vtbassin

I usually have one of each rigged up. Then switch between them to see what the fish are looking for that day. I fish them both in the same areas and the same types of cover. If I had to pick one I would go with the jig.

Thanks Hanover -- those look great.

Great video of some great smallies Hanover! Is your net handle custom made? It looks very easy to use

I could use one of those!

I would say my first rod is a quality rod. Nothing fancy but it fishes well. I just build rods for myself to fish with. What you eventually learn to do with finish and wraps and any other custom touches will make your rods look nice and sell well if that is what you are after. Practice will get you there.

Nice fish! We still have a little while to go here in Vermont. The ice is breaking up and open water will be much earlier than usual.

Those look great!! If I had to pick a favorite I think the 4th one down would be it. But I would be happy to tie any of them on.

Just one more!

I saw this post from Crestliner last year. His method works great. Very low cost!

WOW

Are you saying presentation is important?

There is no substitute for an educated thumb. I think the lighter spools will work better with lighter baits because it takes less force to get them going. And it seems to me that an average weight bait casts farther with less effort. That is just opinion I haven't tried to quantify. In any case your thumb is needed when bait casting.

I have an older PQ that still works OK. I think I paid just under $100 for it and it came on a IM 8 rod. This is not a bad reel and it has held up well. I bought a new 201 E7 late last summer for $149. There is no comparison. If you are looking to spend around $100 for a PQ I suggest saving up another $50.

Keep an eye on ebay. sometimes you can find a great deal.

;D ;D I always fish for larger bass ;D ;D I need to find a way to tell the dinks I am with the group that wouldn't purchase any of those reels. I like my Curado E-7 !