kingkong85

Thanks. I just tested the line with an over hand knot. Broke the line using my hands. Out the trash it goes.

Long story short... I found some 20# P line mono that is still on the original spool that it comes on when you buy it at the store. It was in a bag (vinyl bag if that matters) that has been sitting in the garage and shed for 5-7 years now. Weather here in the summer gets 100-120°F. Question: How do I know if this line is still good to use? Just checked at this moment and line hasn't been used yet (still 300 yards on it.) Looks to be in great condition.

You have mostly low gear ratio reels (5.x:1 & 4.x:1) 6.x:1 is middle gear ratio reel, obviously. 7.x:1, 8.x:1, & 9.x:1 are higher gear ratio reels. Low geat ratios have the torque and less inches per turn (IPT). That is great for crankbaits. Middle gear ratios have both torque and speed, more IPT than lower gear ratio ratios. Pretty much an all around reel. High gear ratio reels have higher IPT than low & middle gear ratios, less torque and lots of speed. It's great for jigs. Since you have descriptions of the rods and the info I just listed, you can now pair the rod and reels.

Looks great. Never new that lew's and shimano worked together at 1 point or maybe they still do. Thanks for the pictures but are you (das) and wayne the same person? Just curious so I know whose reel it is.

Don't know. When I was in lake Tahoe for a week I didn't do much fishing. Only fishing I did was trout but I hung out more than fishing on the pontoon boat that we rented. I did a research about lake tahoe fishing but forgot what I read. I do know there is/are fishing guide(s) at tahoe though. You will need to search for them as I forgot. Good luck and have fun.

Get a lew's spinning rod. What's better than same brand combined? Do you want a versatile rod? What kind of bait/lures and weight will you be using?

Nice catch. Congrats

Can you post pictures of this vintage lew's reel? Don't know about others but I'd like to see the reel.

When I visited my brother last summer, he showed me an article online about someone catching a tiger muskie in the mountains. I forgot what the link is and when it was posted. I do remember reading about a real trout used as bait. I heard stearn lake/pond has tiger muskie and there are signs that says it needs to be 36 inches to be a keeper.

Hot spots are in the Northern California area. Like Oroville, Marysville, and Sacramento. Check out the American river in Sacramento. Other than that I don't know any other places. This will be my 2nd time salmon fishing.

Welcome and thank you for your service!

Welcome aboard

Welcome aboard

Welcome aboard and thanks for your service.

Since the reel and rod still works well, I would buy lures and lines. Although it is nice to have another rod and reel. IMO reels and rods less than 100 is good enough to use but save up and step up to the 130-200 range for a rod and another 130-200 for a reel.

Since rods has been covered I'll give basic information on reels' gear ratio. On 2nd thought, I'll let the pros explain it. My explaination can sometimes be confusing. lol http://www.***.com/choosing-the-right-gear-ratio-reel/ In case you want a pro's 2 cents on buying gear..... http://www.bassmaster.com/node/98770

Tbone I'm on a very limited budget and that's why I went with the 7' heavy extra fast rod. It will be my versatile rod. Probably going to sell my 6'6" or give it to family.

It can be anyone's guess as why your car is running lean and misfiring. Before you start replacing parts, I recommend finding the problem first. If you know people who are mechanics or who has access to car information, ask them to look up the check engine light (CEL) codes cause he/she can tell you or print out the steps needed to diagnose the problems.

Community College classes are fine. I don't see any reason for tech school but there are probably some things I don't know. As mentioned I agree on getting ASE Certifications so you can get paid more. You are right about not a great pay but that's only when you start. Everyone has to start at the bottom so it isn't as bad. You remind me of myself. After high school I went to a junior College and got a degree in business administration. Held an office job for 3 months and decided this wasn't for me. Went to community college to pursue my major in auto tech. Landed a part time job at autozone. Was 3 classes away from graduating. Got hit with an illness (CHF aka congestive heart failure). Got a defibrillator/pacemaker and was told to put my career on hold. In other words my dream ended. Now I just chill at home trying to find something to do everyday. I wish I didn't have this illness or any other illness. Staying positive helped me come a long way. Good luck!

My Prayers are with you and your family

My Prayers are with you and your family

Bob, do you still have your bb1 set up the same way as when you first got it? Quoting you from another thread. "You set it up with no brakes, heavy on the tensioner where you have to wiggle the rod so the lure falls. Then you changed it. Setting 1 brake on and spool tensioner 2 clicks looser." What is the average casts in yards or feet for you? I have the 6.4:1 on a 6'6" med-heavy rod. In a couple of days it will be on a 7' Powell max heavy rod. Just a few days ago I did a rough measured of the distance; casting in the front yard. Was getting 30 yards. I feel like I should be getting more. Was throwing a 3/8 oz jerkbait on 10lb 100% fluorocarbon line with 3 brakes on when I measured my casts. I'll try your settings tomorrow to see if I can get more distance.

For soft baits there are zoom flukes, lunker city slugo, yamamoto senkos (or something similar). Your list looks good. I have a lower end shimano spinning combo for trouts. Had it for 5 years or more now and still have it. It's been a great rod and I still use it for trouts or other small fishes. As long as you take care of it, the gear should last a long time. FYI, do maintenance on the reel(s).

Thanks for the welcome.