Incognito

Thanks for the information! I'll check into the Okuma swimbait heavy rod. I've looked at the Cardiff, but I'm just not sold on it. Anyways, today I went to Fleetfarm and saw a medium heavy Shimano Sojourn Muskie rod and it looks well-built. Anyone ever use one? On the other hand, I went pike fishing today and had the best day ever. I landed 11, lost a few, and had probably 20 follow my lure. It was so awesome because I was fishing from the bank and I was the only one catching fish! Also, I caught my biggest bass to date. The beast was 20 inches and probably weighed four to five pounds, and I released it. Nothing better than seeing a fish swim away...

Thanks for all your opinions! I'm pretty sure I'll buy the Abu Garcia C3, the size I'm not sure on yet, but my buddy even recommended it. As for the rod, I'm still undecided. I don't want a rod that will break under loads, but I don't want one to stiff either. My buddy that recommended the reel also strongly suggests an Ugly Stick GX2. Anyone ever use one?

I do press hard when I write, but that's only with pencils. I stroke the pen on the paper with my fountain pens (as in press lightly).

Thanks for all the information guys. I can't believe nine people actually posted because I thought for sure this post would be lost forever into the darkest caverns of bassresource.... Anyways, I'm really just looking for a practical pen that can take a beating and write fast. Not to big on the artsy factor because I can barely read my own writing...

First off, thanks for responding. I have written with cheap pens, the zebra v-301, and it skips non stop. I do plan to buy one that accepts converters, such as the Lamy Safari. The pen will be used for daily writings and note taking. I don't need anything fancy, just basic writing. Thanks.

Thanks! That's really good to know. At the moment, I might need a clicker if I decide to use suckers in fall. But, once again, thanks for letting me know.

Hello! Anyone here do a little writing of any type? And when I mean writing, I mean with pen and paper, which is the only right way... If you do, does anyone have any experience with fountain pens? They look so sleek and rustic, and every time I look at one, I want one. Need recommendations, though. If you can steer me in the right direction I'll be forever happy. Well, maybe not forever happy, but I'll be pretty excited. Let's keep the pen itself under $30. Oh, and by the way, this pen will be used for my upcoming fish log. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the information guys! It's very much appreciated. So, from what I'm hearing is that a muskie rod is the better choice? If so, med-heavy would be more versatile for for smaller muskie lures? Keep in mind my main goal is numbers, not size. The way I see it is that I'll eventually hook into a lunker. I just want a good rod that can be used for pike and the occasional muskie.

I've always loved braid, though. Switched to mono this year and I prefer the feel of braid. But, thanks for your opinion. Are muskie rods just that much stronger?

So, with all the help from you guys, I think I may be getting a "bass" heavy action rod around 8', or a Gander Mountain Classic Muskie Rod that's 8', heavy action. The reel I'm looking at is the Abu Garcia C3-6500 and I think I'll slap on 50-80lb PowerPro line. I want resilient tackle in case I hook into "Nessy." HaHa

Thanks for the help. I'll check into those hooks.

Nope, baitcaster. Sorry, probably should of included that....

Thanks for all the information!!!! I'm growing closer to my goal with every comment and all I can say is thank you!!! Weeheewwww!!! I do need a new reel for sure, though, because my six year old Abu Garica Blackmax has antireverse problems....Cleaned it and still can go backwards.....Haha

Rapala DT fat

Well, seeing that the pike weren't biting, I switched over to bass fishing. I Texas rigged a Berkely Havoc Skeet's Pit on a 2/0 wide gap hook. Casting out, everything seemed normal, but once I got the lure back to the bank, everything unraveled. Thinking the retrieve was improper, I began to cast again. The same result occurred... I continued casting about ten more times until I knew something was wrong. Every time the barb of the hook was facing down. So instead of the pulling the crayfish imitation in with the eyes up, the eyes were down. I assume this is bad because the barb should be face up in the water. I tied everything as I normally do, same bait, same hooks, and had the same brand of line which was Suffix Elite 12lb mono. So, I have no clue whats happening, and it's very disheartening. In fact, I shed a tear. OK, shedding a tear wasn't true, but I'm so confused. I don't know what's causing the problem. Does tying on the hook in a certain direction matter? Please let me know.

