The Patriot

Crypt, I'll get a pic posted on here tonight and I'll check for a serial #. No VIN that I know of.

I picked up this canoe last year, the brand wasn't in the add, nor was it really important to me. I paid $150 for it, it floats and has enough room me, another person and plenty of gear for fishing/camping. Its fiberglass, one thwart in the middle, two plastic seats and has a white birch bark look exterior. I've looked in to this some already and found American Fiberlite, but thats not the brand. I stumbled over the correct brand last year but forgot it about as quick as I saw it. Its a canoe brand from I believe the 80s that no longer exists. I can't for the life of me remember the brand or find it online. Anyone want to take a stab at jarring my memory on this one?

^ aaannnd /thread.

I've walked past boats and stopped to check them out. More of an admiring/d**n I wish I had this look, than a "lets see what they're using" look, but I believe plenty of people will look and most people wouldnt care. Look with your eyes though. Unless you're invited on the boat, or are having a conversation and ask permission, you have no business touching the boat or anything sitting on the decks. And just because one guy throws something and may have caught fish, doesnt mean the next guy will. Fishing conditions change and the tactics need to change as well. I say this because even if I saw a guy coming off the water with a toad in his livewell, and saw that he was throwing a black buzzbait, I know that even though it worked for him, I still need to get out there and assess the conditions at the given moment I'm out there. But I guess thats because Im not a shmuck who tries to rifle through peoples gear in an intrusive manner. But I digress

I spooled with 20# simply because I had it. If I were buying new line for it, I probably would have went with 50# because in western mass ponds, theres lots of vegetation, laydowns, debris, etc. My 20# braid definitely digs in from time to time. I'm probably going to switch out the braid fairly soon as I've been practicing more with fishing laydowns, grass, and throwing jigs (casting, swim, and football). I dont throw them enough so I never got comfortable with them. Now that I'm focusing on that more, I want the heavier line. Moving forward, the money saved with mono backing is enough for me to give up a little casting distance.

I got my first baitcaster about a month ago. Surprisingly it came pretty easy to me. I learned how to set up the reel for each lure before even using it and practiced in the yard with a plug for about a half hour when I got it home. When I cast I keep my thumb lightly feathering the line and apply pressure right when the lure hits the ground/water. Ive had it over spin a few times but I just press the reel with my thumb and pull the line out a bit. I just had my first actual birds nest yesterday. I had it spooled with braid as my main line which made getting the nest out virtually impossible. Had to cut the line off the reel. I didnt have enough braid left over to fully spool it again so I used 10lb mono as a backer and then filled the rest with 20lb braid and went back out. Casting seems more controlled this way in terms of controlling the line, although my casting distance isnt quite as great.

The Aetos rod is one Ive heard a lot of good things about, but have no experience with their products. I won't rule it out just yet though. If nothing else, I may get a MH Abu rod for the simple fact that I really want to learn jig fishing. My half ounce jigs, although my rod is rated for up to 1/2 and 3/4oz, seems to be a bit much for my Lews rod. I definitely believe a MH Abu (or H in another brand) would be the way to go for these applications. I think for lighter senkos (3"), poppers and jitterbugs, my spinning rod could suffice until I find the right M rod Yea... the baitcaster addiction is real. So is hiding the cost lol

Gibby, do you have Lews rods? I ask because I feel like although my rod might be a bit less than MH (maybe its not), I feel like its still a bit too stiff to cast smaller lures like poppers or jitterbugs. Which is why I want a medium power rod to go with it. I just dont want to pull the trigger on an Abu medium power if thats going to still be too heavy power for these applications. Its rated for 3/8-1oz. It seems to do ok with the frogs, but Ive also never used a heavy power rod so I cant speak to that power. Unfortunately, the only stores around me are a couple Dicks stores. If I make a bit of a drive I could go to Cabelas. These are the only two places for me actually handle a rod before buying. Im looking at Abu Garcia because I can order direct from them at almost half off as my buddy works for a company that is owned by Jarden/Newell Rubbermaid (the also own Abu and other fishing brands). They also own Fenwick, Pflueger, and Shakespeare. Im not familiar with any of their casting rods though.

