lmbfisherman

In my arsenal I would have to say my real all around rod a 7'3" MH/F Veritas. Not saying it is the "best" rod I own, but I feel it is the most "versatile". It can essentially do everything with the exception of lighter techniques. My other rods though EXCEL at the techniques I use them for.

My son has a cheap Cars combo. He is 4 now and he loves it. I definitely don't give him a hook yet (but he's starting to understand about hooks and why he doesn't have one). I basically tie on a cheap plastic swim bait (dollar store), cut the hook part off and let him cast and reel. I also tied on a lipless crank too without the hooks. He really enjoys it.

Doesn't hurt to look?

Yep

I actually think a braid to whatever leader gives you the advantage of better sensitivity using certain leaders. I've not tried mono for bottom contact, but I do find if I use a mono leader I have better sensitivity than going straight mono. As for florocarbon, I really haven't noticed any difference.

Well hrm, I guess the best bet would be to fine a Shimano size 50 reel. However for the price it might be hard to find even used for under a buck. A Curado G isn't bad either, they are on clearance so you might be able to land one for 100.

Sweet win! Nice! I'm assuming this is the new IMX. Please let us know how you like it!

Spot on.

Awesome rods, I own both lines. (2 Aetos and 2 ET Smallmouth). Either one you can't go wrong really.

Welcome!

I'll let you know when I think I feel I have enough. Currently I have 22 reels and 20 rods. I still feel like I need more.

This was one good lake, this is where lots of people go to "catch" fish. This lake has everything, Bass, Pike, Walleye..etc. It is also one of the usual suspects for tournaments too.

One of our local lake. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, it happens most often in shallow bodies of water that are frozen for an extended period of time, preventing the natural exchange of oxygen. “Unfortunately the fish are dying from lack of oxygen,” says Art Zymerman, president of the Puslinch Lake Conservation Association. “What I see here now is the worst winter kill that I’ve seen in the ten years that I’ve been on the lake, and even the lake residents that have been here much longer than me. Everyone is concerned.” The winter kill will have a devastating effect on the fish population at Puslinch Lake. Zymerman says he expects to see hundreds, if not tens of thousands of fish wash up on the shoreline in the coming weeks. That’s why fishermen are being asked to stay away until later this summer. Anyone who visits the lake will smell the rotting fish but experts say it will only take a few weeks for the lake to clean itself up naturally. Read more: http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/dead-fish-found-floating-in-puslinch-lake-1.1755686#ixzz2xnLOyfJs

Welcome to the forums.

Welcome home.

This... I do this because a local pro gave a tip that a straight up vertical hook set doesn't take up as much line and slack than a diagonal hookset. A diagonal hook set (across the body) takes up more line to drive the hook home harder because of this.

Glad you liked it, knew you wouldn't be disappointed.

This has come up many times regarding the aluminum vs composite. I thought this was debunked already?

This is where I count myself lucky that I live in Ontario. 99.99 is the regular price, the hardest part is finding them!

Buy 1 ET Smallmouth and 4 Aetos (700) Pair them all with a Tatula or Curado G that is on clearance. (Tatula I hear you can get for 120 each and 100 each on a Curado G) 500-600 There you go.

Man sorry to hear about your loss. Not to sound cruel, but glad mother nature helped out on the carp population. That is one thing I recall reading why this extra cold winter was good for the great lakes and other lakes with invasive species. They said this extra cool winter, they were hoping it would help stem/kill off some of the invasive species.

He probably didn't want you to fish around there. Some people feel like they own the water.

Yes it is worth it simply put. As for the comment regarding the same model, the blank is the same..but of course I'm no rod expert, the way the wrap it (resin) isn't the same. The newer Crucials also use the last gen Cumara blanks, but aren't the same again on the way they build it.

Getting the Veritas would be better, I owned a Convergence..I personally won't go below a "Compre". For 79.99 the Veritas is an excellent all around rod and by far better sensitivity than the Convergence. I would recommend the same combo (BPS PQ/Carbonlite), but if you want to go Lews, I definitely say take the Veritas..if you want Shimano don't go below a Compre.

Nothing really further to add to masterbass's answer.