Thanks, I've heard of the Abu Vendettas. The only problem I see with the rod is that they are not cork handles. I'm a cork guy until I die. I'll check into the Rat-L-Trap because I've never heard of it. If it's a pike catcher I'll need it.

Thanks for all the posts, fellas. I still plan to bass fish, but pike will take top priority. Seeing that I would like to catch an occasional musky as well, would any of you suggest small musky lures? The way I see it is the bait would be somewhat large for a pike and small for a musky. In theory I'd catch both, right? I do have this 9 inch orange crankbait I got for three dollars, and I've caught little 27" pike on it.

Carp regularly surface. Not sure why, but they do. It looks as if their breathing air when they rise. Do you see little circles on the surface when this occurs? And they typically rise in packs....I've seen it with my own two eyes...It gets your heart racing with the expectation of landing a lunker, and I can't stand carp because of that....

They could be carp. That happens by me all the time. If not carp, maybe you could try a weightless crawdad and pull it across the weeds, When you hit an open patch, let it drop and flutter down. Just a suggestion, but I'm not expert, in fact, I'm quite nooby.

Thanks for the information! I'd like to fish musky, but, let's be honest here, the fish of ten thousand casts is very deterring. The lake I'll be fishing in for pike, and maybe musky, are known to get huge....My grandpa has five mounted pikes all over the 42 inch mark. My dad found a dead muskie back by our property and i believe it was pushing the 50" mark. No joke. When it's done getting mounted I'll try to post a pic.

Well, to begin, it all started a few weeks ago. I went fishing and hooked into some nice pike that I failed to land. I was devastated. To see a fish on my line of that caliber is making me rethink bass fishing. I still enjoy catching bass, but pike, man they fight. Daydreaming about pike fishing only makes me want to catch them more. I've even woke up to myself dreaming about pike fishing. I think I may be forming an obsession for pike... So, the reason I'm posting is to receive some help. Seeing that I'm so intrigued about pike, I need a decent rod and reel. I just don't know where to start, though. I have a budget of $200 for the rod and reel together. Unfortunately, I only buy new. I know $200 doesn't sound like a lot to seasoned veterans, but I'm only 18. I generally only fish from shore and I do have a row boat I'll take out. I know it's a stretch to ask for a rod that can handle any type of pike and musky lure, but I'm asking it anyways, sorry. One rod and reel for all pike and musky setups is a must for me at the moment. Any information and setups is greatly appreciated. I look forward to your responses and your opinions. Thank you.

I know I'm asking a lot for one setup, but that's all I can afford. I'll still use my old baitcaster and spinning reel from time to time. Except, they just aren't cutting it. In both reels the anti-reverse is shot.

Well, it's time for me to invest in a new rod. I've narrowed my choice down to the Fenwick HMX or the Fenwick HMG, and I'm not 100% percent sure on the reel yet. I generally only carry one rod with me seeing that I fish from shore. So, I need your help choosing length, action, and the taper. I mostly throw crankbaits and topwater baits, but lately I'm getting into jigs and weightless plastics. I fish in lakes with an abundance of weeds and mats. The rivers I fish are filled with large rocks and downed trees. I primarily go for smallmouth, if their not biting, then largemouth. Occasionally large pike take my bait. Currently, I've been looking at seven foot rods with a medium heavy application. However, seeing that I throw baits varying from 1/8 ounce to 1 ounce, should I look at lighter actions? My favorite style of fishing is definitely hollowed bodied frogs, if that helps. All tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for all the information! The Tatula looks good, but some poeple say there is grooving? I typically use braid, so will that be a problem? Also, where do you find the Tatula for $100?

Thanks for all the information so far guys and gals.