Trent Wilson

If you plan on sticking with it, hard to beat the Lew's BB1. If you're shopping for the rod and reel, Dick's Sporting has a Quantum Octane that runs about $70. Got lucky and nailed one for $40 when on sale. Bought it for my nephew to learn on. I was actually shocked to find that it wasn't complete trash. Listed as a medium heavy but feels more like a medium. I've since gone back and bought one just for a Carolina rig and I can feel every small limb or rock on the bottom. It will handle the large bass as well.

Welcome Eddie. I'm in Maryville as well. Know a few good bank spots if you want them.

If you wish to fish the lake, there's two ramps just before you cross the dam into Lenoir City. One at Tellico and one that goes by Yarbury. If you don't mind paying $7 for a day pass or $70 for the year, it's the best location. It's also patrolled by security so no need to worry about your vehicle.

Well, I have a few Duckett rods, few St. Croix....money here is your issue. For the proce, it's hard to beat a Duckett. However, I've been spending the pocket change I throw in the jar at the end of the day testing some rods. Quantum makes a decent rod with excellent feel and weight. But if you're serious about spending money on a good rod, hard to beat a MH 7 footer from either Duckett or St. Croix. I prefer the St. Croix with the micro guides. Keeps line smack down and makes for a much better cast/pitch.

Maryville as well. What lakes you fishing?

And some may wish to know equipment...1997 Ranger 391 XT with Lowrance HDS9 up front and a HDS12 at the console. I prefer to stick with a baitcaster if at all possible.

I've been fishing for years, but just started winter fishing. I've kinda gotten the hang of it. Just need some pointers. Jerkbaits with slow retrieve, same with most crankbaits. I've even got the array of colors for winter but aside from a 2 pounder about 2 months ago, I haven't caught anything worth wild. I've been told by my old man that I can't just change to my spinning outfit and throw my mini rattle traps like I do in summer (which infuriates him every time I pull in a bluegill. If it has eyes and is a fish, it counts in my book). Any tips to get this winter noobie through the winter so I can get back to the stripe and 7-11lb smallies I'm used to catching?

I've read a few of your posts capt. I'll be looking forward to your responses on my posts.

I've been here a few times and always thought forums were lame, but I've received a lot of advice from this one, so I thought I'd join. It's an honor to be a part of this forum and look forward to putting in my 2 cents.

Good eye VolFan. Top notch pork products. I've fished everything from Loudon, Tellico, Hiawassee, Fontana, Douglas, Parksville, and many many more. It all depends. What are you fishing for? Are you fishing from shore or boat/kayak? What's your tolerance for cold?

And I'm comparing them to every St. Croix rod own.

I can vouch for the rods. Even the cheaper Octane rods (also Quantum) are very good, aside from being more of a M rather than the listed MH. Dicks still sells the rids, just getting popular. As for the reel, it's still going strong after 2 years of rough use and no service. They occasionally put them at $79.99. Too expensive at $100.

I actually own both along with one of the reels. They feel excellent. Picked up the 6'6 for 39.99 and the 7 for 49.99. Prefer using the lews bb1hzl I have on the 6'6, but I wouldn't turn down the quantum. Only one problem...I grew up using cork rods. I wish they'd come out with a set with cork. And the split handle? If you haven't used ine, you'll get used to it.