Alpster

I use a GLoomis SJ723 IMX custom (yep spinning rod) and a Shimano Twin Power to skip with. I know that a lot of guys consider skipping with a baitcaster as the "holy grail" of casting. To me, it's like taking a dump truck to a stock car race. Skip with a spinning reel and avoid all the line picking. JMHO Ronnie

Balanced means different things to different people. I like rods (spinning or baitcasting) to be a little tip heavy with a lure tied on ready to fish. As a matter of fact for most rods, to get them to balance on your finger at the reel seat, you have to use a reel that's much too heavy. For me, that's like swinging a baseball bat backwards. If your lure is heavy enough to load the rod properly for casting, it's not going to "pin balance" at the reel seat. JMHE. Ronnie

Hey Russ, Glad to hear from/about you! Glad to hear you are on the mend. There has been quite a wave of us "too young to be this old" guys getting parts repaired or replaced here lately. Looking forward to seeing more of you around here. It's getting time to heal up and go fishing. Take care of yourself sir. Ronnie

Me too!!! The legendary "Bassbus".... 8-) Ronnie

A lot of hard core deep crankers like fiberglass rods. Mine is a Lamiglas fiberglass custom. Ronnie

1. 7 1/2" Culprit ribbon tail worm. 2. Jig & trailer (trailers vary to conditions) 3. drop shot with zoom finesse or 4" senko. Ronnie

Everyone says "stay away from plasma" and I don't get it. Except for the extra weight and they are heavy, but you forget that as soon as it's hung on the wall. The heat that comes from the screen is negligible, you really have to put your hand within an inch of the screen to feel it. I have had a 50" Magnavox for about 2 years and it is amazing in every respect. Video games, HD TV & movies, you name it. Plasma lasts longer, performs better and the best part, they are 20% or more cheaper to buy than LCD. Don't avoid plasma screens. Do your homework and compare them. Ronnie

Praying for the Burly man.............. Ronnie

What he said........probably better off replacing the grip. Ronnie

Hey Wayne, You can build bridges all your life and no one will ever call you a "bridge builder". Under-cook just one chicken dinner and you are branded for life. ;D Ronnie

I have only built on about 75 blanks. Excepting a couple of blanks that were "arguably" a little bent, I have had much better luck than you. I bought a 10' Lamiglas that had a pretty good crook near the tip, but it was sold as a defective rod at an enormous discount. I cut off the first inch and half and it turned out to be a first class surf rod. Most of the blanks I have used are Loomis, Lamiglas, St. Croix and Sage so maybe budget blanks are more prone to being a little warped? BTW I build on the spline also and have never had a complaint. JMHE Ronnie

I usually fish jigs in heavy cover or deep water. Either way I want some backbone for hooksets and close quarters combat. MH at least....JMHO Ronnie

MUSTARD!!! Any kind of mayo...= Ronnie

Sorry for your dad Robert. I had to put down a best friend (border collie) back in 1984, after he was hit by a car. I cried for 3 days. :'( Ronnie

I put my stuff together, going out in this weekend's mail. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Ronnie

X2 That's all I can think of when I look at it. LOL

Happy B-day Blaine! I have also been around quite a bit, but if you don't post a lot, you are missed. I understand that. Ronnie

I bought my riveted boat (16' Vee) 12 years ago. I trailer it every time it goes in the water. I built a heavy wooden deck on it and it goes in the water many dozens of times a year. I am still amazed that after 12 hours in the water, it is always bone dry inside. I must add that I can't use an outboard where I live, so there has been little stress on the transom from electric motors and no pounding from running into waves with an outboard. I have rented an outboard a couple of times in Canada. I have trailered this boat hundreds of miles. Don't be afraid of a riveted boat. I love mine! Ronnie

FWIW..... The forum already has both a "Bass Clubs" section and a "Tournament" section. As the forums expand into more and more "specialized" groups, I think they lose the input from experienced anglers who will avoid the age, gender and special interest specific forums. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I would like to have a "old, bald, with bad knees" section, but Catt & I would be the only ones to go there. Actually, that wouldn't be so bad. JMHO Ronnie

I use different rods for different Jig presentations.... For pitching in heavy cover 7'6" Heavy Loomis "Flippin Stick" ABU 6600 D5 For dragging the bottom in deeper water 7' Loomis MBR844C Chronarch 50Mg For pitching docks, piling, etc. 6' MH Lamiglas custom. Chronarch 50Mg Ronnie

I am a coffee snob! Grind my beans (Columbian is the best) and brew with a Bunn VPS. Also have a smaller Bunn brewer in my bedroom. Yep, no need to wait till you go downstairs. LOVE my coffee!!! Ronnie

Silly Pol.......there's SHIMANO, and then there's those other kind I have heard about.... Ronnie

I have a suit. You just have to die or get married to see me in it. 8-) Ronnie

CJ took me there when I visited a couple of months before the roadtrip. It's an awesome store! Ronnie

Shimano Stella 1000FE weighs in at 6.0 oz. I have an older FB, it is very light. Ronnie