Alpster

Ronnie, I didn't realize how much I used a hookkeeper until I left it off the first spinning rod I built. I am still experimenting with the epoxy ramps for no fore grip rods. What I did with the noodle rod was placed the hookkeper about 4" in front of the ramp and put the sticker between them. I kind of used the ramp and the HK to bracket the sticker and I think it looks like it should be there. Your milage may vary, but I think that's how I will go with the 3 rods I am working on now. Hookkeepers are a must for rods that I will fish with. Ronnie

flechero, The epoxy ramp looks great! I tried it on my noodle rod and it looked like crap. I fooled with it forever and never got to look right. I am attempting another one on the new IMX, but this time I am goint to try layers of thread wrap (finish saturated) and I think it will come out nicer. I hope you get your blanks delima squared away soon. I think I want to give Shikari blanks a try, I'm hearing lots of good stuff about them. Tight wraps, Ronnie

My Fed Ex guy showed up, got my MB844 IMX blank, guides & reel seat today. I already got the split grip & reel seat glued up. I have my Lamiglas crankin stick ready for guides also. I'm really trying to get ahead of the rod building in time for the Fork trip. I have a long "git er dun" list. Ronnie

RM, Still haven't spoken to them about the rod. I called them today and they are closed due to SNOW! They have a recorded message to that effect. Looks like winter has finally arrived for almost eveyone. Ronnie

All my life, The Saints have managed to disappoint me, but I I have always had confidence they they will come through. I am rooting for them none the less, it's their turn to get a shot. Ronnie

flechero, Thanks for the heads up on recoil guides. Tips will start to wear before the rest of the guides. Tip tops are cheap and easy to change. Also, a Q-Tip with a little alchohol will save your guides if you fish where there is a lot of sediment and veggies that cling to your line. Only takes a few seconds. Reeling your line through a rag saturated with "Real Magic" not only cleans it, but really makes it behave. JMHO Ronnie

Boat = 16' Misty Harbor Aluminum V Tow with- 2000 1-ton Dodge Ram Van or The bassbuss - 2002 Chevy Express RV Ronnie

WELCOME!

Muddy, No matter what anyone tells you, coffee is not a good keyboard lubricant (inside joke). Ronnie

My favorite plastic worm in the world (Culprit) was packaged without any salt for 20 years. Then 9 or ten years ago they packed em in salt, now they are back to no salt, just scented. I have no confidence that salt makes a difference. JMHE Ronnie

My answer is 7-1/2" Culprit Black Shad. I also have ESPN and looking into the future, I will bet that you get very few 1-worm answers. Ronnie

Keith, I don't think Lane can haul enough crawfish to feed this bunch. LOL - But don't turn your back on your bait just the same. Ronnie

Hey Dominick, Your workin my turf here. So whatever we score will be shared equally among the mooks. ;D Ronnie

Count on it! THANKS! Ronnie

Lane, I would be mighty beholden to you if I could get my hands on a few of them crawfish. Just let me know what I need to do. Thanks! Ronnie

Get a new Curado, you can't beat it for the price. Spinning reel - get a Shimano Straidic, can't beat it for the price. I have owned both and much higher end reels. For the money these are the way to go. Ronnie

Mike, I would avoid telling him his reel is "crap" and the way he fishes is childish. The best way to help your friend is let him try yours out for a while. You may not like spincasters, but they work and have caught a lot of fish. You are right, there are some real problems with reliability and line twist, friction, etc., but they will catch fish. Try to communicate what is positive about spinning reels. If this fails, then let him fish with his reel and enjoy your fishing time together, it's no big deal. Lead by example, he will come around if he really enjoys fishing. I hope this helps. JMHO Ronnie

I remember an article written by a lawyer/fisherman many years ago. He made a couple of interesting points. If you should catch a prized record fish, you should keep quiet about it untill you have it certifed. He recomended doing the certification process twice, with different witnesses, scales, etc. in case the process was called into question. If you go back to the dock and hold up the fish and pose for pictures, you become a "public figure" like a politician and lose control of who can profit from your pictures, etc.. You don't want to become famous before you become a 'for profit' company. Also make a carefully documented record of everything with 10' of you when the fish was caught with their brand names model #s, including clothes, snacks, TM, cigars, the razor you shaved with that morning and anything else you can identify. All of the companies on the list will be glad to pay $ to claim a part of your success. Just something to think about. Ronnie

LBH, I am considering fluke's research "advance intel". He at least pointed out one bait I don't already have. The bait monkey can send him a thank you card. Since we are not flying and have a little more room, like RW, I will have everything + the kitchen sink with me. I too will be listening for what's gitten it done, but I will probably have it on hand. Weighed my "day box" this morning and it's only 34lbs (so far). LOL Ronnie

Sorry Dominick, Those rules only apply to borrowing money, coon dogs, and women. Everybody knows fishing is exempt! ;D Ronnie

Let me think about this for a minute, nope didn't take that long. SHIMANO! Ronnie

It's the only new bait that I remeber catching fish on the first time I used it. I used a black widow eel instead of the stock trailer. One small bass jumped over a laydown to hit it. It's a productive lure. I have several in my box and I'm anxious to experiment with trailers and different presentations. Ronnie

I have always hated crankbaits and avoided them. I am just lately making myself learn how to fish crank baits. I have stuck to the most recommended, that being Rapalas and Lucky Craft. My inability not withstanding, so far as fish in the boat, the Rapala DTs have out performed the Lucky Crafts. I will know more after this year, as I am determined to know these lures and how to catch fish with them. I can snag anything, so I don't know how to compare, but I haven't lost one yet. Give me some time. Ronnie

Thanks for putting in the time. This puts us all ahead of the game. I will certainly come prepared to fish those baits. I already have everything but the Super Fluke, but will remedy that shortly. BTW, there's extra sausage in your gumbo if you give me a couple of tips on fishing the fluke, not my confidence bait (I'm clueless). I hope your right about the Black & Blue Jig, one of my favorites. Thanks again for doing the leg work for us. Ronnie

Jim, Your post is very insightfull! I think you get it. BTW WELCOME ABOARD! Ronnie