FishTank

Always. It gives it a little more action.

I tried two spools of Fireline last year and both were terrible. I tried it on both spinning reels and a baitcaster. It worked well for about 2 hours of use and then the line started to break and seperate. I can understand one bad spool but two from two different stores. I will not using it again. I'm going to stay with PowerPro and Sufix.

I usually use a white sonic rooster tail or a Mepps. I'll take 3 or 4 of the same lure when the crappie are making a run. These lures have been my secret weapon for quite some time when it comes to crappie. They will start hitting them hard around 2 hours before sundown in lakes and ponds I go to.

Thanks again.

For unweighted Senkos and Ikas I prefer spinning equipment. For weighted T-rigged soft plastic I prefer baitcasters. My favorite setup is a Quantum Energy Pti-a 20 on a 6'6'' M St. Croix Avid with either 6lb YoZuri Hybrid or P-Line Floroclear , a 4/0 Gami and a 5in Senko Green Pumpkin Black Flake.

Avid, I have a Calcutta 251 and it probably the easiest to cast out of all the baitcasters I own. I seldom change the brakes but when I do I put a piece of white tape on the spool to hold the line, unscrew the side plate screws (which should be thumb tight, no tools needed), take out the spool and change the breaks. The hard part is putting the side plate back on but once you get use to it, it's easy. I have this reel set up on a Loomis BCR803. I use it for most of my T-Rig soft plastics with a 3/16oz weight. Unless I do something stupid, I never get a backlash, even when I cast into the wind. I guess it is just what you are use to. There is another solution.........

Picked up a pack of these today and wanted to here if anybody had an opinion on them. I saw a video on them and they looked cool. Thanks again for all of your thoughts.

I had an ugly stick for a couple of years and it had its' place and purpose. When I look at the wide variety of quality rods that are available today at the same price, I find it hard to believe that they are still popular. I can remember putting a bell on the end of one and using it to pull in catfish everytime the bell chimed. Needless to say, it was not a very sensitive rod but it would bring in fish and was tough as a 2X4. Instead of an ugly stick, I would vote for a BPS Tourney Special.

For 15+ years I fished a Daiwa spinning combo, a Zebco 33 and rod I can't ID, a Ryobi Saltwater combo and somewhere I picked up a Zebco Bullet with an Ugly Stick. These rods and reels did the trick for me but by most standards they had become unfixable junk about 3 or 4 years ago. So I met the bait monkey, went crazy with the check book and I have not been able to wipe the smile off of my face yet. The cash I spent increased my fun and love for my hobby. Is it necessary?> No way!!!! But I am having a good time and I'm catching a lot more fish than I have in years passed. Five years ago I would find it funny to think I could feel the difference between a rod made just for soft plastic and one for crankbaits but times change with the sport and technology advances. These changes and advancements are not for everybody. So no big deal, it's all about having fun, sharing stories, and teaching your kids what your father (parent) taught you. BK, I fished the creeks in Alligator Alley for years as a kid with a homemade cane pole and minnows I would catch in a stream so I think I got your $14 pole beat. Check it out someday, the alligators are still there and so are the fisherman with the homemade cane poles.

I own both of these rods and they are both fantastic. If I had to pick which one was my favorite, I would have to pick the BCR803. It is the most sensitive rod I have ever used. It will cast a senko a country mile. But if you're looking for more versatlity, then the MBR783 will cover more lures. On a side note, I also own a MBR844 IMX. It is, IMHO, the most versatile rod I have ever used. I have yet to find a lure I can't cast with this thing. Even though it is just slightly less sensitive than the other two rods mentioned, it makes up for it in hook setting power and versatlity. Also, what reel are you looking to put on your new rod?

Thanks Avid, I was trying to be polite. The more I read this article, the more holes I find in it. I did a google search on the author and it seems he has written several articles.

Seems like a good article. It covers some basic info but correct me if I am wrong, I think the term "Power" should be used instead of "Action" and the number ratings like "7-8=Heavy Action" seems wierd. When I think of power, I think in terms of how stiff the rod is and how much hook setting power the rod has and when I think of action, it is how the rod bends. As far as the number rating goes, I usually refer to a rod on a 1-5 Power scale, 1 being an Ultra-light and 5 being a Mag/Extra Heavy. But all that aside, I get the point of the article and diagram at the bottom.

If you are looking at the 200 size reel, I would say it is well worth it. I have an older 201 BSF and for several reasons, I like it better than the new 201 Curados. I have had a chance to fish a new 100 Curado and I liked it a lot. With the new Curado 201 it seems larger and harder to palm comfortably. I can also cast the older Curado better. The only thing I did like about it was the drag. It seems smoother and stronger. I would gladly spend $100-$125 for a new old style BSF Curado but that is just my personal opinion. If you think about it, instead of paying around $200 for the new Curado, one could buy an old one and add the best bearing and drag washers available and still be under $200.

I personally have had some bad luck with Flurocarbon lines but using a braided knot has improved things greatly. http://mysite.verizon.net/restmvit/braided.html

I believe the Inferno is a branded reel made exclusively for Dick's. Bottom line, I would buy the Sahara. The idea that it is a $100 reel that you are getting for $50 is a spoof. I think that reel goes for that price all the time. This is not to say that it may not be a good reel. The Sahara is a proven winner and if for some reason you would need it serviced, you should not have any problems finding parts.

I agree with T-rig, go for a Lucky Craft Sammy. It has been one of the best topwater bait I have ever used.

These look awesome. I can't wait to pick some up.

I would have to say a gently used Curado 100 would be a good starter reel. Check out ebay or like others have suggested take a look at the flea market.

I would say the Crucial. It's a great rod for the money and you can't beat the warranty.

I have been using the Gamakatsu G-Lock 4/0. It has a fatter bend than an EWG which gives you a little more room to set the hook.

I have been using P-Line Floroclear for a couple of years now and never had any problems with it. I am currently using the 6lb test on a Quantum Energy Pti-a 20 and a St.Croix Avid 6' ML. So far the this year the line has never broke on me. It is thinner than your standard 6lb test (.23mm compared to Yo-Zuri Hybrid .263mm). It seems more like a 4lb test line that breaks around 11lb. I have tried Evolution and CXX and I did not care for either one. If you want try another copolymer, hybrid type line, you might look at Gamma or YoZuri Ultra Soft. IMHO, the Gamma casts further and lands equally as many fish but it does not last as long as the YoZuri

Shimano Sahara> $59.99. My brother got one at Dicks on sale for $48.00. Just keep your eyes open.

Overall I like Quatuam reels. I have to Energy Pti-a 20 spinning reels and I have had no problems. They cast well, they're smooth, and so far they have taken a beating. I have to admit, I am also skeptical of the hot sauce. I use it strictly on these two reels and nothing else. The oil seems to seperate from the red dye but all you have to do is wipe it away. One other thing about hot sauce is, less is better. One little drop and that's it.

I have been using an older Calcutta 251. It has been fantastic (a little big though). The 100 size would probably be easier for just flipping.

Thanks, worked great.