jyu87

That's odd... That same japanese reel fairy is supposed to drop off two Metanium 15 DC's later on this week (6.2 and 7.4). Should be getting my 2 - Zodias in the next couple hours by UPS. Pic's of the setups later **edit** speak of the devil, delivery of rods just now. lol Teaser; Should have everything by the end of the week. *hopefully.*

Nice salt! Those are some healthy looking fish.

I use a swivel + snap combo. Has never failed me. Love the ability to switch up on a moments notice.

Ha, now it's coming back to me. LOL.

Why isn't there a pop corn emoticon?

Z-Man Chatterbaits / KVD 1.5 Square Bill

The Zillion is phenomenal. There is no doubt in my mind that I really like it. I just want something that is a little more low profile + low in weight. Trust me, the Zillion is still a huge part of my arsenal and will not be replaced

Any reason why? Just wondering.

Does that place ever disappoint?! Great stuff Joe! Jealous of your day off on a very nice day!

d**n... I had a feeling people were going to say that...

So here is what's going on in my mind; not only did I finally get my taxes back but I also got some bonus money that work threw at me over some incentives. I want to put it into a new setup or setups for myself. Here are my current setups 1. Daiwa Zillion TWS 7.1 + Zillion Rod - 7' ed/Hvy 2. Shimano Chronarch I 7.2 + St. Croix LTB - 6'6 Med/Hvy 3. Abu Garcia Gen 3 STX 6.4 + St. Croix LTB - 7' Med 4. Lew's Speed Spool LFS 6.8 + St. Croix Mojo Bass - 7' Med/Hvy Over fishing all these different setups, I have noticed that I am a big fan of ergonomics + lightness + quality. I'm willing to spend the extra money to fish comfortably. In most cases, I am more of a power fisherman unless the conditions call for me to really slow down. So here is my problem. You can almost get 2 CI4 reels for the cost of one Metanium. Played with the CI4 and i felt that it was really comfortable in the hands. Then I got my hands on the Metanium the other day and I know if I get one, I'll probably get another. I really like that reel and how it feels in the hands. More than likely will be selling the Speed Spool setup. STX has been weird lately and doing some funky stuff. So basically, cost to benefit analysis; 2 CI4 + Zodias or 1(2) Metaniums + Zodias. Is the extra cost worth it for the Metaniums over the CI4?

Went out today this morning from 9:30 to 1:30pm to check out how the water was at a local pond. As you all know, I was stomping the banks and trying to brush up on my t-rig sets & swim jigs. Ended up catching 3 fish on a Megabass FX Knuckle -1, 1 Swim Jig. None on the T-rig. womp womp. only one of them were a bass! the pickerel were back out to play.

Really enjoying the ergo on the new Curado I. Very comfortable which is a big point of the reels I get. Just played with the CI4 yesterday. Oh my god....

Never had such a low percentage on the KVD 1.5. They are literally a go to bait for me. It seems to me that the problem could just be the way you are bringing in the fish. Unless they are mammoths, should be easy to just bring them right to the bank without any fight. Are you taking your time bringing the fish in with the Ugly Stick lite?

Whoa Salt, some clear water you're fishing. Sounds like you had some fun before the storms. Congrats on the pig!

Ha, that's 1Rod1Reel. I know exactly where you will be fishing. I stomp those waters a lot. Lews LFS is a very good reel if you're trying to cast long distance. Thing just wants to cast a mile. Very simple to use with their external brake system. A little pricier than your budget but if you can, highly recommend the reel. If you can still snag one, the Daiwa Lexa was another really nice reel that was on sale from TW for pretty cheap. I would definitely recommend that 6'6 or 7 MH for an all around rod. Some would say a Medium rod would be better but I feel like you would get more versatility from the MH.

Jeez, I was just out on the water the other day and thinking the same exact thing! I have each on different rigs but when it comes down to having to break off sometimes, the Sunline is pretty easy. The Seagurs is definitely way stretchier. Both still perform within the same parameters so I can't complain. Can't remember which one is more expensive.

It's funny, experienced fisherman will often go back to the basics. The difference between an experienced angler and novice is that they know exactly when to. This is what I have often picked up from trying to fish with people who are better than I am. That's probably the #1 tip I would give you. Fish with someone who has more knowledge and you will slowly see yourself acquiring that knowledge. Have fun and try new things.

Black and Blue / Green Pumpkin Red Flake

I agree with ColdSVT. You are literally going to get one thousand different answers. So, with that being said. I'll just give you what I prefer; Seagur Invisx or Sunline FC Sniper. Both are great for my setups which are very similar to what you are going to be fishing.

Was a great day! That 4.45lb was nice! Joe, thanks again! Looking forward to our next outting.

You'll get used to it. I love crank baits. Like Jakob said, it's way better than jerkbaits and especially better than top water lol!

If you don't mind us asking, what is your overall budget? Might help us narrow it down a little.

Shimano Curado I. Picked it up in-store. Added it to my arsenal. 1. Daiwa Zillion TWS + Zillion Rod 2. Revo STX + SC LTB 3. Lews Speed Spool LFS + SC Mojo Bass 4. Curado I + SC LTB Had the Metanium in my hand. That thing, is just too d**n pretty and light. UGH! Baitmonkey, stay away.

I don't mean to thread jack but I think it's a good secondary question with the OPs main post. When you break off with FC, where do you guys tend to re-tie at? When I break off, I can feel a noticeable difference in the line as I am running my fingers from the original break off point until it get's smooth again. I cut there and re-tie a new lure. Am I being paranoid or is this standard for all?