Alpster

I am very line consious, it has to fit the technique and be fresh. Me too! +1

....you have been gone for 3 days while bass are on the bed and your wife is confident that you are not cheating on her. Ronnie

sent you a PM... Ronnie

Fuji, like most manufacturers, makes some great components and also some lousy ones. The TPS line is garbage. The TCSSD 'soft touch' on my home made Flippin stick is beautiful. I think Fuji has cut smoe great volume deals with rod manufacturers and that's why you see them so often. But for those of us who build our own, AMTAK, Struble and Pac Bay makes some decent seats. For guides, AMTAK, Pac Bay and REC (recoil) are good alternatives to fuji. I still think Fuji has the biggest selection of guides and seats. However I am glad to see some others challenge them in the marketplace. JMHO

It will cost more to fix the guide than the rod is worth. Keep the reel & get a new rod. JMHO Ronnie

You mean my 27lb LM is no good just because I didn't get her in the boat?? Just don't seem fair. :'( ;D Ronnie

Excellent! Jay, Only thing better than catching a box full of fish is spanking everyone else in a touney. And a new toy to boot. Good job! Ronnie

Great video Russ, glad you had a good time in CA!! Ronnie

My dad used to say, "I would rather play and lose than not get to play at all". You two got out there and gave it what you got. I have never won a tournament, but I won't stop trying. GOOD JOB GREG & DEB!! Ronnie

flechero's suggestions are right on, as usual. You may want to pick up a piece of 1/4" wood dowel at the hardware store and make a few wraps and practice applying and drying finish before you work with a blank that might get "messed up". JMHO Ronnie

AWESOME!!! Way to go Deb. :) Ronnie

It is a cool essay on paradoxes, but George Carlin didn't write it. The line about praying tipped me off, George is a devout atheist. See the origins of this story at .... http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/paradox.asp Ronnie

My basic 4 are: 7' MH Fast action BC for most plastics & lite jigs. 6'10" Spinning ML Extra Fast action drop shot rod for finesse, shakey head & dropshotting. 7'6" Heavy Flippin stick BC. 7' Fiberglass MH Mod. action crankin stick BC for most treble hook lures & spinnerbaits. I also have a 5'6" Med. Fast pistol grip that I use almost exclusively for bank fishing. I have other rods, but I'm not sure why. LOL These are the ones I fish most. Ronnie

Like Keith said, check out the Shikari blanks on sale at MudHole. There are a couple that might meet your needs. Most have sold out. I bought 3 a couple of weeks ago. Beware though, you will not receive Shikari decals to put on the rod. I was a little disappointed about that. Ronnie

You guys are stealing some very nice equipment. Congrats on finding such bargains. Ronnie

Why would anyone spend a lot of money on a rod & reel when you can catch fish with a cane pole. ;D That Stella is like cocaine, you will be addicted before you know it. Be carefull!! 8-) Ronnie

I have a Stella 1000FG that's 2 years old. If there is a sweeter spinning reel in the world, I want to see it! I dare you to fish with one. LOL It's like heroin, you will be hooked (pardon the pun). Ronnie

If you are fishing plastics, sometimes there is no such thing as too slow. The term 'dead sticking' means to let your bait remain motionless. Fishing very slowly and even motionless, goes against all human tendencies, but we are not bass. In a lot of ways though, they often like their meal to be still on the table. LOL. If you think you are fishing too slow, then slow down a little. JMHE Ronnie

Which one of us isnt hashing things out? Looks like that would be me. Well then, it looks like you had better get on the ball start hashing. Ronnie

Sometimes the baitmonkey is lame compared to the rod building monkey. Let me tell you HE'S TOUGH!! After selling a couple of Shimano Calais reels an old antique organ and my youngest kid into slavery, look what showed up on my doorstep yesterday.......... I am very thankfull the Lord lets me have some nice toys to play with. ;D ;D ;D Ronnie

Nice box man! Ronnie

Keep On Hashing On!!! Ronnie

Hey Fiji, The Shimano Sustain LC suggested is a spinning reel and a great one. I have the JDM version (Twin Power) and it's an awesome reel. Hope this helps. Ronnie

This the way I would go also. I might want an SJR843 GLX (7 footer) but I like longer rods for plastics and deep water. Ronnie

HEY!! Sounds like a blast! You boys behave yourselves and catch a few fish while your there! Ronnie