FryDog62

There is a specific Costa sunglass model I like but it's only offered in size Large ... and I need a medium frame. Does Costa vary the size of their models year over year, or is it pretty much one model/one size?

Received a JM Carbonlite 6'-6" Medium Light Fast baitcasting rod for Xmas. Looking forward to trying it out - will be in Florida in a month. For those of you that have one, can you provide a review for me - what does this rod excel at, what are its limitations? Recommended reels, line, lures with it? Thanks!

If you think about - at the time KVD became loyal to Nitro and Quantum they were not top-tier brands (and some would argue they still aren't). Yet he stayed with them over the years in a sport where the difference from first place to 10th can be minimal. Now that is some serious brand loyalty IMO...

I do think when Daiwa introduced the SV concept they did become the superior reel, so yeah I would say it and take the money too.... but what happens when Shimano moves ahead in a few years with some other new technology

That's interesting, I just saw a YouTube where one of the pro's was touting the T-Wing as a great feature for skipping.. but of course he's sponsored by then too.

I need one, maybe two reels for the following techniques: •To throw a 5 inch weightless senko wacky worm •To skip a 3/8 Arkie jig with plastic trailer under docks Am considering the following Daiwa reels: •SV 105 •Zillion SV TWS •SV 103 JDM Which one(s) of these reels would work best for both techniques? Which of these reels will primarily work for just one technique and not the other? Thanks, -Fry

Oh yeah, and I just had bought a new boat (Lund Pro-V Bass) that hasn't even seen the water yet -- Probably not the best timing (purchased 2 weeks before the injury) but makes me want to figure out a long term solution so I can finally enjoy the type of boat I always wanted.

Had the surgery 3 days ago... MRI ahead of time was inconclusive if the ligament was partially or fully torn. The hope was partial so they could do some reconstruction. Unfortunately when they got in there it was a complete tear. Doc wondered how I put up with it the past 3 months. So they cleaned up the frayed ends, and snipped a few of the nerves in the area - both to minimize discomfort, but not a fix. Choices are to either live with it the way it is, but likely arthritis will form and get worse over time (I'm 54). Or explore total reconstruction surgery - which he said is a 50-50 prognosis and a very involved healing/rehab process. Last resort might be to fuse the wrist and lose 50% strength and range of motion but take most/all the pain away and lessen likelihood of arthritis (or at least less). BTW, this is my right (dominant hand). What would you do...?

I'm shopping for a new rod, but am also considering using one of my existing St. Croix's - its an AvidX 6'-8" MXF. I may experiment with that but those you listed above might be very good too ~ thx!

So here's the deal why I am asking about this set up... I had posted awhile back that I have a sore right wrist. Thought it was tendinitis, but it turns out to be a torn ligament. The kind they can kind of fix, but maybe not 100%. I'm having surgery on December 5th, and starting to think about changes for next season. I think safe to say that It will hopefully extend my days of fishing considerably if I only use my right hand to turn the handle and not use it very much to hold the rod itself. I use baitcasters where I hold the rod with my left hand a fair amount and crank with the right. But tossing light weight plastics, wacky worms, drop shots have always been with my right hand holding a spinning rod and the left hand to crank. Those days may be over for me but I still want to finesse fish at times. Therefore if I can find a baitcaster to do these things would be optimal. Yes, I could use my spinning gear and switch the handle to the other side, but after experimenting I'm just so much stronger with my left hand palming a bait caster than with a spinning rod. And for whatever reason, spinning gear also torques my left wrist left more than a bait caster (different grip/angle maybe) and I really don't want to risk any injury to my only remaining healthy wrist either - or its time to pick up another hobby (not an option I want to consider).

Mostly 5 inchers...

