Crabcakes

I fell for it too. In my defense it was April 2nd when I saw it. ;D

Perhaps I am confused by your plan. Why must you buy two rods and two reels? Buy the sol or fuego and pair it with a nice rod giving you 4 reels and 4 rods and use the shakespeare rod as a backup. You'd have 4 complete setups that way. Buying two reels would still leave you unsatisfied with the rods ( and I concur they are more probably more important) and buying two rods makes little sense with three reels.

I use a big epixor for fishing clams and bunker chunks for striped bass in the surf. It has performed very well for the price.

I use a a 682C extra fast and like it very much. Powell also offers a strong warranty. Very good all around rods. The component quality is very good in terms of guides and reel seat etc.

Triton21 thats an amazing story. I actually had a similar experience but with a much smaller fish around 2 1/12 pounds. Sounds like a great trip for everyone.

Completely speechless

Good review. I like the sufix overall for moving baits.

First off those are some beautiful lakes. Burley I've got family that live down on the outerbanks and go there all the time. Ever been to Tortugas? My cousin and some relatvies work their/own it. Ocracoke would have to be my favorite place though. Howards is an awesome restaurant.

I'm anxious to hear this story

I don't know exactly what you mean by true ultralight spinning reel but the symetre 750 weighs only 6.9 oz. Thats less than the browning ultralight offered at BPS and only .4 oz more than the BPS reel. The weight difference is minimal when one takes into account the superior performance I believe you will get from the shimano. If you really want something ridiculously small you can look into an Okuma Alumina AL-10. It weighs only 5.8 oz but will also leave you with shorter casts and more tangling problems without a change in the fight you enjoy.

http://www.stripers247.com/beginnersclinic.html Read that.

They've worked fine for me in a few trips. Depends on where your fishing but in the right conditions they should work well.

Another endorsement for Sufix products. I was pleased with all I have used. Elite was a bit stretchy but in all other categories was superb. Braid is great. I only wish they made 4# mono as the elite would be great for trout fishing.

I use a Symetre 750. or try an Okuma Alumina or Epixor in the 10 or 15 size

The Searchers!

If transportability is not an issue a 1 piece rod will be a more sensitive and you won't have to deal with the pieces coming undone/pulling them apart. I've had very good two piece rods and very bad ones. With a quality two piece rod the issues aren't as big a deal. If in a kayak I'd get a 6'6" its more versatile, casts farther and you won't have to deal with overhanging brush /cramped conditions so the accuracy advantages of a 6' rod are made less useful. 6' rods have their place but not as your one overall rod imo. In the end it is personal preference but for a general purpose rod 6'6" M is hard to beat.

So far this year top producers are: 1. Zoom trick worm watermelon/red cut down about 1.5" and t rigged 2. Bandit 200 chartreuse/ black 3. Handpour finesse worm t rigged w 1/16oz weight 4. Same worm as 3 drop shotted 5. Chartreuse/silver jigging spoon

Its 100% flouro and therefore has more memory than mono and isn't the best for spinning reels.

Sea bass can be used to describe a huge number of fish. Black sea bass white sea bass etc. Be a little more specific as to what kind of seabass and where you're fishing.

I use and like okuma spinning reels. A good choice if you want a low to mid end reel.

If you want that high a breaking strength use braid. 25lb test mono low profile baitcasters and 1/2 oz baits just don't mix in my opinion. For that price I'd try an Airrus Ultra XL though for that much money any rod will get it done it's just a matter of preference A powell max is another option with a handle like the kistler. Not saying any rod is better but you might want to check them out.

Whereabouts in Maryland will you be fishing?

In my experience early spring trophy season is mostly a trolling game. Its a small number of very large, very actively moving deep water fish that time of year. Thats usually the time of year we break out the bunker spoons and double 13 oz bucktails. I only know specific spots in Maryland's part of the bay and i'm guessing from your name you're in Virginia so unfortunately I can't help you much there.

Oh thats the new javallon hardbait! Thats what I get for replying without watching the movie first. ;D

Lake fork tackle makes a US version