so after some use, I've come to love this baitcaster. I've been using it for senkos (both weighted and weightless 5" and up), larger buzzbaits, larger spinner baits, ribbit frogs and some hollow bodies. Having already stated that its a MH/F, I feel that it might be a bit closer to a M/F. I dont have much to compare to, aside from a few Abu Garcia rods that are also rated MH. I've seen mentioned before that AG rods tend to be rated one power level below what they truly are. Meaning an Abu MH is closer to a H power. I feel like the Lews has a bit more give than what I expected a MH to have. Can you guys provide me any feedback on the power ratings of Lews rods? Should I treat this rod as a true MH (or close enough to it)? I can get a really great deal on Abu products and I'd like to put together another baitcast combo. Im trying to decide between a M and a MH. I ask about the Lews, because if Lews rods are typically a power level below their rating, I'll get a M power Abu. If Lews ratings are pretty accurate, then I'm not sure I'll get an Abu as I currently dont fish enough lures that would require a H power. Id like to end up with a M/F and a MH/F, for now. Sorry for the ramble, thanks for the help!

After some tinkering, i found that theres a little black cap that pops up, and theres a philips screw underneath to tighten down that knob. problem solved! Just incase these screws want to loosen over time, I might put a slight dab of lock-tite on the threads. Going out shortly, we had a lot of rain early this morning that we havent had in weeks. Its pretty windy as well, I think I might try out the caster with a buzzbait.

The reel is model CB1SH. It's actually a 6'10" rod. Not 7' line wt is 10-20lb. Lure wt 3/8-1oz Also, not sure if it's a defect or if I just can't figure it out. I was casting a hallow frog in the yard when one of the knobs on the reel handle came off. I looks like it's riveted on but I'm not positive. Is there a way that knobs attach that I'm not seeing? Or is it truly riveted and I got one with a weak rivet.

Hey everyone. I went to Dick's with my father yesterday to help him get setup on a new spinning rod/reel. He hasn't fished in years and since I've been fishing more the last couple years, he wants in. I had a coupon and a gift card to dicks so I was going to pick up some new stuff for myself too. Lures, hooks, couple plano cases. I realized, I've got some lures I havent even used, others I've used but not enough to be comfortable with them, I should spend more time with those before buying more. The other stuff, I dont really need. then I said a Lew's on the shelf, it was the last one and it was on sale. I decided to bite the bullet and take the plunge into baitcasters. It seems like a pretty good rod, but being my first baitcaster, I'm not sure how the reel is. I have nothing to compare it too and cant find much about this combo online. I've got it spooled with 20lb braid because I had a spool of Spiderwire at home. Specs are 7' MH/F 7.1:1 gear ratio my other rod is a F&S Inferno spinning rod, 6'6" M/M (might actually be M/S). I got the lews 1) because I wanted to try a baitcaster, and 2, I got it because I felt that the specs would be a good compliment to my spinning rod. I fish mostly ponds and a couple small lakes, laydowns, rocks, pads, grass but nothing super thick. 85% of the time I'm using either a weightless senko, senko+bullet weight, poppers or a jitterbug. Occasionally I'll use a buzzbaits, hollow body frogs, jigs and dabble with other soft plastics. I'd use these more often but I dont feel that my spinning rod is capable of properly fishing these baits/lures (hence the stronger casting rod). I plan to put together another rod in the future, but I want to practice with what I have before spending more money on something else. Given the above info, what jobs would you task each combo with? Also, does anyone have any first hand feedback on the Lews combo or reel specifically? Thanks! Eric

I did that 5x5 a couple years ago. Awsome routine to follow. Definitely got the numbers up there. Another one that is good for strength is Smolov or Smolov Jr. Similar in the sense that you're always squatting. A movement that is key to building and strengthening the rest of your body. If you hit a plateau in your workouts and youre not going squats, do squats. If your squatting already, do more squats. After my motorcycle accident I do less heavy squatting, but more frequency. I save the heavy stuff for box squats. ATG!

