Chris at Tech

And that's why you use P-Line, right RW? ;D

Did you get the 'weird' looking split-ring pliers, or the ones that look identical to a pair of needle-nosed pliers with the small tooth on the end? I started with the weird ones...then I bought the needle nosed looking ones and no problems since, even on Traps.

OK, I'm back from BPS The display models were the Extreme 2000 and the Tierra 3000. The body of the Extreme was slimmer (not surprising given it was a 'smaller' sized reel), but the spool widths on these two were very close, despite being different sizes. Does that help at all?

I own one in the 2000 series. Not sure what you're referring to, but the BPS description of the Extreme makes it sound like it would be wider because of the spool width. If I remember, I'll try to get a side by side view when I got to BPS today.

HPBB, for whatever reason, I just never considered that. But in my limited searching, it looks like an 80lb + bow mount motor is pushing $1k. Whereas it would likely be a 'better' solution than 2 separate motors, it looks like the 2 motor option is more economical at this point.

You're likely not going to find a ton of people who will endorse 'house brand' reels from BPS, Cabelas, etc simply because getting maintenance done on them is very difficult. They may be good reels for a while, but if/when problems arise you're likely looking at needing to buy a replacement. You're best off just spending the money on whatever Daiwa or Shimano is available in that price range.

As I inch forward towards getting my jonboat, I'm just trying to put on paper all the other stuff I want/need with it. And as far as that stuff goes, I have no desire to paddle so trolling motors will be bought immediately The intent is 2 motors. 1 foot control up front and 1 transom mount. Run both motors to get to the fishing spot, and use the bow mount to maneuver. Any reason to look at Minn Kota over Motorguide, or vice versa? Just based on thumbing through the BPS catalog, these make the most sense financially and for what I intend to do: Bow Mount 1) Minn Kota Edge 55 http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74504&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse 2) MG http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=44821&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse 3) MG Pro Series http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74173&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse Then a few options for the transom mount seem to blend togethers: 1) Minn Kota Maxum, likely 55 lb as well http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=21688&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse 2) Minn Kota Vector 3x http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=58797&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse 3) MK Vector http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74510&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse 4) MG http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=44820&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse Any advice which way to go? What does a 'digital' TM offer that a non-digital does not?

Guys, I know the ATL BPS accepts old reel donations in exchange for a discount towards the purchase of a new reel during the Spring event. Question is do all BPS do this for their spring events? The BPS website shows ATL doing this, but it doesn't mention it for the Macon store, and I'm planning on hitting the Macon event next weekend. Just curious Thanks Chris

Maybe because everyone's been raving about the Revos? I have my Curado 101D and like it a lot, but I'm gonna get an STX this weekend. I anticipate being equally impressed after hearing the reviews.

Any recommendations for any of the PLines on spinning vs baitcasting?

I'm interested to hear about this as well. I stood in Dicks for what had to be 15 minutes staring at all the PLine and trying to figure out when I'd use which line. Floro, floro coated, copoly, etc My brain started to hurt

For those of you out there that throw Bandit cranks, just curious how the 100 series bouncing off timber and other cover. Are they a good choice for that application?

Got mine around Christmas. I matched the 2000 size with a 6'9" ML St Croix Avid X-fast rod. It's only been out once for a day of inshore fishing for seatrout and redfish off Jax, FL. So far, so good. Handled the trout with ease, and the one feisty redfish I hooked was a lot of fun.

VA, I'd go with 6'6"...

Eh, I just threw out a recommendation for what I'd use for soft plastics. If you want baitcaster, go for it.

I agree with RW. Specifically, look into the BPS Extreme/Shimano Stradic combo. Right now, they're on sale for $140. The reel is normally $120, so you're not going to find a better rod for $20. http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=59174&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

I think a Stradic 2500/BPS Extreme 7' MH spinning combo would be a good addition. I use mine for senkos, flukes, ikas and T-rigs. It's a good value at ~$170. Alternatively, you could also pair a Stradic or Daiwa Tierra reel with your All Star rod of choice.

Now maybe I missed something, but how do I put batteries under the front pedestal seat? Perhaps the tracker jons are different, but I didn't see a way to fit batteries under the front platform. There was a narrow slit under the front platform to store stuff, but it certainly didn't look big enough to get batteries in and out of... Thanks for the recommendation!

Well, both models I'm looking at are welded...or am I missing something? Yeah, the guys at B&B were very helpful when I was there Saturday.

Got a nice little bonus so I'm getting closer to picking up a jonboat to fish some of Atlanta's smaller, electric only lakes. Took a look at the G3 1548 in person yesterday and got pricing info. Haven't looked at the Tracker in person yet. From what I can tell, pricing is pretty similar. Anyone have any reason to pick one over the other? The only thing I can think of is to get a Tracker at BPS so I can use my rewards card. I figure spending several grand gets me a good amount of points.

I believe the M is rated for lures in the 1/4 - 3/4 oz range. That sounds like it would better suit your applications than the 3/8 - 1 oz range of the MH.

Interesting...I only have the Mg 6'9" APC baitcaster and I though it had a bit of a stiff tip. I'm considering getting a Helium LTA 6'6" M...are you saying that rod will be similar in power to the Mg APC I already have?

Well, I was planning on getting my first boat this year...thanks for squashing that thought

Sure, blame the gear I'm really beginning to like inshore saltwater fishing myself.

I like my BPS 7' MH Extreme spinning rod with Stradic 2500.