ejtaylor822

Arbor knot with a 2x surgeon on the tag for all - spinning, BC, Fly - for freash and saltwater. If braid with no backing a small piece of thin foam tape.

Those are funny, don't care who you are. Had to bookmark that one. Liked the toobing behind the big Lincoln 4x4.

Both of those look good. I'd throw'em.

Eric, that looks really sweet. The effect is excellent. Great job.

Sad day. Billy was a great musician and down to earth good person. Was one heckuva of a story teller. He will be missed. http://www.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUSTRE50R7ME20090128 RIP, Billy.

THat is good! Yes, unfortunately I have put it down as well. Between, work and family (and fishing) just could not devote the time I wanted to it. Music was/is my first love, but, sometimes just got to do what you got to do - no fun is it being a responsible adult?

This is what I use: http://www.mudhole.com/s.nl/it.A/id.6420/.f?sc=2&category=1 Got some of each size. Cut them in 1/16", or less, pieces then slide them on. Easier to do before the tip-top is on, but, can be done with some effort after. I also found some larger at the medical supply store near the house. Got some 1/4" and 5/16" for larger blanks and surf rods. It really does make things easier. So much easier to move and adjust guides.

Congrats. That is a nice one - great pic.

Have not seen them yet, but have read some good reviews. I am anxious to check them out. Thinking about picking up a couple myself. I like Quantums.

I love the superbowl - and all sports for that matter - but do look forward to spring training camps opening. Just bought our Durham bulls packages last week. Wifey and I use to get these every year until our little girl came along. She is now 4 and this will be our first season in that many years since we have been regular attenders. Made a few games last year with her and she loves it - of course she is more interested in popcorn than anything else. Looking forward to it.

FYI - sorry if you have tried this already - but you can order this from quantum. That is how I finally wound up getting extra spools. http://www.quantumfishing.com/Consumer/SubCategoryListings.aspx?BrandID=6&CategoryID=65

That is very cool. Like the picture with the snorkler, gives good perspective as to how big they are. That is neat.

X2 EJ I was not aware that there were Firehouse subs in NC :-? I will never eat subway again after having the Italian or Hook and Ladder from Firehouse,awesome ! Yes, they have started popping up around here in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel hill in the last year or so. Man, they are good. Love that pastrami with the works and cover it with hot sauce. I'm getting hungry.

IMHO, it depends upon the technique and patterns you will be targeting. Both lures are single hook like you noted so you want a fast tip that will bring the power of the rod to bear to set the hook and penetrate the lip. This is especially true if there is a lot of line between you and the fish. The weight/mass of the lure will allow the fish to shake it out easier so constant pressure must be held. Here a slower action rod will help maintain pressure as the fish lunges and shakes - once again - especially true if there is a lot of line between you and the fish. With a buzz bait, there will be the visual indication of the strike. So, sensitivity is not quite as important as compared to a pure spinner technique. So, a slightly heavier rod is not going to hurt you in this situation (buzz). A good all around rod would probably be a 6'6" Med-Hvy fast action rod. A good "spinner bait" rod, IMHO, would be 6'6" up to 7'0" extra fast with medium power - shorter for accuracy longer for searching. Extra fast tip to help in setting the hook - especially important if being used as a search technique. Medium power to effectively set the hook and provide better sensitivity as compared to heavier heavy-power rod. A good "buzz bait" rod, targeting cover, would be 6'0 to 6'6" with heavy power and a mod-fast to fast tip - although I would lean towards a moderate. Heavy power to drive the hook set and moderate tip to aid in the strike and fighting. The moderate tip will of course be a little softer, so it will help maintain tension as the fish uses the mass of the buzz to try and shake the lure free. Eddie

Approx. 28". That pipe didn't freeze. The pipe connected to it that went above ground is the one that froze. Even though it was covered. That's what happened to mine. All pipes were buried and those under the house were well insulated. Where it came up out of the ground and into the house is where I got it. Right at the valve. I wrapped everything but left the valve handle exposed so wouldn't have to reach through the insulation to turn it off/on. Well that little bit of exposure was enough to freeze and bust it. As I learned the hard way, much easier to deal with scrathy insulation once in a while than a busted pipe once.

Meatball marinara with some green peppers, cheese, onions and jalapenos is my favorite. Next is the spicey Italian with same. However, my first choice for "grinders" is Firehouse subs. They rock! Not to mention the selection of hot sauces is fantactic.

Those are cool. Although, the dark side looks much more appealing to me. That would be fun to cruise around in.

I use a fluoro leader if the water is really, really clear and only 2 or 3 feet of leader. I don't like it so long that the knot is in the guides when flipping; want the knot out part the tip. Otherwise, braid with no leader. I use Ande saltwater leader as that is what I seem to always have around and use at the same test as the main line.

You're on your way! The fatigue will of course get better. 20+ years of playing electric and upright bass have helped condition my hands. But they still get a little tired if been wrapping a while. That's great you are test casting and stressing. Amazing the folks I hear that have dimensions, slap the guides on and go. I lay my guides out based upon dimensions I have, then stress test and take outside and throw. BTW, I have become A HUUUUGE fan of using tubing to hold the guides as opposed to tape. SO, much easier to move/adjust and holds a lot easier and better than tape. That is good that smaller guides are easier for you. I am just the opposite. Love the big guides. I can wrap a surf rod in half the time it takes for lighter rods - even with 2x-foot guides on the surf rod. Keep posting those pics. Eddie

And there's a good reason for that! I am probably on here the most in the winter when the days are short.

I haven't seen the latest group of episodes so I believe this is a new season - #3. I get it on VS.

So, sorry. That happened to me once a long time ago. Such a pain.

I'm with Eric. There is really not a time limit that I am aware of. The big consideration is picking up dust and something happening to your wraps the longer it sits. As soon as I am finished wrapping, if going to use CP, I apply CP as soon as I can. I wait 24 hours after CP applied then finish. The waiting 24 hours is just me. Supposedly you can finish 4 - 8 hours after CP, but, I put it on pretty thick and had one instance where after 6 hours it was still damp/tacky. Also, once applied I do not touch. Once again, many rods ago, tried to "clean up" the CP and the finish was crap and ended up re-doing. So, for that reason, I never touch the wraps again once burnished and prepped/ready for CP and/or finish. Eddie

Yes, if it wasn't for Franklin I would probably skip as well. I just really like Rich Franklin (and I missed 92 so I am a month behind ;D). Although I really like Marcus Davis and Shogun/Coleman should be a good match. Unfortunately looking at the top guys in the Light Heavy Weight class, IMHO, just don't know if Fraknlin can hang - loaded with talent with Jackson, W. Silva, Grffin, Henderson, etc. Don't think he can domintate like he used to in the middleweights. Just too much talent in those two classes. skunked_again, I agree. That's what I love about this sport.

Looking Good! Think you have been bit by the building bug. I love those Aero grips as well. Think your daughter will like them. She will be proud of that rod. Way to go Dad! Please keep the pics coming to show us how its going.