lmbfisherman

I still don't have one yet, but I'm mulling over to buy one. I own B, E and G series though, they are great reels!

Ok, I'm trying to figure out the joke here...

Oh and forgot this while fishing for panfish this guy goes...."I caught a trout!" I was like there are no trout in this water. Few minutes later he yelled "Another TROUT!" When I looked over this time, it was no trout, it was a 12" large mouth. I tried to educate him, but he was adamant even though I showed him the differences on the fishing regulations page. He said "They aren't large mouth they don't taste that good, I know how Trout tastes." I walked away.

"There is fish here?" - As I reel in a 3 lb bass. "Why do you need so many rods?" - While pond fishing from the bank, I just missed a fish on a spinnerbait and picked up my texas rigged worm and proceeded to catch a largie seconds after.

Sad to hear, RIP Mr. Cordell.

Yes it's a good start. The PQ is a good reel to learn on, on top of that the PQ is a solid reel that it has no problem still being part of your future rotation. I still use mine regularly with my higher end reels. I also own a Sellus CB rod and still in my rotation.

I use a lot depending on the situation but here are my standard DS baits. Powerbait Power Minnow, Havoc Bottom Hopper, Zoom Finesse Worms, BPS Plastic worms(can't remember off the top of my head what they were called, worked well this year),

I probably wouldn't get it, but if it works for you great!

Welcome!

I'm in agreement with Raul on this one. Sure I'll acknowledge there are "differences" as described, but the main two lakes I fish way up "north" (Live in Canada). It really doesn't change my tactics. When I find structure or cover, I'll fish it the same for both types. The main body of water I fish is a local reservoir it has weeds, pads, trees/laydowns, stump fields, flats, rocks..etc. Exactly the same cover/structure I look for when I first learned to fish the regular cottage lake I go to just as an example. The point he's trying to make is no matter what type of cover or structure you fish it the same way in general.

Welcome to the Shimano club.

Not necessarily. I loved the old Cumaras better than the new Cumaras. Things change!

Generally for most days I use Gammy and Mustad. But I have tried Trokar, Owner and even BPS's line. None of them have failed me.

I owned a spinning rod Airrus but an older version, I gave it to my brother in law. Nothing against it it was a very good rod, when I started using baitcasters more there was no need for me anyway for MH spinning rod. It was light and a pleasure to fish with. I do not have experience with the newer versions though.

Nice combo for you..congrats. However the handle is on the wrong side and since I love Shimanos...the reel is all wrong too.

This, that Avid is the only St. Croix rod left in my arsenal. It has been the best jerkbait rod I've ever owned. It's perfect imo for jerkbaits. Also it is a good blade bait/swim jig rod so I'm sure it can handle your topwater needs. My secondary rod is a 6'8 MH/F Cumara.

This! and cheaper. I can cast Netflix too.

No matter what body of water I fish, I look for the same exact type of things and fish them normal to those conditions. I don't change any tactics just because I'm at a kettle lake or a small man made pond. I look for what bass relate to on/in the water.

My current favorite drop shot even though it isn't on the market at the moment it is the cork handled Crucial. It is a Medium Light XF. If you searched you may be able to get one for under 100. I bought mine used 2 years ago for 100. I do own a Crankbait version of the Sellus line, very impressed with it and has the action I'm looking for. The Sellus hasn't let me down, unfortunately I can't comment on the DS version..but I think for the price of a Sellus (50 bucks and under) it is a decent rod should work.

I'll second the Symetre and Stradic FJ

We're moving in for the winter. Got room for 2 at least?

For braid I found these small scissors at the dollar store. Works awesome, as for other line I'll use nail clippers or the scissors.

Baitcasters for me make my time on the water enjoyable. I find it more comfortable to fish as it seems more natural to me to palm/hold a reel. I also find it ergonomically easier to drag baits and present types of lures.

You shouldn't be casting the leader length. It should go through the guides just fine. I think that was his concern. Double Uni knot works great. Also the reason why I make it the length of the rod because it won't get reeled into the reel unless you reel the lure right through the tip of the 1st guide. (You're always going to have some line slack for casting)

Great advice!