MALTESE FALCON

Another vote for Abu Garcia. I have a C3 6500 on one rod, a C4 6600 on the rod for big buzzbaits, and spinnerbaits, and a C5 Mag-X on the other. All work flawlessly. They are all well within your price range, and will last forever. Falcon

With a bonus like that he could buy a new pair. LOL Falcon

I have five tackle bags filled with artificial baits, but there days when I enjoy getting some large golden shiners or spottail minnows and having a more relaxing day of fishing. I have absolutely no problem with ethics or whatever you want to call it. Many of my 6# plus smallies have come on live shiners and I don't feel any less a fisherman than when I catch them on artificials. I've stated before, when my Baja leaves my seawall I want to catch fish, if it takes live bait to do it, so be it. Falcon

Congratulations Catt. He's a handsome young man. Our little guy got here at 1:37 P.M. yesterday. Gavin James Azzopardi Falcon

I have the RCN40. It's a great reel and it will last forever. I was very impressed with how well it will cast lighter baits. It has 30" per turn retrieve rate and smooth drag. Falcon

My expreience has been when you are catching bowfin (dogfish), nothing else will be in the area. Falcon

Congratulations Catt. I'm also waiting for a phone call. My son took my daughter-in-law to the hospital at 6:30 this morning. They already know they are having another boy. I'm baby sitting his older brother right now. Good luck, Falcon

Biz, sounds like you really hit the jackpot. Good luck and show us some pics. Falcon

25' Baja Sportfish center console with 250 HP Mercury EFI Saltwater. Also paid for. Falcon

Welcome aboard. I wouldn't give-up on the grub yet, and the in-line spinners should do the trick too. Falcon

I will keep an occasional walleye, but that's all. Every smallmouth, largemouth, pike, and muskie will be released. Falcon

Now that's a nice pike!!! My biggest is 37", a far cry from yours. Must have been alot of fun fighting that beast. Falcon

Looks like a great idea, I'll have to try that tomorrow. Thanks for sharing. Falcon

On some of my spinnerbaits I use a chatterbait trailer. Others I use a trailer hook. I've used some 4" grubs in the past with no luck. Falcon

Alot of guys only fish their Senkos wacky. I prefer t-rig. Falcon

Welcome aboard, you've found the only fishing site you will ever need. Great people here. Falcon

It would be a toss-up between a #7 Shad Rap and a 3/8 oz. white double willowleaf spinnerbait. Falcon

My reels are Abu Garcia C3 & C4-6600 on Berkley big Game rods. The lures I use are: Large spinnerbaits Super Shad Raps X-Rap Jointed Shad Bucktails (in-line spinners) Believers 6"& 13" Bucher Shallow Raiders Bomber Magnum Long A There are alot of others, these are the ones I use. Like Bream Master said, practice catch and release or you may get lynched by the locals. Falcon

Holy cow!!!! My biggest rainbow was five pounds. Falcon

Don't give-up on the Revo. I have two and wouldn't trade either of them. It sounds like there was operator error to me. I've seen some of those guys spooling reels and I wouldn't let them re-spool my grand-daughter's Barbie reel. Everything reelmechanic said is right. That's why I spool all my own reels. Good luck, and give the Revo another chance. Falcon

I've always used the Abu Garcia reel lube. Never had a problem. Falcon

I love my Revo's. I have an SX and SC both very smooth with fantastic drag systems, can cast a mile also. Falcon

I saw him. Another celebrity in our ranks. Falcon

We don't have lifetime licenses here in Michigan. I would have gotten one a long time ago if they did. Falcon

Another vote for the original Shad Rap. They just flat-out put fish in the boat. Falcon