rtwvumtneer6

*Also a solution, and a nice follow up to @TnRiver46 Thanks, Glenn!

We're thinking about driving to Knoxville next year for the Classic. I have no idea how it all works. My understanding is it's centrally located on the UT campus, but I have no idea where to look for a hotel, if they offer any types of shuttle service into town, or what the parking situation is at the expo and weigh-in. If anyone was there in 23 and can offer some advice, I'd appreciate it!

So, $12.50, give or take?

Thanks, but I was never in Nebraska 🤣 Sorry @DaubsNU1 I just had to lol.

Not new here, but I haven't been around in some time. Changed jobs, got married, and have had a few other personal items keeping me from spending any time on the forums (but thankfully not off the water). I thought I'd circle back to say hello, again. My story is pretty simple. I started bass fishing as a teen, around the time me and my buddies were all getting our drivers license. Started with a spinning rod, a few Senkos and ribbon tail worms, some 4/0 hooks and a some bullet weights. Times were simpler, and I was hooked. Yeah, pun intended. Then came college, a career that had me moving every 12-18monhts, and a nasty battle with alcoholism. The rods collected dust for the better part of a decade. Fast forward, and I was blessed with a second chance and a renewed passion for the sport. I suppose that's how I'm wired - one addiction for another. However, my wife doesn't seem to mind as much about the fishing 😊 Anyway, I fish mostly local lakes, county and state parks, and farm ponds. I've had the opportunity to fish some local derby's with a good buddy of mine and enjoy the competitive side of this deal. And I'm close enough to Erie that we make it up that way every couple of years. I've had the opportunity to fish in Texas on Walter E. Long (AKA Decker), The North River in the Albemarle Sound a couple of times, Headwaters Lake, and this March will mark our 5th consecutive year to Okeechobee. I'm blessed and thankful for everything this sport has given me, and hope that I can offer something on here that's useful to someone else. I think this is all about giving back what's so freely been given. Tight lines, -RT

If anyone has the chance to get their hands on the new Expert Bayou, the Cara JC Flippin (7'10", not the Amistad XH) or the Ouachita Special, I'd love to hear your opinions!

I'm also advertising for Cabelas like @A-Jay I actually got heckled at a football game this year (from a friend a few rows back)... "Nice jacket. Where can I get one?!" 🤣 I did get my wife the women's version which is a couple years newer and it's more discreet. I go up a size and layer underneath when necessary. Nikwax Tech Wash/TX.Direct Wash-In Fabric Care Hardshell DUO-Pack seems to do the trick for me to wash and restore the waterproofing.

Agreed! And I only know they don't have kits because I've talked to them already 😃

They're great! Unfortunately, they dont have any kits for that size boat.

Falcon Lowrider CLC-7M Composite Cranker 4 Power M MS 7'0" 12-25 lb. 1/4-1/2 oz. Falcon BuCoo SR BRC-5-173 Deep Runner 5 Power MH MF 7'3" 10-20 lb. 3/8-3/4 oz. Falcon Lowrider LFC-7H Dragger 6 Power H F 7'0" 12-25 lb. 3/8-1 oz. Falcon Lowrider LFC-74H Heavy Cover Jig 6 Power H F 7'4" 15-30 lb. 3/8-1 oz. *Used to have this is model in BuCoo Falcon Cara CC-7-173 Amistad 7 Power H F 7'3" 15-30 lb. 1/2-1 1/2 oz. And... not a bass rod but a creek beater: Falcon BuCoo SR BRS-1L-16 Panfish 1 Power 6'0" 4-10 lb. 1/16-1/4oz. Not sure that I am allowed to promote or add a link to a YouTube video on here but I have one where I explain how I use each rod. You can search: My Falcon Rods (and what I use them for) because the transcript would be way too long to copy here.

We did. Didn't have a boat that day and planned to beat the bank. Water levels were up. It was a challenge. Caught a few but not enough to say we figured anything out. I'm in western PA, though. Maybe we're talking about the same place? This is just east of Jennerstown.

VMC Drop Dead Weighted Hook 4/0 - 3/32 oz. is another solid choice!

Anyone want to show off their Jon-bass boat conversion? Real world experience with a 1754 would be ideal. Tips, photos, etc. are welcome. Looking for any suggestions/advice I can get. Plans are TM and graph at the bow, tiller TM on the transom, extend the back deck (and maybe install a livewell), and a bilge pump. Additional storage would be nice, but I'm not sure it's necessary.

I use the composite cranker in the Flacon Lowrider series. It retails for around $130. Very parabolic (or some might call it slower action) which is great for treble hook baits. However, the graphite rod is likely lighter, and more versatile. And, for an extra $20, the Expert is a steal.

Lake Poinsett... Is it any good?

Looking for something a little closer than Headwaters or Toho. Won't have a boat but willing to hire a guide or rent. Lakes along the St John's River seems to be the closest option. Sure I'm missing a bunch as I've not been there, yet. Only played around on Google Earth. Suggestions? Thanks!

I would suspect a few things... A lot of us who have been around were really making out. Buy the gift cards 10% off, then wait to use it when everything is 20% off. And also keeps them from getting buried with orders in a 72 hour window from the "early release email" to the public opening. Curious how TacticalBassin buyer guides will promote this...

If anyone can help me to understand the new TackleWarehouse approach to combining Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the 12 Days of Christmas into a 2 month event, I'd appreciate it. I'm ok waiting for backorder items while my lakes are froze, but I don't want to make any more orders than are necessary... Thanks in advance 🤯

I'm going to jump in here with my own question... Anyone have the Cara Dragger 2 7-176? Is it just a longer Amistad with a full cork handle?

I have a couple of each. I like the Curado K for heavy line applications (I.e. pitching and frogging). Use the SLX for winding and applications that won't lut it through as much abuse. Hope that helps.

Bonus points if you can find a retailer within 100 miles of me that sells Falcon 😡

You got it. Probably 50# braid and I'm not punching nasty mats. I only own weights up to 1oz and it's not often I need those. But, when I do the HCJ feels a little under powered. I find it's sweet spot at 1/2oz weight.

Looking to add a 7 power to the line up to compliment my lowrider 6-174 heavy cover jig. Looking at the Amistad 7-173 and Dragger II 7-176 in the Cara blank. Would one work better than the other as a flippin stick for vegetation?

Buddy asked me to go to quemahoning reservoir. Bank fishing for largemouth. Can't find much by way of maps. Anyone have any suggests on an area to target? Understand the dam is fairly deep (100' or so) but is there good shallow water vegetation? Areas we can get to some steeper depth changes? Any insight appreciated. Thanks.

I ended up buying one. It was only 4# heavier than the others I was looking at.