Teh

Its not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood. Who at the best knows in the end triumph, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Abbreviated version.

Hey, watch this!

I'm interested in those as well.

I don't have a boat either and only fish from shore. We've had the most luck currently using rattle traps, with a medium speed retrieve after letting it fall to the bottom on the initial drop.

Try running a rattle trap through there.

It's a good river to take a canoe or kayak out on. It has a good variety of fish. Largemouth, smallmouth, panfish, gar, catfish, etc. The place we go is called The Narrows of the Harpeth. It's a state park.

RW - do you ever fish the Harpeth river in Middle TN? I may be heading out there this Sunday, hoping for some nice smallmouth. I've been on this river plenty of times, but never in the winter. I plan on bringing some small jigs and grubs. I have some new rage tail craws I'm dying to try out, finally bought a pack.

Will this episode be replayed? I missed it...

Thanks for the words of wisdom everyone. Maybe this will be a reminder for others as well.

Haha, I knew I'd be told that. There's been a few times I kicked myself afterwards. I only have this hesitation when slowly dragging a bait on the bottom.

Hey everbody, just wondering, do you guys have any special signs that tell you, when your lure hits something, if it's a fish or you snagged some grass etc.? Most times I can tell, as it starts fighting back. I'm just thinking about how many fish I may have lost, because I thought it was a limb, etc., and didnt set the hook and risk losing the lure. Any words of wisdom? Thanks!

We finally did this with my wifes family a couple years ago. Best decision ever. Anyone wants to see the kids, they come to our place. We do make it a point not to miss their Thanksgiving or 4th of July parties though to compensate.

I'm interested in the Convergence rod. It's the same price point as the Sellus, but looks to have the same reel seat as the Compre. And, I like the black color better. Anyone tried one of these out yet?

The Academy ETHOS rod that sells for $59.99, I remember a board member weighed it and said it was 4.1 oz. It gets great reviews from what I've seen.

Cabela's has these rods for $45.88 right now.

Thanks bluebasser, I know I'm asking for alot, haha. I can only spend the money unfortunately for one expensive (to me) reel, so of course I'd like it to cover as many of my favorite techniques as it can. It sounds like I'll end up going with whichever I get the best deal on. TW has the 51E on sale for $119 right now ...I don't mind it being a lefty model.

It's not that I don't consider the 50 for topwater, just wondering what it's limits are if say, I want to throw out a Mattlures U2 or Huddleston 6in. I know not ideal, but I am looking for one that is a good all around performer for a variety of techniques. Thanks for the replies, I learn new things from this place everyday (my wallet doesnt thank you)

I'm debating between these 2 reels. The budget dictates I only get one. I throw alot of plastics, which has me thinking the Curado, but then I also love throwing hollow bodied frogs and other topwater plugs, which makes me think the Lews. It's a good problem to have as I dont think I can go wrong with either one. I'd like to hear from anyone who has used both, and get their thoughts. Thanks!

Thanks Francho.

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone. I'll check all these lines out next time I do some shopping (combo is going back for Christmas so I have some time). Anyone else have any experience with the really small braids? I thought I read on here somewhere that these break easily? If not, it definitely seems like a good choice to look into.

Wow, that was fast, thanks for the replies!

I recently picked up a Daiwa shock ultralight at Academy (clearance special for $12). This combo is for my son. Can you recommend me a good line? The reel is a 1000 series. The smallest reel I've owned before was a 2500 series. I had 10lb power pro on that and it did great, just alittle difficult to cast the lighter lures. He likes to fish for bluegill, and the occasional bass. In the ponds we fish a 3 or 4lb bass is good, most are about a pound. I was thinking about 4 or 6lb Yo-Zuri as i hear good things about it on this board. Thoughts? Thanks!

Man you guys are so lucky...at least I say that now when it starts freezing here, but I don't think that mid-summer, haha. I will still go out as long as the weather is decent for fishin'.

At what time during the fall/winter do you hang it up until next year (if you do at all)? Just curious....

Thanks Capt. O. Thats a great idea. It'll be the weekend before i can get back out there and see if there really is a full pack left, and if so what brand they are. Thanks for your help everyone, I'll update this as soon as I know something.