Dan:

I think some people are GROSSLY overestimating the viewer interest in a daytime bass fishing competition...

You gonna take your Stratos?

scrutch, does it look anything like the pads in the background here? Pretty much eliminates any topwater options, even frogs. They end up climbing up over the pads and don't stay in the water very long.

has anyone heard anything or had experience with Kaenon sunglasses? I've been seeing more and more of them lately.

I havent fished with them, only tried some pairs on. I didnt really like the style too much compared to oakleys . And for how well the oakleys perform I dont see the need to fix what isnt broke. I would love to fish with someone who has them so we could swap glasses for a half hour or so. But what it all comes down to is I trust oakleys optics, I know they are not gonna trash my vision in the long run. I have owned maybe half a dozen different kinds of polarized glasses and none could do what the oakley shallow blue does imo. One thing I have noticed when I wear fashion shades or any kinda cheap glasses is that I cant see as well with them on. Things are so much more crisp with the oakleys. My best friend has been an oakley vendor for about 10 years or so, he's the one who told me about the test the coast guard did. This was maybe 3-4 years ago. I need to ask him what brands were tested and how they tested them. If you notice tho, most serious athletes wear oakleys and for good reason too. on the other hand, most fishing professionals use Costas...Oakley has lots of sponsorships and they are a "hot" brand that is popular with non-fishing average sunglass wearers (not that that's a bad thing, they are just a huge brand) I would lend you mine to try but I don't have the top of the line lenses so I don't think it would be a good comparison. Try to find someone with the 580 lenses. They have the same contrast increasing properties that you are talking about with the Oakleys.

Steve, did the Costas you tried have 580 lenses?

I've read that Chad Ochocinco eats McDonald's like 3 times a day.

What a coincidence. I run like an Olympian after eating McDonalds. All the way to the bathroom... +1

Guess you didn't read the first three sentences? Just letting him know they are not always in the thickest parts. um, yeah. But maybe you can explain to me how the bass are supposed to get to topwaters that are sitting or tangled on lily pads that are 6 inches ABOVE the water? I get what you're saying, maybe if there's an opening he can use them there, but it doesn't sound like he has many of those.

Topwater baits are not an option for what he's describing.

skip under them. You might only be able to do that along the edges.Also, try using really heavy jigs or t-rigs. I know the problem you have and it's not fun.

I'm pretty that isn't a point of contention in this thread. I'm sure you are pretty :-* #&$^! my gotdang keyboard be brokeded.

I'm pretty sure that isn't a point of contention in this thread.

I don't think it's no Shimanos to turn in, but you can't use the discount on Shimanos AFTER you turn in an old reel. I believe you are correct. I should have been more clear. Just trying to make sure everyone is aware.

No Shimanos at least that's how it's been in the past.

They might have already been on sale but at least they aren't like BPS that puts stuff up on "sale" for retail price...

looks similar to a Fin-Tech Title Shot jig

20lb PowerPro is like $3 less than the same amount of 65lb PowerPro. Plus, I feel a heck of a lot more comfortable pulling a 4lb fish +2lbs of weeds +however many lbs of drag that creates in the water with 65lb. Sure, you can get away with 20lbs a lot of times, but for $3/spool I'd rather not take the chance. Also, if you truly knew how to use a casting reel then you wouldn't be spending so much time fussing with it. For an experienced user it doesn't take any more time away from fishing than a spinning reel.

I've also caught fish in some pretty dense crap on 20lb braid. The heavier stuff is for just in case.

Thats kind of what I am saying. My 7'MH Triumph is the same rod spec as the 7'MH Mojo that says Spinnerbait on it. The retail diff is $30. St Croix is getting fat on Mojo, and just doing low profit turns on the Triumph. I say good for them if we keep buying it. As far as the no foregrip thing....hey just having a little fun during the freeze with a rod that was collecting dust. I'm not trying to be too serious here. Don't forget the cost of the split grip as well.

Sounds like a hard swimbait might do well for you as well. Just get one painted like a bluegill

I doubt that ESPN (owners of BASS) would allow other networks to broadcast an event they own. Maybe check ESPN360.com?

The rod made in China has to go on a boat and on a truck. So, the added cost is getting it across the ocean. What about the cost of labor? There are TONS of industries that manufacture overseas because even despite additional shipping costs it is still cheaper because the cost of labor is so much less.

Shipping over the ocean from China would be an added cost that you won't have to worry about so the difference in cost isn't likely to be that much. how much more does it cost to ship stuff on a boat than on a truck? I also wonder how much of a difference there is in cost of labor. Either way, I think St Croix is benefiting from the "Made in North America" labels they can put on the Mojos.

apparently it is to st croix!