iamham3

What makes you say that? Are those other rods better than the Mojos/Premiers performance-wise, or are they just better values?

Did you replace them with something at that same price point? If so, what? I have about $200 worth of credit at BPS and wanted to get a couple multi purpose rods. St. Croix is about the only brand that I have an interest in that they sell. They carry pretty much their full lineup, so I have more choices. I'm trying to step up a little from BPS Carbonlites.

Does anyone have any insight they can lend on the topic of the St. Croix Premier casting rods in comparison to the Mojo Bass casting rods? I'm looking specifically at 7' MH/F and 7'H/F.

The reels that are being discussed are the ones that I'm interested in so please allow me to ask this, and excuse me for getting off of the original topic. How do those Lew's reels at those prices compare to the Curado 200G at $100? I don't have any familiarity with any but I've read great reviews on the Lew's stuff, and I hear of anglers that love Curados. I currently use Ambassadeurs and BPS Pro Qualifiers, and want to add to my arsenal. Any advice will help.

Thanks. I will definitely begin watching the classifieds.

I've viewed many of the posts since I was introduced to the site a couple months ago, and posted an introduction yesterday. I received some friendly replies and was told not to be shy about asking questions, so here goes. I've been fishing since July and have caught some decent bass; the biggest was 6.5 lbs. I bank fish mostly at ponds and small lakes/resevoirs in and around Houston, TX. I've recently met a friend of a friend that took me out in his boat and asked if I'd be interested in fishing tournaments with him, although I'm not holding my breath on that actually happening. However, I'm looking at purchasing my own boat in the next year or so. I have 4 rod/reel combos right now, but I am looking to gradually upgrade. I need some insight on what I need for a well balanced arsenal of equipment. Whether that be getting rid of what I have and starting over, switch my combos up, and/or adding supplemental pieces. This is what I have now: Ambassadeur 5500C3 5.3:1/BPS Graphite Series 7' MHF Ambassadeur 5500C3 5.3:1/All Star Special Poppin' 7' MM (saltwater rod, I assume) Diawa TD100H 6.4:1/Castaway Carolina Honey Rig 6'8" MM (same rod is now called Skeleton Weightless Worm rod) BPS Pro Qualifier 7.1:1/BPS Carbonlite 7'6" MHF I use the 5500 with the BPS rod for spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and plastic frogs, the other 5500 with the All Star rod for any open water apps (crankbaits and topwaters), the Daiwa/Castaway for Flukes and Senkos, and Pro Qaulifier/Carbonlite for pitching, light flipping, and punching with jigs and plastics. As I read the forums and watch the videos I try and add different techniques to my repertoire, but these are the majority of the lures I have confidence with. At my current skill level I can't justify spending any more than $150 on anything I purchase, with $125 being more in my range. If I decide to purchase any other pieces I know I can get the Curado G's on sale very soon for $100, and I've been reading a lot of good things about the Lew's brand of reels. I have no complaints with my Pro Qualifier and they will probably be going on sale soon for $80. There are so many different rod choices I guess it depends on what holes I'm trying to fill. Sorry so long but I wanted to get as much info out there as possible. I'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks for the iPhone app info. I have been up to Lake Raven. I saw that video and got excited watching him catch all those bass on that frog. My coworker and I rented kayaks and fished up there one morning in early October. That was my first time in a kayak, let alone fishing out of one. There wasn't any catching going on except for the 2 pounder my buddy caught. All we heard from the other anglers was moaning, but I loved it anyway. I'm going to give it another try when it warms up just a little.

Hello, my name is Merrick and I'm from the Houston area. I just got back into fishing in July after being away for over 20 years. I fished a little as a kid with my uncle, then with my college buddies for a few years, then fell in love with bowling and had no time for fishing. After a few years of bowling I picked up some golf clubs and that was it, no bowling, no fishing, nothing but golf since '94. A coworker began asking me for some advice on places to fish early last year, then tried to talk me into going. I finally gave in after many months of him asking, and my golfing buddy giving me 2 Ambassadeur 5500 reels and an All Star rod. I went to BPS and purchased a Graphite Series rod and I've been kicking myself for staying away for so long ever since. Since August I've acquired a little more equipment, a lot more knowledge, and have caught quite a few fish. I fish a lot at golf courses I've played over the years and ponds I find on our state's Parks and Wildlife site. I also use Google Earth to find a lot of decent spots. Back in September I caught a 6.5 pounder, along with a 4, a couple 3's, and many other fish on a golfing trip to Kerrville, TX. And in November I went to caddie at a weeklong golf tournament in Trinity, TX and fished every chance I got and caught a bunch in the 2-4 pound range. Catching that 6 pounder did it to me. All I want to do now is fish (although I still love golf). I'm targeting an 8, and I think I can do it within the next 4 months. I mainly fish from the bank for now, but a boat is in the works. I joined BR about 2 months ago and I read a lot of helpful information, and soon I'll work up the nerve to ask for some guidance in building my rod/reel arsenal.