Missourifishin

Thank you. I actually have a chance to get a new Purist for about $50, which seems like a great deal and is right around the amount I'm wanting to spend right now. I was only slightly hesitant since I've never used a Pflueger baitcaster.

I'm considering buying one. But I've never used one. In fact, I've never used any Pflueger casting reel, only spinning. So if you have any experience with this reel, let me know what you think of it. Thanks.

That is a great price on the Lexa. I've been tempted to get one myself. For deep cranking, get it in the 4.9:1 ratio if you go with the Lexa.

I agree with the guys who said go with the medium. The MH is more like a heavy imo.

That's my guess.

Pfleuger

I encountered a similar situation last week. I burned a shad colored squarebill (kvd 1.5) through the area and they zoomed over from 8-10 feet away to bite my lure. It really seemed like the reactionary bite was the way to go. They were more defensive than hungry.

If you already have a MH/F Veritas, go ahead and use it. But if you're looking at buying one, then yeah I'd go with the M/F. Those rods seem to be a little heavier in power than others. My brother has the MH/F Veritas, and it's nice but stiff as hell. That is the rod I would use for squarebills too. I personally wouldn't want to throw them on an ultralight spinning setup, but that's just me.

I like having hard copies as well. I was subscribed to Bassmaster and In-Fisherman, and I really liked them both. I just didn't have the time to read them and fell behind, the magazines started piling up so I cancelled my subscription. I think you'd like either one of them. Keep in mind of course, that In-Fisherman has articles on other species of fish. Bassmaster may have some stuff about the pros like an article about one pro in particular or something like that. But it is much more focused on talking about actually fishing than talking about tournaments like the magazine you mentioned.

That's exactly how I started out.

I'm very out of shape, yet I throw squarebills and other cranks a ton. I don't really find it that tiring.

I'm a Gamakatsu guy.

This! As far as numbers go, some of my best days from the bank have been casting into the wind, even though it can be difficult. As J Francho said though, not always. Windy days can be confusing.

6'10" M-M St. Croix Mojo Glass. Lews Tournament or Tournament Pro (i switch those 2 reels around on different rods from time to time) 6.4:1 ratio. Line: 12# mono, been using suffix siege lately and I've been happy with it.

I loved the feel of the ghost when I picked some of them up at bass pro. I still haven't pulled the trigger and bought one yet. But I probably will one of these days.

I use the whole KVD squarebill lineup. 2.5's, 1.5's and 1.0's. A lot of people don't seem to like the 1.0's, but I've had success on them. I'm also a big fan of most Rapala lures, including the ones that have already been mentioned here. I'm kind of clueless on the spinner baits. I'm still trying to figure those out myself.

I've been having a rough spring all around this year. I haven't been able to get out as much, and when I have I haven't done very well. Last year however, I experienced some of the best topwater bites of my life in March and early April. It always seemed to be on days when clouds moved in. The sky would get gloomy, and the next thing you know they were hitting my crankbaits before I even had a chance to start cranking them down. And that's when I would change lures to a popper and kill em.

You can't go wrong with the Avid.

Every story I've ever heard about their customer service has sounded a lot like this one. I can't recall ever hearing of someone having a bad experience. That's comforting to know since I have a couple of their rods and will probably get more in the future.

Yep.

People not understanding the concept of catch and release is the main thing I run into. It completely boggles some people's minds. Another thing that I've encountered on multiple occasions is people not understanding the use of artificial lures. Some people don't even seem to realize that people fish with anything other than live bait.

I like the Pfleuger Presidents a lot. I would probably go with the 6930, maybe even the 6925. The 40 size is just too bulky for finesse bass fishing to me.

I fully support MDC. And by the way Trees, every time you say, "DOC" I think, "Department of Corrections", which is completely different Just sayin.

I don't think it is. Last time I checked the glass Mojo came in 6'10", 7'4" and 7'10". So I believe the 7'0" would be the graphite version of the cranking Mojo. To answer the OP, I guess it would probably work for an all around rod. But I think it would be far from optimal. I have the 6'10" glass version, which I only use for treble hook baits. I can't imagine trying to set the hook on a jig or shaky head with it.

That's true. I have another friend who talks a lot about how good the fishing near the rereg d**n is. I need to go with him some time.