Looking for ideas for a baitcasting rod for throwing weightless wacky worms. Casting them out and maybe skipping too. Approx $100-200. Thanks --

Looking for suggestions on a baitcasting reel that is especially good for throwing lighter plastics. And suggestions/experience in setting the internals gears, brakes, etc on. Probably looking in the $100-200 range. I already have a rod I can use but possibly open to suggestions there too. Thanks!

Well I received diagnosis from the MRI... a torn scaphoid lunate ligament, surgery first week of December. Probably not a total fix but may prevent/delay arthritis. Some level of hope anyway to be back fishing by spring.

There are some good SMB in Vermilion but seems to be a "streaky" lake (for all species). Sometimes the Vermilion river is an overlooked option for smallies (big pike too) but IMO is more consistent than the lake itself (and gets far less pressure). If you have a kayak, that might be something to try next time you're there...

Well ... update -- pain got worse even with the splint. Saw doctor yesterday and had X-ray. He suspects a torn ligament, so back in for an MRI in 2 days. If torn he didn't seem optimistic that even with a cast, therapy, surgery, etc may heal this type of injury. Will find out soon, but am concerned I may be done fishing at age 54. Dam

I'm 80% wacky (ask my wife and kids). Weightless in lakes, 1/16 oz VMC wacky jig in River current. The other 20% it's weightless T-rig under docks. The one method I can't get my head around is using a weighted T-rig. For me its more deadly with a weightless tantalizing fall rate.... or if I need a weighted T-rig to get down in and around cover its a creature bait or ribbon tail worm. A heavy salted Senko with a bullet weight seems like a double negative to me, and a rig that lacks the kind of motion that triggers bites. But that's just me, I know many that use this method quite effectively...

Between the RT188 and the Ranger z175 - the best comparison/answer would be the Triton 179 TRX. It's actually 18'-6" and 91 wide and 115 hp. $24k. It would be my choice of those 3 boats anyway --

Sign me up for the new Ultrex... The improvement in spot-lock alone will be a deal-maker for me. Can anyone clarify if Ultrex will be compatible with 998's in terms of "follow the contour?" Or will it only work on Onix/Helix models?

I took the advice... Wore a splint today and went fishing. Threw spinnerbaits, wacky worms, skipped tubes under docks. No pain! And had most of the mobility I need. Easy trade off. In 3 hours I caught 11 fish including this 21 3/8 inch, 5.55 lb LMB. A splint seemed like it would Limit mobility too much... But it didnt. I'm ecstatic

I live in the land of 10,000 lakes and 10 billion pike. The absolute best solution I have found is a local bait shop (they can mail to you) that makes 2 inch leaders for any moving bait - crankbait, spinnerbait, jerk bait, etc.. Only 2 inches long so it is not very visible on a moving lure at all, doesn't weigh down even a jerk bait... And yet prevents 90% of those pesky and frustrating pike bite offs. You don't need heavy fluorocarbon line or long heavy wire leaders. These little leaders really do their job well. Call Bob at Wayzata Bait and for $2.99 get a pack sent to you (952) 473-2227. I don't work for them or any affiliation, but if you do a Google search I virtually guarantee you won't find any leaders out there less than about 6 inches and they're too big! These really work and save me a ton of dough annually on lures.

Bluebasser, so he can show me some of the finer points of fishing with the bladed jigs he made for me. I feel bad he sent me a couple great lures this last off season and my wife rearranged the garage storage. Just found them and hope to get out soon to try them out! Surprised no one mentioned fishing with me so I could lecture them on how much their favorite fishing line actually stretches !!

Most likely from a boat, depending on where we end up. May even use a guide...

I hear Lake Toho is good too, a bit farther from Ft. Myers but do-able..

Mid day I have had close calls with loons following my lure back to the boat. They are the state bird here in Minnesota and usually spooky around people. Seeing the large black bird with white spots tracking your lure up from the depths is quite startling. You would not want to catch one. Two years ago I yanked my tube to the side so he wouldn't eat it and wrapped the line around the trolling motor prop and snapped the tip off my sons pole.