DirtyDeuceGoose

You absolutely can throw squarebills on a MH/F rod. I did it for the longest time and actually liked how it performed/felt. I still do it from time to time depending on the area I'm fishing.

This was the first pad bait I was introduced too. I throw it religiously on small northern lakes and the bass hammer it.

I've got five swept handles and they are phenomenal. Every reel I own will eventually have a HawgTech handle

I second the 7' MH. When I had that rod I even threw squarebills on it and caught my PB.

I believe the new zillion will retail for $299. Looks like a tatula with better components.

My first tournament was awesome!! Finished like 47/50 but it was so much fun! They're a great time. Learn what you can, try and find a pattern, and if all else fails just go fish!

There's just something about a zillion. To me they palm perfectly, cast phenomenally, retrieve smoothly, and are all around workhorses. They can do dang near anything you could want them to do right out of the box. Then you can go above and beyond and replace bearings and spools and then you've got an absolute animal. Just my .02

Actually guru, I'm a Marine. But I'll let it slide this time! I'm very excited to get home (whenever that actually is). I've already started making plans to attend the 2015 Classic.

Tackle trap finally has the Tatula type r zaion drag stars in stock along with Tdz 100m spools. So naturally I grabbed some up. Along with a Champion 734 and Zillion type r from another site can't wait to get home from this desert and fish!

I use it a lot in #12 for a lot of my cranking needs. Never had a problem with it.

I have both the T3B and the Tatula. Love them both. Though shimano has a couple nice offerings too. What price point are you looking at?

Enter the M27 IAR. I've seen her keyhole at 500

Daiwa Triforce 150i

One of my confidence lures. Throw it out, twitch twitch pause SLAM.

Thanks for the kind words and well wishes everyone! I would love the chance to fish with each and every one of you. It's huge to know there are so many people out there like you guys. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I've never met a fisherman that wasn't a good guy!

As the title states, I'll be fishing vicariously through all of you as I deploy back to Afghanistan on Thursday. Not expected to be home until after the water gets hard so I hope everyone catches their personal best! Post tons of pictures up here so when I have the ability to get on a computer this will be my first stop!! Thanks everyone, so glad I found this forum when I did! Tight lines all.

My T3B turned into a mean machine when I swapped the handle. Also I've been considering dropping in the 1016 spool as well. I think it's gonna be worth it

I'm not seeing any indication of the tax stimulus sale. Did anyone get an email?

Most of my success on Minnesota lakes comes from plastic worms, crankbaits and jerk baits. I'm constantly experimenting and trying different ways to catch fish. Jigs are definitely productive as well. I love Minnesota lakes just because of all the diversity and opportunities to catch fish!!

I know what you mean. My reels get beefed up internals and new handles almost immediately after purchase. I've been in the market for a Fuego for a while now. The search continues.

Ghoti you should let me buy one of those fuegos!!

Sweet win and congratulations! Wish it was me!

Champion 735 2 tatula rods 1 tatula reel Curado 200 I 3 more Hawg Tech handles That's all minus the hard and soft baits

You won't regret it!

I like to think about how they're going to react in certain situations. I love trying to think like a fish and making my lure do what I think the fish want. And the anticipation of that THUMP! Really gets my blood going.