Alpster

It takes a real man to admit when he's wrong. Congratulations for not being normal. Good job! Ronnie

I am very glad that Jay is pleased with the rod. I also appreciate the kind words from others. What fourbizzle didn't tell you is, he had to wait all summer to get the rod in his hands. I had one emergency after another and there were many delays, but Jay was patient and understanding all the way. It is pretty special to get to make a rod for a fisherman of his caliber. Anyone whose been around very long knows that fourbizzle is the real deal and knows how to stick a big bass. For me it's kind of like building a six-gun for Wyatt Earp. 8-) I am looking forward to pictures of some big CA bass caught on that rod. Thanks! Ronnie

Weelll... I stayed out of this one as long as I could. First IMX & GLX warranty is the same I have both, have used the warranty for both and it's great! Next, the "Outdoor Life" comparison link that says All Star Big Boy Rods have Fuji Gold Cermet guides is an obvious typo. If you look at all the rods in the list, isn't it funny that there are several rods that sell for $250+ that don't have Gold Cermets. Even St. Croix's Legend Elite has Alconite guides. The Big Boy is the only one on the list that shows them. $175 worth of guides on a $120 rod is not happening, retail is retail no matter who is buying or selling. This link is to the BPS ad for the Big Boy" rod and it is clear what type of guides are on this rod. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_51843?cm_mmc=froogle-_-100-2-6-_--1-_-38-150-044-00&hvarAID=froogle&mr:trackingCode=815CF61D-C654-DC11-BED2-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA That's all I have to say about that. God Bless Ronnie

Another nice rod! Great work as usual. Thanks for posting the pics. This summer I did a couple of rods for others that took waaay too long due to busyness/emergencies. Now I am hoping to take some time in the fall for rod building again just for fun. I just bought 3 Shikari blanks on sale at Mudhole. Looking to do something new with them. Exotic burl or try a fancy buttwrap or something I haven't done yet. Wish me luck! LOL Ronnie

Shimano Chronarch 50Mg. No doubt about it! JMHO Ronnie

If the fish was healthy when you caught her and you didn't "play" her for a long time, bass are pretty tough. (This is one reason I use heavier gear than I need, to get em in the boat ASAP for several reasons.) If, as you said, there was little blood and a clean hook exit you should have been able to get a pic and a couple of measurements without much danger of losing the fish. Fivebass described the optimal scenereo, but without a livewell, what choice did you have? I would have moved quickly and recorded the facts, then let her go. JMHO Ronnie

MOST EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! The letters will make you well up a little though :'(. Ronnie

Excellent, Thanks! Ronnie

It's not fair!!! They didn't ask one single question about eye makeup, summer clothes or even hair conditioner. She would have aced it if they didn't ask such hard questions. Ronnie

I cheat a little. I buy rubberized rings that have a matching plug to fill the 1/4" hole. I glue up the rings and turn them down to the right shape and just insert the plug with a little glue. After drying, a quick touch up with some 400 sandpaper and it looks great. This almost eliminates hand work and lets me shape the butt end of the grip on the lathe. Ronnie

Russ, Anxious to hear about what happened at Roger Williams Park today! Ronnie

KB, I throw spinnerbaits with my crankbait rod. Fiberglass (Lamiglas) 7' mod action MH power. I like to feel the blades turning. Bass usually hook themselves. Ronnie

Catt, In theory, I agree 100%, what it actually looks like sometimes is different. I have often shifted into 'finesse' mode and immediately run my aluminum boat into a stump (sounds kind of like a hammer against the hull) I then shout #@$%^ as my pliers fall off the seat and hit the hull again making the same noise and I shout $#@!&^*again. When everything has calmed down I gently toss my jig deftly, quietly, and very accurately to the target and it hits a dead stump and sounds like a mutant woodpecker hitting a hollow tree and my line swells up like a pretty christmas bow in my reel and I again shout $#%@^. Finally after picking out the backlash and grabbing the spinning rig I cast my worm ever so perfectly and it's beautiful. As good as I think I am, this time I have out done myself. At the last second that one little twig hanging down catches my worm and I shout (you guessed it) ##$@@$$. There's nothing like "FINESSE" fishing in my book. ;) Ronnie

Got my shirt today! THANKS! to Muddy & Zel. You guys done good!!! 8-) 8-) Ronnie

Jay, Don't worry, I will hold the RI guy hostage till it shows up. ;D Ronnie

Awesome Mook shirt and a nice Kentucky small mouth bass. You pretty much got it all there, don't ya?? Nice Picture! Thanks! Ronnie

I have had two GLX and one IMX rod (3 total) replaced by G Loomis under their "Expiditer" service. Granted it costs $50 to use it, but it is absolutely no hassle. No receipts, no time limit and no questions. The $50 covers shipping both ways. You must return the broken rod in the tube they send the new one in. Loomis gets my money. Superior rods and warranty. JMHO Ronnie

+1

That's the ticket! Ronnie

Avid, Praying for you and looking forward to an update when you get to it. Ronnie

This ain't an issue of patriotism. After the war, we taught the Japanese how to build cars and they beat us at our own game. God bless them! The free market is what made this country great and because we are spoiled and "entitled" it will be our undoing. We have raised a generation that takes no responsibility for their actions (it's always someone else's fault) and have elected lawyers to make our laws. We deserve what we get and more. Off my soap box before the thread gets booted. SORRY! Ronnie

An honest mistake based upon a well documented history. Bucketmouth girl scout.... I forgot what you re-named Muddy-man (pretty cute though)...etc. Sorry to have jumped to a conclusion. ;D Ronnie

Methinks a Mod is messing with you sir. *cough* LBH *cough*............. Ronnie

What in the world are you sending, a one piece steelhead rod??? ;D 8' 4" swimbait rod with a couple of extra inches for secure packing in a 3" PVC tube. The limit is 108" (length + girth) The tube was 103" plus the circumference of the tube about 10" = 113". The post is office CRAZY! Ronnie

A country is only as strong as it's manufacturing base. We were victorious in both WWs because we could build it faster and better than anyone. Google 'Liberty Ships'. I will pay more for made in the USA. JMHO Ronnie