Choporoz

and...there's certainly something to be said for durability...but you'd have to go through quite a few $35 Colemans before you get to $400....More than I could possibly destroy in a lifetime

$400 for a cooler? I must have misread that. I didn't pay that much for any of my first 3 refrigerators. The ones I get free from my vet or doctor that shipped meds are more than good enough for anything I'll ever need one for. $400??? I think I'm safe from the Cooler Monkey.

Dog Bone, that's a great guide for any first time buyer of a fishing kayak!! I, too, am a 'beginner'. I spent about 4 months scouring Craigslist and store sales. I didn't test-paddle any --- not all too smart, but I was shopping in the winter mostly. I was pretty concerned with overall weight - I planned to put it on top of full-size SUV and store it in back of the house (no driveway.) And....I'm not 20 anymore. After some research I began to think that I was giving weight too much emphasis since so many recommended yaks were far above what I was targeting....I mean...I'll get used to it...or it will be easier than I think...right? Wrong. I ended up with a 61 lb Wilderness Tarpon 100 and I'm glad it doesn't weigh a pound more. At 10 ft, I'm not going to ever win any races, but thus far, I'm perfectly happy giving up some speed with the weight. So far, I'm pretty happy with it. Best part about it was that I got it on sale (in Jan) for under $500 (tax, paddle, fishing pkg incl) Hard to go too far wrong with any that are personally recommended here -- but don't discount weight if you're putting on a high vehicle....or carrying any distance....or are just old (and weak) like me

Went out of Fountainhead for a few hours yesterday afternoon. Couple shorties is all. Missed a bunch of jig taps, but some of those were probably bluegills nipping at the trailers. I was really hoping to pattern deep fish, but the only time I thought I found some bunched up, it was really windy and I couldn't present accurately, nor feel anything. After the rains, it calmed significantly, but I couldn't locate anything. I was really focused on deep fish, so I didn't get into any creeks or bays.

Thanks Sonny and ETS! Assuming I make it down there, I'll post up how I killed 'em. Dave

Did he plant cars? Or was that Caysee Anthony? Maybe she planted cars? I'm pretty confused Just round 'em all up

I've caught more cats than bass with a DT-6.

Thanks for the update, Kyle. Appreciate it! I am thinking about heading down this weekend. I'll be renting one of Sturgeon Creek's boats, if I do. I think they're around 8HP, so my range out of there will be limited.

Unlike cjam, I've had good experiences with AG. I have a 7'MH Veritas 2.0 and I would not hesitate to recommend it, nor would I hesitate to buy another.

I do not know what was changed from original to mod 2. I bought the orig Orra SX baitcaster combo at Dicks about a year and a half ago for, I believe, $120. I have found that for the price, it was a good, if not great, purchase. Reel: Functionally, it is still pretty close to 10/10. Have had absolutely zero problems with it. Cosmetically, it shows its age; the paint on the plastic scratches and rubs off pretty quickly. But setting it up, dialing it in, and casting with it have been very good. Rod: It is a very good 7'MH rod. Sensitive and strong. I did have an issue with the second eye from the tip coming off. I called AG, thinking that their 2-year rod warranty would apply. Unfortunately, they have a 1-year warranty on combos (like reels.) They did offer me a discount on a Veritas 2.0 ($68 shipped) for my troubles. They didn't want the Orra back, so I reglued the eye myself and it is 'good as new'. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it.

Green Rage Tail Cut-R

Mark, just because I tend to cringe at what I consider 'negative' advertising. In my idealized world, any quality item should be able to maintain a positive ad campaign on the merits of the product being hawked.

Please don't make this into a bashing of either company. I'm strictly talking about the advertising/marketing on display here.

Check out the second of the 'rotating/alternating messages on top page of this site: http://anglersprotackle.com/ I don't know if the words were the work of the retail store or from Megabass....either way, it is none to subtle....I'm torn between admiring it and being just a little bothered by it. "WHEN GETTING LUCKY JUST WON'T MAKE THE CUT. MEGABASS."

Did this same trip again this past weekend. I can't say enough about FRCC. We had a blast. Numbers weren't as good as last time, but a couple big ones made up for it. Bigger ones on jerk baits; numbers on worms; shakey, ned, trig...didn't seem to matter much.

Does anyone here use a hand paddle? I'd never seen one before, but after coming across the Backwater version on line, I am wondering whether it'd be a nice option for small maneuvers while fishing. http://www.kayakfishinggear.com/products/backwater-paddles-assault-paddle

Bingo. Exactly what sets apart Rage Tail flanged baits.....(and some Keitechs) from most everything else on the market, IMHO

Good luck, Hunt. Looking forward to the update

.......

I just got a new 100-R for $140 and except for a slightly bigger handle, I don't see the tactical being $40 different/better. Is the spool actually wider? Wider than what?

Great question. You'll get lots of answers, I'm sure. I can only speak from my very limited experience. Over years of fishing the same way, catching all kinds of short fish, I did catch an occasional good bass. Not often, but I did catch 3-5 lb fish in exactly the same places and ways as the smaller ones. Since I've been on BR and learned and learned and learned some more...and since I've been reading books about catching big bass, I can say that I don't really catch too many more than I used to. But, no question that I catch more bigger ones. So, to answer your question....I do believe that you need to change things up and target bigger fish if your in it competitively

Roger, I got this monkey friend who wants to have a word with you......

I spend a LOT of time around professionals and (professional?) enthusiasts and I am continually surprised at the prevalence and amount of photo editing by even the purists amongst them. I, too, have an aversion to 'altered' photographs, but I have to tell you that we are in a fast fading, small minority. I know very few (none?) serious photographers who do not use Lightroom (or Apple Aperture) extensively.

http://www.overstockbait.com/gary-yamamoto-senko-2-20-count/

FWIW..... http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/145032-new-line-gliss-thoughts/