EvanT123

Wow that is really a bummer. Not only from a fishing perspective but from a ecosystem/food chain perspective. Hopefully there will be some resolution to the problem.

I have to respectfully disagree with you guys that don't fish flukes on jig heads. I like to bite about a half inch off the head and use 1/4oz minnow head style jig heads and bounce and jig the flukes in rocks and current. This has been particularly successful when the river is high and muddy using a jet black fluke. This tactic seems to yield some larger fish. The fish below was caught in clearer water using a baitfish color fluke and jig head.

Everyday line up. 6'9 mlxf sc3 1000 symetre 7'0 mf sc3 2500 symetre 7'0 mlf avid 2500 stradic; if I get my butt In gear soon to be 7'0 mlf sc3

Well that looks interesting. Besides the grip maybe some different guides as well?

That's a tough call I've found sometimes when the fish blow up on a fluke it's easy to pull the bait from them; resulting in lost fish. Compare that to fishing a fluke 2-6 feet underwater you generally can't see the fish strike so you feel the weight or bite. At that point the fish has it and you will most likely get a better hook set. On top it's like a frog you have to wait a second then set the hook. It also could be the bait was twisted or in a position there was nothing for the hook to grab. Sometimes that's the fluke game. I always fish my flukes on on braid so it's generally feel the fish set the hook.

This is some funny stuff. You have to give the guy credit. He could have walked out like nothing happened and let the next person explain away how it wasn't them.

How big are the pike we talking? I haven't had a problem landing pike up to 10lbs on medium spinning or med heavy baitcasting bass tackle. The thing I learned after many break offs at the begining of last season was let the pike do it's thing. Wear it out and don't horse it in. Horsing it in is generally how I would end up bit off. A 10-12 lb copolymer leader has generally faired better then straight braid or mono for me as well.

Not trying to steer you away from baitcasters. Well maybe I am but have you looked at any of the abu garcia orra spinning reel combos? I have a friend that doesn't fish very often and has one. I handled it the other day and was pretty impressed. It seemed light weight and has a real nice handle/reel seat. Throw some 10-20 pound braid on there and you should be able to wing lures out there. I would imagine it would be more sensative then what you are currently using.

I may have been guilty of this once or twice but common. http://youtu.be/wl0JojWH1rQ

28 sometimes feel fifty sometimes fifteen it's all good.

Cardinals are good reels. What brands of reels do you already own? The reason I asked is at that price point there are a lot of options be it pflueger, shimano, daiwa or any other brand. It's a good place to get your feet wet and try other companies offerings and still recoop your investment if you aren't satisfied.

I would say almost any graphite rod would be better especially if the person is going to be dragging hoping feel type baits. If the person is going to be using mostly moving baits have at it. I used an ugly stick for almost 10 years never knew anything different and caught fish t rigging with it. I don't know how many I missed but can anyone really say that? All my fishing buddy uses is ugly sticks and he does just fine. He likes them because he knows he bangs his stuff around. Today he tried to convince me to strap my custom croixs to the top of my car roof and that's where I had to draw a line lol.

Use suffix 8 and 10 for leader material and 12lb big game on a baitcaster. Neither has let me down.

Avid 7'0 mlf stradic 2500 Custom sc3 mf7'0 symetre 2500 I use the cheapest 3.5 inch tubes and 1/4 jig heads exposed hook. I lose these things like it's nobody's business

I think most reel manufactures have drag systems down. A few felt discs or carbon and a metal washer or two and a tightening system.

Wacky worm and frog? Kind of two ends of the spectrum but it can certainly be done. For versatility you can beat a medium power fast action. If you are stomping through serious brush it won't matter if the rod is 5'6 or 7'6 but I generally don't go longer than 7'.

Nice fish that first one is a chunk. The twitch tail is deadly on a drop shot or 1/8 ball jig.

No real referance point or weight but definetly the biggest I've ever caught.

Between the 6-7 lock the river was flooded this past week. It is now in a post flood stage and things are clearing up. If we get light rains for the next week you should not have a problem finding some fish. If you are driving I would look for 4 types of situations. Rocky flats, creek mouths and current transitions/breaks. I like to drag a tube or work topwater in the current breaks/rocky flats. Creek mouths I like a senko/topwater. A fluke will be tied on at all times. If you are not in a tournament trolling a grub or jerkbait is a great way to find fish. I like to use solid colors; the translucent colors never seem to produce as well for me.

Guys, I appreciate all the feed back. Took the car to a mechanic and they said all the fluids are leaking and the brake lines are shot. Been on the hunt and took this home today 03 pathfinder in immaculate condition. Good car fax service history. Put it up on the lift clean as a whistle. Appointment on Wednesday at uhaul for a hitch and I'm in business. Thanks again for the comments and concern.

Anything with a number is going to be a spinning reel. Sent you a pm

That looks pretty sweet. Can you tell us any more blank, guides, reel seat?

Not the new abu garcia orra s but the generation before has cent brakes and aluminum frame. I'm sure you could find one cheap on that auction site.

Seems like your door mat might make you vulnerable to theft as well. All the theives have to do is wait till your not home and come and steal your guns. I don't know much about baby snatching but I know thieves like guns and there's a heck of a market for stolen ones.

That's awesome