. It is my favorite reel. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102287_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

I am like Long mike in that I don't know a lot about fishing. I also don't know much about batteries and charging systems. What I do know is that when I bought new electronics for my boat, I called Lowrance and talked to them about how to correctly power their units and what to avoid. They told me that running my units off the cranking battery was fine, and that charging, whether by the motor or an on-board charger was not going to damage the electronics. I asked about switching or disconnecting and was told it was not necessary.

Another vote for Trilene XL. I prefer the green color. I use 4# most of the time. I think you get better lure action with the lighter line. When fishing in heavy brush or trees I will go to 6 or 8# if necessary. Volfan is right about taking care of your line, especially light line. You have to be careful and check it regularly. Good luck. Ain't much better than a plate of fried crappie fillets.

The BPS Pro Qualifier is $99 list. It is on sale now for $80. At full price it is a great value IMHO. It has both centrifugal and magnetic braking that allows for excellent control and is a very smooth reel. It comes in two speeds. The slower is 26" per turn, which in my opinion is perfect for all round use. The higher speed is 29 IPT. I have 2 of these reels, and have asked Santa for a couple more for Christmas. Good luck. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102287_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

+1

I use a BPS Extreme high speed, 30" IPT-7.1:1 is the ratio I think. I like a fast reel for this application. When you have a lot of line out after a long cast the faster reel helps to get a good hook-set. Just my .02

Wow. What a trip. Thanks for sharing the pictures and story. What a blessing to have time like that with your father. I knew that pirranah grew to a couple of pounds, but I've never seen a picture of one that big. A powerful incentive for staying in the boat.

Words to live by. 8-)

I found this site. You may have already been there. If not it might give you some ideas. Good luck. http://www.achievableconcepts.us/usa_fish.htm

good advice Catt. I'm glad no one was hurt. You're sure right about tomorrow... Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I like your signature BTW. It is all about perspective.

I'm happy for you. 8-)Not working is hard on a guy. Good luck.

Way to go guys. I imagine RW was as happy about you catching the fish as you were catching it. You love it when a plan comes together. Nice job all round 8-)

It is my experience that fishermen have a tendency to stretch the truth. : Sometimes you can get to know the regulars and get good reports. You can learn a lot from them. There are some who want to help and are forthcoming with info, some that don't, and others who will make something up just to mess with you. I talk to most folks at the ramp, but take much of what I hear as just talk.

Glenn I've never given the coverage/service comparison much thought. It does make sense that a large coverage area does not mean good service if the coverage isn't comprehensive. The adds showing the red/blue comparison of Verizon/ATT may not give the whole story but they do make for good television. :

Bantam 1 I am looking forward to trying braid this spring and like the idea of a knotless leader connection. I am not currently a member of the Shimano posse, but I can be persuaded. I volunteer my services to be part of the pre-release testing team. ;D

I only have one XF rod; a M-7' BPS Pro Qualifier. It has become my favorite BC plastic rod. The faster tip allows for a good hook-set and the M action protects the 10# line I use most of the time. My jig rod is a MH-F that is better suited to heavier line IMHO. I enjoy the selection process of buying new tackle. 8-) Good luck.

I recorded and watched all but 3 episodes that my machine somehow missed. > I liked that it was told more or less through the eyes of participants. It added a personal dimension that isn't always a part of retrospective film. It really illustrated the horrific nature of war. I thought the editing was a little ragged. Some of the clips repeated more than I would have liked with as much film as they had, bit it's a minor complaint. I would recommend that if you haven't seen it , and get the chance to take the time to watch it. It is worth seeing.

I've used it for years without a problem. I would return it for replacement. It will be interesting to hear if this is a widespread problem or just bad luck on your part.

Now you've put the idea in my head, I will have to try the 7". Almost all of my bigger fish this year were caught on 6" Stick-os. I have not used 7" because they are huge. I have been afraid of frightening the smaller fish.

I like a black and blue rattling jig with a big trailer (a Paca craw is my go-to).

Fishbone I agree that the drag on these reels are as good or better than any other I've ever used. 8-) That's a real selling point when fishing light line.

I live about 25 minutes from the lake, but haven't fished it much this year. It is getting to be the right time of year for good fishing. My health hasn't been great of late, but I would enjoy fishing with you. I will pm you and we can work out a time. Kirby

Buy the rod. 8-) You already have the reel. Save your nickles or talk Santa into buying it. A dedicated worm/jig rod is a wonderful thing. Enjoy.