K_Mac

I am able to cover a little more water with a c-rig. Which one is more effective really depends on what they are looking for. The c-rig offers a much different, and I believe more subtle movement.

Sloan I've given your problem some thought and have decided that while I know nothing about gardens, I can give you some philosophical advice: When life gives you tomatoes, make tomato sauce. Hope this helps.

I've handled the Tatula enough to know that as much as I like my PQs, it will be the next reel I buy. It is amazing the quality of both rods and reels available in the low to mid-range on today's market. For the price of a tank of gas in my truck I can buy a rod or reel that will serve me well as long as I will need it, and probably my grandkids...

Yes. Big cats in fast moving water or heavy cover will test any gear. Enjoy.

I have long resisted going to flouro because of the price. I don't care at all for braid, and have used copolymers for the last several years. This year I decided to give it a chance and bought Seaguar Red Label in three sizes. It may have more stretch than some, but it transmits information better than anything I've used in the past-except maybe braid with no slack. Did I mention I do not like braid? The down-side is it is not as abrasion resistant as I'm used to and that requires very close attention.

I can have a good time just catching fish when I have someone with me who is a novice or occasional bass fisherman. Catching a lot of fish when one of my grandkids is along is my only goal. With that said, I quickly lose interest catching dinks under normal circumstances. I have a friend who I used to fish with regularly that will throw little crankbaits, catching mostly little fish, all day. I have no desire to do that and rarely fish from his boat. When I have mine I can choose the water and speed at which we fish, and he can fish whatever technique he wants-from the back of the boat! Fishing for most of us is a time to relax and enjoy nature. We are all wired differently and what relaxes me on the water may cause someone else to dig their golf clubs out of the closet. Enjoy the process, whatever it is!

Thanks for the comments Goose. My experience with PQs over hundreds of hours of fishing has been very good. My experience pales in view of the exhaustive testing you have done though. I completely understand that some may not like the PQ, but in its price range it is a fine reel and a very good value, and I think there is enough history here to make that case.

All the baitcasters I currently use are BPS brand. Four are PQs and two are older model Extremes. The PQ is the only one I endorse without reservation. The Citica is a proven reel. For the same money I would not even consider the Nitro.

I am a little late to this thread, I've been out using my size 30 Presidents to catch bass. With 8# Seaguar Red Label or something like it, they are all that's needed for me. Of course what does need have to do with fishing for most?

Know exactly what you want, and save up the cash to buy it when you find a good price. Even at my age self-discipline does not come easy, but it will save you a lot of money and regrets if you use it! BTW make sure you thank your folks for allowing you to pursue your fishing

I will add my vote for Stick-os. The River Bugs are a good value as well IMO. The Pro Qualifier reels are still my go-to reels. Like everywhere else, you just have to pay attention. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy stuff that you really don't need...

Well said! The idea that spinning is inferior is silly. The idea that spincast is preferable is sillier yet! There are folks who can pitch using spinning with more accuracy than most using baitcast. Most of us who use spinning much can do so accurately. I prefer baitcast for most techniques, but would not be without a couple of spinning outfits.

Raul when the waves are bouncing the boat too much to tie a knot, it is time to call it a day! I have been there though. Trying to maintain control of the boat while tieing a knot with the wind howling can be a serious pain.

I don't use them. I have in the past used a good snap on crankbait combos. It only takes a few seconds though to re-tie and then I have a freshly tied knot. The biggest problem I see with most people who use snap/swivels or snaps is they don't re-tie often enough...

It is rare that I don't have some knowledge of lake conditions before before I get there, and some history of what has worked on that body of water under similar conditions in the past. So always in those cases I am rigged and ready with every combo I have with me. I also have dedicated combos that always have a specific bait tied on regardless of where I'm going. I am a big believer in re-tieing often, so if I haven't done this the night before, I will before getting started.

I agree. A 7' MXF rod and a 6.something baitcast reel with a 26-28 IPT and 12# FC would work for most of my fishing. On some lakes it would not work so well though...

They may not have much action T-rigged but something about the action works. They are one of my top secret baits...

Like the others, I wish you and the new owners well. I am a long time user and fan. Good luck.

As stated, the limits of your rod are defined by the ratings of the blank, most with a bit of cushion built in. Stay within the limits, set the drag properly (~25% of the line rating) and do not high-stick (bend the rod much beyond 90 degrees) the rod and you will be fine. I've caught some nice catfish while bluegill fishing on a local farm pond...

RW's post quoting George Welcome is a great explanation of why the cranking of a baitcast reel traditionally is done with the strong hand. If I were fishing for marlin I may choose the traditional option, but for bass it is much easier for me to control the fish with the rod in my dominant hand. This is my preference after years of using both. Try both, and then decide.

That's funny! True for me as well. It wasn't long ago when 5 something was as fast as you could find. We still managed to catch an occasional fish... Most of my reels are 6.4ish, and if I could only have one, a reel with a 26-28 IPT would be my choice. Turning a fish in heavy cover is one spot where a little faster is handy. The other is ripping a bait back to the boat to get it back in the zone.

Deaknh03 I used petty for a reason. I care little what most people think, but there are some whose opinion matters. Relying entirely on my own counsel is a dangerous thing...

WTG Jigfishn10! Coaching kids is an opportunity to make a real difference. There is little more important (and increasingly rare) than men and women who lead and teach by example. There is no way of avoiding politics in Little League or life in general, but life is too short to worry about what petty people think.

Being on the water before first light is one of life's simple pleasures. That first couple of hours in the morning is a good as it gets in my opinion. With that said, it's all good. Fishing during the day when it is hot wears on me and I also prefer night fishing when it's really hot. My experience has been like most others though; when it comes to lunkers the middle of the day or at night has always been best.

I've already given my endorsement of the President spinning reel, but I will add my $.02 on closing the bail manually. Manually closing the bail while lifting the rod tip slightly to remove any loose line and feathering the line with my index finger to stop it as the bait touched down before reeling changed fishing for me. I had always used the crank to engage the reel and hated spinning reels because of line management issues. While line twist can still be an issue with some baits, most of the time I am now problem free.