fishballer06

Just looks like a very healthy fish. Coloring looks good, eyes are good, scales look good, fins look good. I see no reason to question his health. If that fish were a human, he looks like the type of person who eats 2 Big Mac's for lunch every day.

Yes, spend the extra $$$

I own both the Symetre reel, and the Fenwick HMG rod. Not on the same setup, but I have a lot use of both items. You won't go wrong with that setup. Trust me.

Ordered the 6'10" MHF split grip casting rod yesterday, since TW was showing them in stock. I have a weekend trip next weekend. I'll report back with how it performs.

That's not true at all. A quick search shows me that you have two BPS's within your state. The one in Ashland is only 107 miles away from you in Staunton.

6'6" Medium Spinning 7' MH Baitcasting

I always open up all my boxes once I get home from the lake. Let them dry in open air, rather than cramped in the box seems to help them from rusting.

Looks like we both grew up around the same area. Welcome to the forums. Lure color is primarily based on water color/clarity. However, size of the lure can change, depending on the forage that your target species is feeding on. Remember to always "match the hatch".

I appreciate the input everyone. As I figured, there is more than one way to skin a cat in this situation. I tried out the Alberto knot last night and I seem to trust it much better than the Surgeon knot. Wish it wasn't as tricky to tie, but I'd rather have something I can trust, than something that is quick/easy.

St. Croix Premier Fenwick HMG Falcon Lowrider The new Shimano Crucial's I'd buy any of those in that price range

I've recently been starting to mess around with flourocarbon line. I've tried it as my main line on my one baitcaster, but I don't like how it handles nearly as much as I like my braided line. However, I do seem to be getting more bites in clearer water when using the flourocarbon. So like many others, I've decided it's probably best to use my braid as a main line, and then use the flouro as a leader. So last night I decided to practice tying my fluoro leaders to my braid on all of my setups. I used a Surgeon's knot to tie all of my leaders on. After tying my leaders on, I just don't trust that this knot is going to hold up once I get a fish on. I know I have the knots tied correctly, but they just don't seem like they will hold up with the weight of a thrashing fish on the end of the line. Am I over worrying? Or is there something else I should try for better results? For reference, I am using Invis-X 10lb Fluoro and tying onto Suffix 832 40 &50lb. Thanks in advance guys!

1. Yes. Small, finesse should work well for clear water. 2. Clear water calls for natural presentations. I would recommend anything that looks natural. 3. Being the middle of summer right now, most fish are less active during the high sun hours. Mornings and evening should be best. 4. Texas rigging should be your better bet. Carolina rig could be too big/bulky for clear water. 5. Yes, hence the drop shot rod being needed. 6. It's worth a shot. Every lake is different, and each lake can vary from day to day.

The Berkley Flicker Shads and the Storm Smash Shads are both great alternatives, and for a fraction of the cost too!

Probably won't do the job. Sounds like you got ripped off. I'll gladly give you the $135 back and take that stuff off your hands for you...

If you like the 07 size, but want it to run shallower, you can always buy the super shallow version. Which will run 3-5'. They have a different bill on them, and run much shallower, but they have the same action. Also, if you want the lure to suspend and not float up (these are made from Balsa), you can buy the Storm Suspendots and place one under the nose. Or they also make the Shad Rap RS, which is plastic, and it also rattles and suspends (hence the RS part).

Nice buy! I like these lures. They don't seem to produce as well for me as the original Rat-L-Traps, but I do like how they stay horizontal. I've never swapped out the hooks. I figure Rapala must think they produce the best with the sizes that are on there, so I left them.

Topwater. Early morning, late evening. Nothing beats the action.

My philosophy is, if you're going to spend the money to take a fishing trip, wouldn't you like to go and know that you can trust all of your equipment? Spend the $25 and get yourself some fresh line.

If you're going to complain to him, I would go to him with solid evidence of the problems. If you're finding litter, take some pictures and prove it to him. If you know who's littering, take a picture of the boat and show him who is doing it.

This reel will be used primarily for 1/4 &1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps, small squarebills, and size 5-7 Shad Raps. I don't need anything over powering, just want something with a slower retrieve. Low profile would also be preferred. The Zillion CC does look nice, but is it worth the extra $$$? I found a new Chronarch 201e5 on Fleabay for $170.

I guess I should have specified that I'm trying to stay under $250...

I'm looking for a new crankbait reel and I want something with a 5:1 ratio. I basically have my mind set on the Shimano Chronarch 201e5, but I wanted to know if anyone knew of any other reel out there that's a better choice. Keep in mind, I need something left handed. Thanks everyone.

Remember whenever "Fireline" came out and it was the greatest thing ever? Remember whenever all baitcasting reels were round?

Ugh... I hated the Quick Fire triggers.

I like them, but I prefer the Rapala BX Minnow's instead. But they're in that same ~$9-10 range as well.