LgMouthGambler

All reels recommended are great for a first. I would stay away from the SX due to the magnetic brakes. They are difficult to use for a first reel. Stick to something that has centrifical brakes.

You might be onto something! I hope its going to be as reliable as Honda.

I dont have a clue what you are talking about. . Lol

Thanks. I loaded up on big worms and lizards. Im not bothering fishing small baits. Im going big, or Im going home.

Nice!

You can get any parts you want for Shimanos. You have to know where to go. Only true Shimano anglers know the secrets. Or you could use the internet

Net?

Funny, Ive been seeing needle fish in my canal, and its fresh water too. Im trying to catch it on my UL with a rooster tail. They are only about a foot in length.

What have you that have fished this Lake been using? Whats producing? anything I should be looking for?

Wouldnt bother with the SX. Its magnetic braking system isnt good for beginners. I would stick to something with a Cent. brake system. Im an avid Shimano user, and have fished them since I was 11, which is when I bought my fist Curado. I have tried all the other brands, including the Lews, since someone was nice enough to let me cast 1 a few times, and I personally think you cant go wrong with Shimano. Shimano has been around for a long time, and always top shelf performance. I would suggest the Curado if your going to spend the money in that price range for an SX. As far as shakey head and topwater, 2 completely different presentations, 2 completely dedicated rigs. If you want something to be an all around type deal, get the Curado 200G7, put it on a Shimano Sellus MH rod, and spool it up with some 12or15# Yozuri, and have at it. That will keep you around $220. If you want a better rod, than step up to Abu Garcia Veritas.

Wouldnt do mono either. Better off with a fluoro type. 20# Yozuri would be great, has a breaking strength of twice its rating, and holds up really good against abrasions.

Um...Shimano parts dont change. They are always available, and have withstood the test of time. I think you might be confused with the potential future of Lews. Shimanos redesign was just cosmetic. Internal parts are still the same, only difference is no knob bearings, but you really dont need them anyway. 11 bearings doesnt help if they are cheap bearings.

Trade it in for a Shimano.

true, good point.

Stopped at the Dicks in WPB on my way back from the Hospital. There is a pretty good sale going on. Stocked up on some Strike King KVD cranks, buy 3 get 1 free. Worms, jerkbaits, and a Daiwa 2 pc rod for $20, that I need for when I travel to NC in Oct. Ended up with around $75 worth of stuff for $40. Sale ends the 30th, I dont know if its all of them, it should be though.

I use the palomar for braid only. I use the original clinch knot for my nylon lines.

I am a avid bank fisherman. I use a bag by Spiderwire that I am able to carry everything but the kitchen sink in. Available at Dicks. Check it out, Im sure you will like it too.

Si, exactamundo.

I vote EXO only because it looks cool!

oh no, now he is gonna cry about how mean that is. LOL.

Clean it, lube it, and give it a whirl. Worth a shot for free.

They are both great rods, the only thing I dont like abot the BPS is the bulbky handle where the reel sits. You would have to hold it in order to see if it is ok for you.

6# Fluoro. Seems to hold up better, thats what I use anyway, never a problem.

Kopper Live Target

Pressure is a pshycomatic thing. If you like fishing, then just fish. I fish tournaments, and one thing I can say is, if you let the fun out of it, then its no fun anymore. If I win a tournament thats great, but, I if I lose, then, well, it was a good time fishing anyway. A bad day of fishing is better than a bad day at work. Enjoy the sport/hobby. Unless you are a sponsored pro, then there is no pressure on you. Your wife and kids are still proud of you no matter what.