LApanic

This is purely information that I've gathered on Xcalibur baits take it or leave it, I don't want to start a downward thread! I know there's PRADCO Outdoor Brands/EBSCO Industries and they play a big role in distribution and probably production, I don't know the in's and outs of that end. EXCEPT after see stock depletion in chains stores, backorders online and talking to 2 different mom and pop owners that have contacted PRADCO after my suspicion and confirmed that they are going away. What "going away" at this stage means this is purely information that has been given to me. Can someone, in the know, shed any light on this...Or either confirm or deny it, I personally would just like to know for sure.......

I've had 3-4 guys PM me and I gave them the password, it's growing if anyone else wants to get in!

Hey BR folks, got a late start on creating the group, but if anyone would like to join the "Dothan Bass" fantasy fishing group on bassmasterfantasy.com, come one, come all! The group has only a couple folks already... If you want to join just PM me and I will give you the password. NOTE: Today is the last day to put in your picks for the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Tight Lines ~ Drew

Broken a ton of microguides and had a ceramic insert crack yesterday. Junk!!!

for my application....with the pre tense that I believe you pay for what you get 1, maybe 2 local tournaments a month, and maybe fish 3-4x 6-8 hr sessions a month total.......anything less than than $125 will be a waste of money, for a long lasting reel and super cheap right now is the BPS Pro Qualifier!

For the money the are a GOOD rod, I;m with the majority on the stiffness, but the micro guides.....plan on replacing a few! I went to smokes which are lighter and relatively the same price...just my 2 cents

Kinda off topic but I love the Quantum smoke rods. Micro guides that are not brittle and break off easy compared to the Veritas. They're super light and affordable.$100-$130. Never tried the EXO rods because of price but have 2 smokes and 2 Tour KVD cranking rods

3 for me

12# flouro for crankbait 20# flouro for wood/sparse veg pitching 65# power pro, drag locked down, for heavy veg and frogging

Try 3 brands 3 price ranges and you'll find the sweet spot. Try my 3 tiers starting with Seaguar Red Label -$10, Seaguar InvisX - $18-$20, and my favorite Sunline FC Sniper - $20-25. I've tried 90% of EM and that is what I feel comfortable and confident with. Pick up a $7 spool of Pline copolymer that might be what your comfortable with The only reason is spend $25 on sniper is because it's a limper line Carrys very little memory and in turn last longer and I have confidence in it...that's the key

If you got a good shape TEPT carbon fiber handle burner on eBay for less than $200 when its shipped and all ID be shocked!

I have all of the above mentioned and j feel the same way. Fortunaly I have 3 TEPT...I think it's the best reel quantum has made in many moons. As far as 2/3 stop PT braking like the TEPT I like the smoke over the EXO by far. Because like a TEPT, kinetic or smoke they have that nice solid feel and fits nice in Palm. My 2 cents

Quantum smoke 7:3 20lb sunline sniper on a 7.4 HVY smoke to match. That's mainly wood and light veg setup I fjnally settled on

I've used power pro original and slick stayed with original. It ain't broke don't fix it

Have a friend that works in the lodge or whatever and I asked was it just normal stock turn over and it wasn't they're under reorganization with more brands the had 2 fire sales. In Alabama 2-4 weeks ago they had tackle 25-50% of depending on the last digit in the price (9 and 7). Cleared a good bit out and moved the rest to the front with an extra 50% clearance price. Point being there ramping up higher end and popular brands that you might only see at *** like Megabass, lucky craft, youzuri, keitech and so on I hope it's a good mix and not just $25 hard baits ...even though I love the 110s and popmax baits. If only they'd get the reaction innovation vixen but is highly unlikely

VMC terminal tackle! Tungsten drop shots..several shapes --- less than $2/pack several weights VMC round bend WG hooks 1/0-4/0 ----leads than $2 per pack VMC inline trebles - red 10pk - $2 Stocked up on terminal but saved a little $$$ for a Megabass popmax they just stocked the shelf with ...so there's another $20. My advice ....don't carry a basket until you can't hold it all and then you'll realize that maybe you should but a little back LOL

Sorry to tired for pics but my 3 or so favorite setups is going to be Quantum Heavy. You been warned! Quantum TE100HPT 7:3 - Veritas2 7'6" MH jig/plastics Quantum TE100HPT 7.3 - Tour KVD 6'8" med trap Rod Smoke SL1500HPT 7: - smoke 7'4" HVY pitching wood/grass Last of my favs ...Diawa Tatula 100h 6:3:1 - Veritas2 6'8" MH micro...Topwater treble hook baits

The BX waking minnow as well! Sixth Sense Crush Squarebill MORE Sebile Sunfish squarebills Strike King plastics...menace grubs and craws Last but not least! Zoom Magnum ultravibe speed worms

Big Bites Cane Thumper Reaction Innovations skinny/Little Dipper Yamamoto swimming senko Really all paddle style

Being its soon to be rattle bait season...Im stocking up on XR50s for me. I've always caught more fish consistently on 2 maybe 3 colors of xr50s...COMPARED to having almost every SK Redeye color...that may catch or get thrown at all rarely. Because of the quality I throw XR50s EXCEPT for the SK chrome sexy redeye shad TO SUM IT UP If you are looking at them side by side cost the same (give or take a little), buy a Xcalibur for the quality and maybe a few SK redeyes, like the chromes and sexys. I always change my hook to Mustad KVD #4 2x Short Shank aka Triple Grips out of the box...no matter the brand, purely because the EWG style treble has a better hookup ratio, IMO. BUT If you only buy 2 colors in the xr50 model BUY A RAYBURN RED & Chrome Blueback Original Chrome being the most versatile color but prespawn rayburn red especially around submerged vegetation...you'll load the boat!!! EDIT: IMO Theres is no right or wrong way or speed to fish a lipless bait, you just have to figure out how they want it by varying your retrieve until you dial em in.....burned, slow rolled, stroke/rip it, snapping or ticking submerged vegetation. Let the fish tell you! EXAMPLE..this fish below was after I slowed down and decided to slow my retrieve and give the bait a short rip and let it flutter....2nd cast after slowing down BAM hits it on the fall after I rip it....TEXT BOOK good time!!!

That's her name the Diawa Diane, lol. My mistake

Aite, well the line touching makes sense now that I've heard others feedback. I do put my index finger under the line when working a worm to feel the bite better but am aware of it may slip and try to avoid. But I stiill like the reel and concept, so we'll work on it, thanks

Chime in if you use or had good times/bad times with a Diawa Tatula Twing reel because I'm regretting buying the 100 series (not the r type.) Caught a 7# on top the first tourney I fished with it at, and was pleased with everything especially the casting distance. 2-3 trips in noticed how the top of the "T" closest to the spool always rubs the line on the reel in.....friction and wear on line...not good! 2nd.... I would make a good cast with a trick worm and by the time it was atthe boat the spool was very un level due to it sliding into the top of the "T" on retrieve..... The reel overall is nice, not super durable but d**n....am I missing something, please enlighten me! Thanks!

Terminator