Im not experienced with frogs at all. I have a Boo-Yah pad crasher and have only fished it a few times. One twice have I gotten a reaction. I've fished it over open water alongside cover and over thick pads and grass. I have a M power rod with 20# braid. Im still learning what works for retrievals, but I can comfortably say that my retrieve might be better, but Id definitely feel more comfortable with MH or H rod.

Did you check to be sure your line wasnt wrapped around the tip of your rod? I'm sure that it wasn't as I'm sure you checked... but I've had this happen before and didnt realize it was wrapped around.

Probably not as slow as I should. I usually do a *jerk-jerk-jerk-jerk-pause-jerk-jerk-jerk-jerk-jerk* across it. Basically mimicking a hopping a frog. I'll try slowing it down. This time of year where I am it would behoove me learn how to properly retrieve one of these things. Thats a great idea. I might just give that a whirl

Pad Crasher - I have a from that was given to me. I didnt know what it was until I saw the same one at Dick's tonight (Im new and inexperienced with frogs). Ive had zero hits with it in the pads and grass, but Ive had two hits in more open areas (thin small pad area). Seems maybe this is a better lure for jerking across water.

Hey there fellow Masshole! Welcome to the boards.

They've got a new album coming out on the 25th. There's two songs released already. Kinda seems like theyre taking on a more "radio friendly" mainstream sound. Still good, just not the Parkway I've come to know and love.

When I got back in to fishing a couple years ago I was sold by the name Gary Yamamoto. People I've talked to use them and love them so I figured I would too. This year I was at WalMart and saw Yums in green pumpkin and a couple other colors I like for less than half the price. I picked up a few bags because I was out of senkos. Thus far, I have not only had significantly more bites on the Yums, but more bites before needing to move the hook or replace the bait. I find the senkos to be very fragile and slip and rip easily due to the salt packed in there. Where I fish, I'm casting in to area that can get pretty weedy this time of year and I was going through GY Senkos way to quick for the price I paid. Yums for me from here on out. The only one I havent found a good replacement for is the swimsenko.

Single best concert I've seen thus far: 2009 I think. Volbeat (when they were just getting their name out), opened for Lamb of God, who opened for Metallica. This was at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Metallica is my absolute favorite band so there was a bias there. But it was a concert that would have given anyone chills. Next would be All That Remains when they played the Hometown Throwdown in Northampton MA. I'm seeing them again in November with Emmure and We Came as Romans. Im expecting the Parkway Drive concert in November to be on this list as well.

Probably two minutes away from you actually. My girlfriend and I are in an apartment right off Grattan St. Probably the worst area of Chicopee to live in right now with all the construction. I just got a canoe this past spring and starting the process of looking for houses. If I buy a boat or kayak or anything of the sort before the house or ring, I'll be sleeping with the bass. HA! Probably! Im getting off 91 in Deerfield around 8:20 most days. I hate the commute lol.

I've heard stories about some pretty healthy bass being pulled out of the Aldrich. Never caught anything impressive myself though. I grew up 2 minutes from there and never really fished it until last year though. Hey there neighbor! I'm from Granby, now live in Chicopee and work in Turners. I'd be happy to share some spots I've found with you... although your post is from April, you've probably found some yourself by now lol

Not for me. They still attack face and neck. But my hat doesnt get bit. I've found Repel Tick Repellent (also for the other typical nuisance bugs) to work better than most of the other mosquito DEET sprays out there. At least here in New England anyway.

Yum green pumpkin senkos. Cinnamon or watermelon GY swimsenkos. Im a rookie so im still playing around with different cranks, buzzbaits, jigs and spinners find what works and learn the retrieves.