Dan:

I need help deciding what model to get to replace my Avid 7'0" ML Fast rod that I just broke... LTBS66MLF 6'6" / ML / Fast / 1 piece / 4-10#line / lure weight:1/8-3/8 LTBS70MF 7' / M / Fast / 1 piece / 6-12#line / lure weight: 3/16-5/8 I am looking at these two rods because most of my fishing is river wading for smallmouth and I mainly use flukes and shakey heads. I felt my Avid 7'0" ML F was very good for both of these applications, but I just don't know if a M F would do better because I haven't used one...I would like to stick with the ML action because I think it's more fun to catch smallmouth on a lighter rod, although I could probably throw a greater range of lures with the M rod...Do you think going to a Medium power rod would make me lose the fun of fighting feisty smallies on light tackle? or is it worth being able to throw more lures even though the ML throws flukes and shakeys (what I mostly use in the river) perfectly well? Basically, I could go either way, that's what makes choosing so hard. I'm leaning a little toward the ML just for the light tackle aspect, though. agh! Help me make up my mind guys!

Nice, is this place public?

yeah, that must feel awesome. You should be proud of that lure, too, it looks great! Awesome fish, as well.

LBH, can you send me the font files that you used? It seems that I don't have the fonts that are in the image. You can either send them to my email or just tell me where I can download them. I'd rather just get the fonts than have to trace the letters, it'll look better that way and it'll be easier.

LBH, I got the image. I believe I can get what you want. It might take me a little while because I have lots of work this week with it being the last week of classes before exam week. How many more do you need done and what file format do you need them in?

I'm not sure about even that much.

I believe you are correct about Quantums being made by Zebco. I think the unpopularity of Quantums is for reasons that are being stated, generally, they aren't as high quality as other options. I've also experienced that fact myself in a couple of reels I've had.

but I could get a Legend Tournament for the same price at this point, and the Legend Tournament is supposed to be a much better rod. I'm looking at Compre's and Crucials for my next setup though... Reelmechanic, I'm almost certain that no rod could have survived getting the tip crunched but in a trunk's opening mechanism like that...

LBH, send me an example of what you need done. I can do simple stuff but if it's too complicated of an image with effects and what not, then I won't be able to help. I'd like to see them to determine if its something I'm capable of, though.

I saw Shaw at the Richmond Fishing show this winter. I think he's one of the better tv hosts and he seems like a great guy. Let us know how it goes

Return shipping is covered under the $50. You only have to pay $10 to get it there so it will be $60 total Awesome, thanks. So $60 for an Avid. My model's price is $180. A similar Legend Tournament would be $210. So if I did the upgrade, I'd have to pay the difference ($30) plus the $50 for replacement and $10 for shipping? So I can either get an Avid for $60 or a Legend Tournament for $90? Hmmmmm.... Would a legend tournament be worth the additional $30? Is it that much of a better rod? I do like the split grip handles they have... Uh oh, I can tell my wallets going to be thinner soon.

Bassn Blvd, I don't have enough money to spend on a Loomis...That's why I said I was looking for one around $100. Thanks c_diesel, that sounds like a good plan. That means I'll be out $70? That's not too bad, but I only paid about $100 for it in the first place! I have got to be more careful from now on. ANyone know how long the repair/replacement usually takes?

I don't think I still have the receipt because I got it through a dealer employee discount from when I worked at Dick's. Although they probably have a record of that though. I mean, they put my name on the rod, they know I'm the original owner. I just checked out the Gold Star warranty, it looks like the $50+shipping costs could get me a new Avid. Anyone know how much it normally costs to ship a rod to Wisconsin?

Yeah, I was just out on the river, I managed to catch one that was about a pound. Have you ever fished the Parrot (Parrott?) area? I went wading there last summer on Craw's recommendation and me and my friend both hooked up with big fish but we managed to lose both....It was a nice wading spot though.

I am so angry/sad right now. I just broke my St Croix Avid spinning rod. I just got it this past summer and I loved it. It got caught in the opening mechanism in my trunk and the tip of the bottom half (its 2-pieces) got crunched up. I can't put the two halves together. The worst part is, I went to check my warranty and found a registration card that I didn't realize I had to send in within 30 days of purchase to be able to have the warranty. ALso, I'm not sure it would even fall under the warranty because it broke as a result of an accident and not in regular use. I am SO ticked right now. So right now I have my Stradic on some POS until I find a replacement... Anyone have any good recommendations for a nice rod (similar to the Avid) for less than or equal to $100? I was looking at Daiwa -S rods and a BPS Extreme, as well as maybe a Grandt but I'm certainly open to other options. My Avid was a 7' ML Fast Action. Two piece is important so I can fit it into my car when its fully loaded.

bass wrangler, did you store them with regular plastics? If you put them in the same container with regular plastics, they dry up and melt for some reason. If you keep them separate, they are usually fine. The Gander mountain i used to go to had them on sale for $1 for a long time.

you are so lucky, man. I wish I went to school down there, I would fish the river all the time. It's so beautiful down there and they have so many smallies. At JMU, I have the SHenandoah and the South and the North rivers all nearby but I'm pretty sure all of them have felt the effects of recent fish kills. I can still catch fish, but not like the New, I'm sure. If only I had started fishing seriously before I decided what school to go to! I could have used fishing locations as an added factor of deciding where to go!

I didn't feel this one (I'm too far away) but I remember when I was little I lived in California and experienced the Northridge earthquake. Large earthquakes are incredibly strange to experience for the first time It's very disorienting to have your house moving from side to side under your feet, especially if you are in the disoriented state because the quake just woke you in the middle of the night. I remember waking up and not having a clue what was going on, the house was shaking violently and it was dark...and I was only 6.

mattm, I just don't see why it's such a big deal. Most people probably don't use as much sauce as you, like brett said, they probably have a set amount that they are supposed to give you. Couldn't you have just asked for more? Is having a little less sauce than you usually use honestly that important?

I heard some stuff about them possibly jamming up a little bit, let me know if they get gunked up easily. I want to get one, but with all the river wading I do, I don't want to get a reel with a bunch of openings for grit and what not.

lol, that's great

yeah, I saw that too. People had trashbags full of tiny fish, one guy was even jamming them into a large gatorade bottle

Jay, I've never been that attached to an animal before so I don't know how hard that can be, but I can see how bad it is making you feel. I hope you feel better, man.

I heard you can catch them down near Columbia pike (of all places!)

I play the harmonica a little bit.