lmbfisherman

I checked that out too, I hear that the Loomis topwater series aren't really that great. The only one I hear that is any good to get was the TWFR 935, they say it's a great for all types of frogging. All else steer clear is what I understand.

First thing that crosses my mind. I think you need to seek help, if you truly hear them talking to you.

LMAO I totally agree and I think the Toronto one is even less knowledgeable. I went to the one in Auburn, NY even though they didn't know a lot...they did know a lot more than the guys here in Toronto, Ontario. As for the OP - All I know is you need be a lot more specific and definitely what your budget will be. The only thing I can tell you with what information you have stated is that I'd stick with a MH/F power action rod and get any 6 * 1 ratio reel for an all purpose setup. M/F can work too if you mostly fish open and light cover. I just think a MH would be more versatile in all but very heavy cover.

Yeah that is the issue, most of the Auction guys are shipping from the US (live in Canada) and a lot of them have insane shipping prices. The shipping prices are bad I know, but some of them add up to half the cost of an item at times.

I favor my Shimanos that is for sure, but I'm not brand loyal. If I could buy one locally to try out I'd buy one. Right now I can't seem to find anyone near me that sells them. I guess on my next trip to NYC (visit family) I may have to pick one up. Which one would be the best to try out first (keeping in mind I own mostly Curados) and probably can't spend more than 200?

That's what she says to me too.... sorry I couldn't resist putting my head in the gutter....too! I have a Shimano V Rod that is 10 years old, the lock down for the reel is loose and I've been mulling over if I should send it to Shimano to get a replacement Crucial or if I should just get someone to update the handle and reel seat. I like that rod, but due to the no exposed blank on the handle like the newer rods I have and the defect, it's out of my lineup. I still love the rod though and I feel even though it is 10 years old (blank) the overall quality of this rod can compete with my other newer rods.

A lot of places you can find the old version going on clearance now. Lowest I've seen is 64.99. Regretting I didn't pull the trigger on it two weeks later.

Totally agree, guy wanted to buy mine for 80 bucks, I thought about it for a minute..but said no. It's a tried and true reel.

Frankly, I wouldn't mind fishing with any of the BR members. It's always good to have company and can share our love for what we all have in common, to hit the water.

I use Big Game when I use Mono. I have 6,8,12,14 lb tests never had an issue with any of them. Of course I don't use Mono much anymore as mainline as I switched to braid almost exclusively.

Welcome to the site.

You'll be fine if that is working for you. It is usually recommended that it would be on the opposite sides if you have 2 on..etc. There isn't a requirement or anything.

In Kitchener, Ontario if you live here up in Ontario. Store is called Natural Sports.

Thanks for the tip, i do have two rods that would be used for what you stated. One is 6'9 the other is 6'6. Just dont see where else it would fit. If this was the 7'6 id be all over it for punching.

Ok, so I found a clearance stick at a local tackle store 139 (marked down even further 159 from the last time I saw it a few weeks back). It seems to be a very good deal, however what I am hesitating on purchasing the stick is...what would I use this for? So who better to ask than the people on BR! So here is the line and weight rating - 15-30 1/2-2 Convince me not to buy or buy it, my first impression was a punching rod, but 7' seems a bit short for that? The other obvious thing would be a very heavy jig rod, but I can't see me using it a lot just for that. (I don't use many weights above 1oz) Plus I already have 2 rods in my arsenal that could handle that and they are 7'6". Anyway, let me know what you guys think if it's worth to buy or not. I probably could even ask for more off since it looks like it's been there forever as the handle is a bit dusty.

I own one and they are good reels, they would be good buys imo and the price seems to be reasonable. The only thing I don't like about them is that they don't feel as comfortable in my hands vs the Es and Gs. But it's a minor difference nothing that I'd say was a game changer, I am using mine on my Carolina Rig/Flipping & Pitching rod.

I haven't lost one yet by a pike, but I find it ironic when I do decide go after pike I won't catch them, but catch my fair share when I go after bass.

Good luck!

x2 it was funny and definitely needs photoshop brush up.

What he said x2, specifically the line and leader.

That is good to know, didn't know that was common. I use to buy Titanium version before, but for some reason I like the steel version better. I seemed to catch more fish with them than the Titanium, could be just a coincidence/confidence now.

Not sure how a spinnerbait would break from fish, of course they can bend out of shape. I've caught pike on mine and never had an issue of a Spinnerbait being unusable, of course I guess you can have the skirt be damaged, but that is an easy cheap fix. In fact I haven't had to throw any of my hardbaits from 15 years ago even from saltwater fishing, even with rusting and a lot of the paint/design is chipped away...it still catches fish.

I live in Ontario and I would suggest the same thing, hit the rivers. That is where I catch a lot of my smallmouths from shore. If you're going through PA to get to DC not sure what route you're taking, but the Susquehana River is one place I always wanted to try (I drive by there every year when I visit family in NYC). I'm sure some of the PA guys could comment there.

x2 - Last year was my first full season and noticed how tired I'd be after being out on the water for half the day. So during the off season I started a cardio and strength training...I run 3 days a week up to 45 minutes now (goal is 1 hour jog/runs) and 3 days a week walking for 20 minutes in between the runs. 3 times a week I work on core muscles (crunches), push ups, curls and work on my shoulder and triceps. This should also make it easier to unload/load my canoe off my minivan, as I struggled sometimes at the end of the day,. Not to mention it is best for me and my overall health. When I have time I practice flipping and pitching in my yard, study maps and try to identify where fish may hold, read the boards, watch the WFN and cuddle with my rods and reels..oh I mean with my wife.

I can't see why anyone would be too harsh, you are on a budget and you stuck with it. (Believe me I only was able to splurge because I sold some old solar panels that I couldn't use.) Still have some available if anyone is interested! I like the 2nd setup more than the 1st, it should serve you well! The 1st is still serviceable and should be able to perform what you want to do.