urban.angler

I think it's akin to the idea that putting cheap gas in an expensive sports car is a "sin," the difference of course, is: putting cheap gas in a expensive sports car may actually affect the way the engine runs over time. Pairing a cheap rod with an expensive reel isn't going to damage the reel, lol. I suppose there's DOGMA present in any hobby. Some people feel that certain reels just should not be paired with certain rods. I just do what works for me & my wallet & chuckle when people criticize. At the end of the day, I'm having fun, and catching fish.

Is your lexa is noisy as mine was? My local tackle shop got a lot of returns on those things lol

No offense taken LOL, a veritas is all I could afford, after buying my antares & metanium. If all goes according to plan, I will have both of them on G Loomis rods by the end of this season. I didn't pay anywhere near $650 for the antares though. Try $200 less than that. Hint: Ebay. JDM's. The yen is doing terrible compared to the dollar right now.

LOL. thanks

I have a 7' MH, only about the first 1/3 of the rod bends. If you're really interested in them, I would recommend getting a feel for them 1st hand @ your local bass pro shops or similar establishment.

Line brands aside, I've fished clear fluorocarbon & various colors of much more visible braided lines (no leader) side by side & not really noticed a difference in my hook up ratio. (I used to shy away from using braid w/o a leader b/c I couldn't imagine a fish eating a lure tied directly to it). Sometimes, I think fishermen make a much bigger deal out of line type/color than is necessary.

Daiwa triforce rods run for about $40 http://www.daiwa.com/rod/detail.aspx?id=535

I'm gonna try to hit Van Courtland more this season, I only visited it twice last season. Are people still catching bass there?

Van Courtland lake sucks for bass fishing. I think in part due to locals taking fish. That's the case recently, anyway; maybe things were better when you fished there. It is one of the best spots in NYC for yellow perch, though (according to the DEC's statistics). If you ever find yourself in NYC & need someone to guide you through CP, shoot me a message! I'd be more than happy to show you around. Tight lines!

Thanks all! Wow...look at you guys & your 10-12 lb. PB's lol! Ain't no bass that big in Central Park. I think I may have to travel out of state so I can get on y'alls level!

xraps & damiki vaults

The shimano curado i is a great reel for $180. Get in in 6:3:1 for multi purpose use. You'll still have $120+ left for a nice rod.

Reels, admittedly, but ideally, I'd like to get to the point where I don't have to choose between "investing" in one or the other.

I am discovering that already. Thank you!

Yes! The guy Mike D fishes with in that episode, is actually a friend of a friend. He is renowned in NYC! Oh & thanks for the welcome!

6 pound largemouth on a Rapala DT-4!

As much as I like them, though, it is worth mentioning that I don't think any of them are ideal for cranking. The tip is too stiff, even on the medium action model. (In my opinion).

$90 with free shipping? Holy moly, thanks for the tip. I might have to pick up a backup.

Thanks! I haven't got a chance to fish w/it yet (all water has been frozen over in my neck of the woods for weeks), but I can't wait to see how much my casting distance improves with lighter lures, with these bearings. (I'm no future teller but I have a feeling I'll be more than satisfied).

Thank you sir!

I love mine. Surprising amount of backbone for a 3 piece rod. And the travel case it comes with is pretty cool, too.

Recently put ABEC 7 orange seal boca bearings in both my reels.

Cranking: JDM Shimano Antares 5:6:1 spooled w/12# fluoro + Abu Garcia veritas 2.0 medium action, 7 foot Flipping/pitching: JDM Metanium 7:4:1 spooled ww/30# power pro super slick + Daiwa ardito TR medium-heavy action, 7 foot

try suspending jerkbaits. another potentially useful technique that i didn't see you mention, is dropshotting. i.e. a robo worm on a dropshot hook, fished off the bottom.

i feel your pain, i live in nyc, and i've even resorted to downloading some virtual fishing games for my iphone. #forshame