Brian Needham

I am getting pumped more by the day.....I got a long month ahead of me at work to get ready to leave, and I cant wait!!!

^take it from Mr. July 2012 catch of the week!!!! AJ told me the same, as I wondered the same question

RW has a very good point.........with these old saying, IMO they are more applicable to lakes and such..when fishing rivers, current is king.

for the record I was quoting in my reference , not using LOL

I should clarify my statement.......it depends on the maker of the rod. I use dobyns and I like those actions and tips, so I roll with it. I have used a Duckett and had to go "up" one because I didn't really like the standard feel of how they label their rods. I have no clue how ABU labels their rods, but if you have other rods in their line you should be able to guess close enough. Also, when in doubt call the manufacture, and ask they can lead you REAL close to what you are looking for.

faster the better for jigs, or so it seems....I don't really get mired down in it, I read the rod label and if it says jigs roll with it.

OH I HEAR YAAAAAAAAAA!!!! big black bass beatdown, SLAUNCH wouldn't even begin to describe those pics!

simply amazing my friend!!!

I threw one a little bit, spinderella with 5in moneyminnows, on a dobyns 765flip and lews TP reel 65#powerpro. I couldn't stop backlashing 1 out of 5 cast or so. Bad ones too, had to take time to pick them out and not fun with braid as it dug in good. always seemed not matter how tight or loose I set the reel up that the rig couldn't pull off enough line to match the spool speed or vice versa..... been thinking about getting a dedicated rod and maybe fishing more grub type baits with it.

when it is ever financially wise to drive 800+ miles to live and fish with complete strangers for a week? or as the kids say, YOLO!!!

east winds are normally seen (at least here in the south) post frontal, blue bird skys and high pressure.

^^^I believe and follow this rule, I seen it and heard it too many times for the old timers and when out of the south it will land in their mouth!

I think you are right......I just need more time with the tuned reels. I really loved them before and rarely lashed....but now with peak preforming reels I have to rely on my thumb and that is something I really never did. i am also trying some lighter weights as well ..... 1/4 oz shaky heads and such with the cores. I am not sure how big of a fan I am of the cores, time will tell there to. and I hear ya on the lure weights too, I been really trying to dial in the perfect head/lure combos for my reels, even to the point of putting it on a scale, lol Dont get me wrong I am not knocking DVT at all, I was ansering to the point with tuned reels you may need a little more experience with a trained thumb. And that is something that I really do not have at the present. Bearings and tuning is well worth the money, if your experience matches the level of work you paid for.

I had dvt super tune and install abec7 ceramics in my shimano cores and lews TP......I still aint used to them yet and they backlash at a drop of a hat. I am really hoping to get out more to use them more so I get used to them. tuning and bearings really speed up the spool and they take some getting used to once back. proceed with caution first few trips out.

crickets and bluegill is a pretty good way to start as well. More action (fish caught) = more excitement, which bring more people back..... then progress up to bass. JMO

is there anything that doesn't cause cancer in the state of California?

we grew up baiting our hooks, biting our own split shot on/walking around with it in our pockets then taking a bite of our sammich......I think you'll be ok.

http://floatsunlimited.com/specialty-peanut-float.html I love these with a small splitshot and cricket. I have friends that use these as well with 1/16 oz jig head and black beetle. reason I really like these floats is they are small and do not create a splash.

I use the t stop I guess....its strands of rubber that come in 100 count packs.....I admit I have no idea how to use those that Roadwarrior posted, but I always wanted to try them

zona does like the heavier side of music , thats for sure.........I used to be "eh, whatever" about him, but now I really look forward to his show every friday. They might be opposite in so many ways but I think I could listen and watch Zona and spanish fly (RIP Jose) all day every day.

"Zona's Awesome fishing show" is one of my favorites. while I am not a fan of Ike persona I really like Zona's, as it seems more real and genuine excitement. CATCH A FISH!!!

local blackouts may apply

I have a 702dx finesse with a core50 ... haven't used it yet other than pitching in the yard, sub 1/4oz and you gotta be careful with the back lashes

1 drop boca lightening will work well

I hate to be cynical......but does anyone else notice the group sticks laying together that "look" like a ramp for the keel of the boat? not that I am calling staged, just saying looks weird.