lmbfisherman

30 lb would be fine, but I use 50lb for frogging at the minimum since the stuff I throw frogs in around here have very heavy/thick vegetation. Like suggested you could go higher 50-65lb test and just use a leader when required.

I agree with what Felix is saying, my two piece one that stays in the car all the time are my Shimano Zirca (6'6" Medium/F) and Gorilla Stik (6'6" M/M). They both are cheap combos, Shimano Zirca spinning reel and Shimano Solstace. You don't want your expensive setup to bang around in your trunk.

What? Liz is a hottie.

x2 or I would go Yo-Zuri in the same range.

I'd suggest a Shimano Compre, I use one and like them a lot.

Aaron Martens

Nice pick up. I did mine earlier (picking up two new reels - BPS Extreme and Prolite), bought some various soft baits and crankbaits. I've also purchased a new tackle bag, KVD L&L, 12# test Yo Zuri. I am itching to buy a new crankbait rod and new reel (want another Curado50e), but my wife is telling no more! lol So I am trying to sell some of my extra equipment to pay for them.

Canadian Geese suck man, they crap all over my lakes, ponds, and parks. It gets really gross when there is a ton of crap everywhere and it's all over your shoes.

I voted Shimano, always used them since I first starting fishing as a kid (9). Of course I own other reels - BPS, Quantum and Abu Garcia, but I always put a Shimano on my favorite rods and can't seem to put them down.

I'd go as far as 1/2 the spool if you are going for braid, you would then have enough line from the single braid spool to re-spool 1-2 more times after.

I actually would tie a trilene knot or a standard palomar, but I would make sure you wet the line and leave a small tag just in case the braid slips.

I'd use it for weightless Senko, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, lipless cranks, plastics, small jigs, etc. etc. Basically to me that would be a good all purpose rod. I use my 6'10" compre MH/XF for all these. I'd pair it with a 7.1 or 6.x reel.

One way to look at it, is maybe when you are day dreaming and not paying attention your doing something/presenting the fish on what they want? Or maybe when you are focused you are over thinking.

Kind of a broad statement, not sure what you are asking. IF I had the 45 gift card, I'd probably use it on a new BPS PQ if it were me. I would suggest whichever lures you like that are on sale during the Spring Classic I'd spend it on them or if you've always wanted to try something and you never bought it. Go for it. Maybe if you were a little more specific? Another idea maybe is to buy tackle for a technique you haven't mastered yet?

I like P-Line never had a problem, but because of all the great reviews I am going to try Yo Zuri for this first time this year.

For a baitcaster, I'd agree that you should wait for the Spring Classic at BPS (If you have one nearby). The Bionic baitcast combo would definitely be a good start. I'd get a 7' Medium Heavy Fast and a 6.x reel, this is a setup I use ('cept I use a 7.1.1 reel) when I bank fish or I can't take many rods with me. As for a spinning combo I'd go for a medium - medium light for the lighter stuff - 6'6" is fine. I'd put 15-20 lb braid on the baitcaster and on the spinning reel - copolymer or monofilament (depending on your water your fishing) 6#-10# line.

I am going to use my 6'6" Avid Medium/Fast and pair it with my Curado 50E and use it for light plastics and shaky heads. Maybe this would work for you too?

That is what is passing through us right now I believe (Ontario, Canada)! I am looking at the bright side, at least this will help compensate for the dry winter/spring/summer last year and so it won't hopefully cause the lakes/rivers/ponds to be so low for us in 2013! The local lake near us was so dry parts of the lake (usually around 8-10 ft) you could drive your 4x4 through.

I used a SK - Craw type color lipless crank. I used fished it through shallow water/rocky bottoms, sometimes they wanted a "fast retrieve" others time a stop (1-2s) and go retrieve. That is what worked for me for smallies.

x2 I agree!

Wow great tips everyone, I'm not an adept deep water guy and hoping to get some practice and chances this year. Thanks Felix for starting this great thread! Unfortunately, I do not have a bass/aluminum boat (I fish from canoe and inflatable) so I can't target larger bodies of water. The local lake does have a deeper section (30+ by the dam), I'll have to try out all of these tips! My aim is to learn how to drop shot and practice cranks (shallow. medium and deep).

I am currently a Project Manager for a Solar Company.

Like others have said, it helps you reel up the slack quicker to set up a for a quicker hook set.

I agree with the others and I have a Veritas that I use 15lb braid on and do not see any grooves or damage due to braid.

I agree that would be a good all around setup and definitely would up the # test on the line. I have a Veritas 7'3" MH/F that I use with my Citica (15lb Braid) and it's a good all around combo that I take in "general" if I bank fish or in my canoe (when I can't take 6-8 rods).