ejtaylor822

Great pics. Looks like a great pond.

I think most of the BPS reels are made by others. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1206417279/0 Have heard a lot of good comments on here from folks on the BPS Johnny Morris BC's and spinning reels. Of course, they can be expensive....

2x - the one-piece metal frame is much stronger as compared to frames that are pieced/mated together. Graphite frames are typically lighter and hold up pretty well but do not hold up to stresses as well as a solid metal frame. A couple of my saltwater spinning reels are graphite frames; little lighter and feel nice. They were also a little less expensive.

Just a word of caution, I would be careful on the saltwater use. The finish might be salt/corrosion proof but the internals may not be. There might be gaps in the spool, crank, ACS knob and other mating surfaces where salt/sand could get in. Most saltwater reels have gaskets and seals that protect salt and sand from entering. Quantum is very specific about saltwater. They have a line of spinning, baitcasting and casting reels dedicated to saltwater that are pretty much built on the same frames as the upper end freshwater. I would really research before I took a "freshwater" reel in saltwater. Just my $.02. Eddie

As others have said, its "usually" to keep the line off the blank. The smaller the ring/guides with the lowered height, which lowers the line closer to the blank, the more guides will be needed. In rod building, the traditional "cone of flight" rule of thumb is the number of guides on a spinning rod will equal the length in feet of the rod; baitcaster will be the length in feet plus 1. So, a 7' BC will have 8 guides and a 7' spinning will have 7'. If the length is over a foot increment, you round up and add one - ie., 6'6" BC will have 8. With the "j" guides from fuji and stronger single foot guides, the line can be moved closer to the blank where efficiencies are gained in casting and fighting. This means that more guides are needed to keep the line off the blank. But, that's ok as the guides are much lighter so the action and sensitivity is minimally impacted. I built a 7 BC rod based upon the concept design. After static and cast testing, turned out that 9 guides were needed. The last 5 guides were #6 fly guides. I am building another on the same blank with almost identical characteristics. On this one though with the lower guides (#4) a total of 12 guides are needed - lower guides and more needed to keep the line off the blank. Hope this helps and makes sense. Eddie

Zara spook silver

I fished turkey lake a few years ago while at a conference. Didn't have much luck, but, did catch my first alligator. Little 2 footer caught on a chatter bait along some weeds. Sure is a nice lake. BassAkwards, they do have boats there you can rent for half-day and full day if you are interested. They were specific on the days and I was not able to get one. Should be able to call and check though. Nice aluminum boats provided by bass pro. Eddie

Dancin' eel - I have caught a few on them, but, as I lose them they are not getting replaced.

They all look fantastic. Love the purple haze tiger! And, that bottom one too - partial to baby bass patterns.

Very nice. Way to go after them following that short strike with the jig.

Very nice. Looks like your patience paid off well. Sounds like a good day.

Agree with what everyone else has said. The reason can do both is because they are both single hook applications (vs. treble) where you want a sensitive rod. Like everyone has stated, med-hvy, hvy with a fast action is the desired power and action. Med-hvy to hvy power to drive the hook for a sure hook set and a fast action to immediately bring the power of the rod into play. The only "drawback", and its minor, is that the flipping/pitching rod will typically allow for heavier baits (1/2 to 1 1/2 oz) where a true C-rig/worm rod will spec lighter lures (1/4 to 3/4 oz). So, the heavier rod will be a little less sensitive. However, I believe it would be negligible for most folks. BTW, with a fast or extra fast action, depending upon the size of the lure, could also make a decent spinnerbait rod as well. Eddie

Like I say, don't drink the water, its where the fish go to the bathroom and mate.

Grew up fishing with my Dad and Grandfathers. Got away from it during college, but got back into it about 5 years ago. I do it now for its pure simplicity, beauty and reminder of when life was simpler. At its purest form its a rod, lure and a fish - no computers, no boss, no fax, etc. Just me and the fish. Nothing like being on the water early in the AM.

The rip rap could be one of the warmer water spots depending on the sun. Nice place for a jerk bait and maybe some cranks. Can run the jerk bait out from the rip rap to imitate bait fish. Depending upon the temps may want to use slow twitches with some deadsticking. The laydowns should be fun as well with some worms I would think.

I agree. Making cranks is an art. I tried a couple and they were garbage. Haven't tried since and they sit on shelf in plain view as a reminder in case I get the idea to start more. I have decided that instead of making nice cranks I will just be an admirer of those who do. Eddie

Very nice. Great idea . I'd throw 'em. Eddie

Nice fish and great story. Love that top water strike.

Sounds like a fun day. The days when all you have are a few lures and leave the suitcase of lures at home are sometimes the best. Think its because you really, at least for me anyway, focus on working that bait just right instead of knowing you can cut it off after the next cast for any number of lures in the bag. 19 fish in two hours 8-) Eddie

1. Where I am now - North Carolina - LMB, SMB, and stripers. 2. Florida - Large mouth and peacocks would be fun, would miss the SMBs 3. California 4. Texas

I have several that I have been using for a couple of years. They are very nice. At $70 to $85 that's a good buy considering that up until early last year they were selling for $180. Also look for good buys on the Pro Tour. I bought two new off ebay for $110 each. They were selling for $220 couple years ago. The Pro Tour has 11 bearings. To be honest though, the Energy casts almost as well. Love both of these reels. Eddie

Congrats. Very nice fish. Eddie

It is amazing what those little guys will hit. I was out testing some new large saltwater swimbaits in our pond. Pulled one in and hand a little bass hooked that was about half the size of the bait. Like you, didn't realize had something on there. Wish I had the camera but didn't expect to catch a thing.

Kent, thanks for all the hard work and for helping to make this a great site. Eddie

Very, very nice as always. Love those shad. Eddie