MALTESE FALCON

I would agree with the Abu Garcia reels, as stated above they are "bulletproof" and will last forever. I have a twenty-four year old C3 that still works perfectly. I think a 4600 C3 would be a good choice because they have a thumb bar and not the little button to to cast. Falcon

I LOVE my baitcasters and use them 90% of the time, but if you are just fishing unweighted plastics, you're better off getting a good spinning reel. Falcon Oh, by the way, WELCOME.

This year, the four baits that are working well for me are: 1-3/8 oz double willow spinnerbait. 2-silver/blue X-Rap #10 3-Shad Rap 07 in shad color. 4-Rattlin Rapala 07 in silver/blue. Falcon

I got my Rapala News E-Mail today. I'll be the first in line, but I heard they won't be available until June. That means my BPS won't have them until August. FALCON

Before my accident it was water skiing, now I just chase my wife through the house. She even lets me catch her every now and then. Falcon

basscat73 and ghoti gave you some very good advice. I use Abu Garcia reels on all three of my muskie rods. They will handle anything the muskies can hand out. Good luck, Falcon

bshaner, Where are you going to be this weekend? What kind of boat? I'll look for you. I'll be in a 25' Baja center console w/ 250 H.P. Merc. Falcon

WOW!!! That thing gives the term "Crotch Rocket" new meaning. Falcon

I was talking to Bob Richardson from "Outdoors In The Heartland". He told me hat they have become his go to bait for smallies. Especially the Bubblegum and white colors. He said there have been days where he caught 45-50 fish on one Zero. Falcon

It looks like he'll be giving you lessons soon.LOL Falcon

Hey Swimz88, I'm sure you'll like your Quantum. KVD uses them. I sugested the Revo because all I use is Abu Garcia, and have had no problems at all. I also have alot of friends with Quantum that are problem free. Enjoy your new combo, Falcon

I use an older steelhead rod for my topwater baits. It's 8'-3" long and willowy. I use it because I'm prone to setting the hook too early. Since I started using it I haven't lost any topwater strikes. It's probably alot softer tip than most guys use, but it works for me. Falcon I should add that I only use this rod for Pop-R's and Skitter Pop's, and prop baits. Not Sammy's and Spooks.

I've used Trilene XL for over twenty years and, as Burley said you won't find a better line for spinning. Falcon

When I was in high school, one of my best friend's uncle was the owner of the Helin Tackle Co. (Flatfish). He taught us all to tie the cinch knot properly. For forty years that's all I tie. I've never had a problem. Falcon

I used to be in the $50 to $80 range, with all the Abu garcia C3's,4's,&5's I have, but the last two purchases were a Record $139.99 and a Revo SX $149.99................I must be getting up in the world. Falcon

Captaininsaneo, I can't think of a better comparison for the chatterbait. Maybe a jig that swims like a crankbait with an attitude. (lots of vibration) Falcon

Welcome, If you don't learn anything here you can't be taught. I always thought I was a very good fisherman, now after a year here I've learned a ton from this site. Have fun, Falcon

The only Storm lures I've had any success with is the Thunder Stick Jr. I must say, that Wildeye does look interesting. Falcon

I've been getting the same mailings. It seems too good to be true, two for one. They claim to use nothing but the best components, but two rods for $39.99 sounds fishy. Excuse the pun. Falcon

Avid, Ronnie is right, the D5 is a great reel. Even though it is a round reel, it has a recessed reel foot that gives it a low profile feel, and plenty of line capicity 12/245 and 23.5 IPT. I've had mine for two full seasons and wouldn't trade it. Falcon

Squid hit it pretty close. I know alot of guys fish the Canadian side at that time of year. The channels, especially the South seem to hold alot spawners too. I normally stay here on Anchor Bay. I just started picking up some nice smallies this week in the corner by Selfridge. A couple more places to check would be, the rip rap breaker wall at the mouth of the Clinton River is a smallie hang-out, and the point at the mouth of the Black Creek (Metro Beach). Those are two places I'm thinking about attacking this weekend. Good luck, Falcon

Very nice Pike. You grow them BIG over there. Does IDRA have a web site? I fished for Pike with some English friends, and they convinced me to lighten up on my tackle. What fun it is to catch a ten pound Pike on 7' med. light spinning tackle. Falcon

I always tex-pose when I Texas Rig. Falcon

Just getting out on the water is a good day. It's a great day if I boat a bunch of smallies. Falcon

My favorite shallow crankbaits are: shallow Shad Raps Bomber square "A" Cotton Cordell "Big O" Rattlin Raps #05 or #07 Falcon