Lucky Craft Man

Wow...first Spain, now France. Though, I have a feeling the French losing to Mexico isn't as much of an upset as Spain losing to the Swiss. Either way, it is good to see the French lose (I'm sure they are going to blame it on the ball or the vuvuzelas again).

Well, here is a run down as to what I finally settled on: Frogs, Jigging Spoons, & Drop Shots - 50 lb. & 30 lb. Braid Jigs, Carolina Rig, Swimbaits, and Heavily Weighted Plastics in Cover - 17 lb. to 25 lb. Fluoro. Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, Spinnerbaits, & Most Plastics - 12 lb. Fluoro. Topwater - 12 lb. Mono. Shakyhead, Finesse Plastics & Jigs - 8 lb. Fluoro. For most applications, I like Fluorocarbon. I feel it is more abrasion resistant than Braid & more sensitive than Mono. Though, there are specific applications I like Braid and one application where I feel Mono is a must (Topwater, because Mono floats). In the end, it becomes a personal preference. Try out different types of line and settle on what you like.

I have the DSR822S for Drop Shot Rigs, the GLX SHR822 for shakyhead jigs, and the GLX BSR852 for weightless plastics. Though, if I had to take with me just one rod to cover all three techniques, it would be the GLX BSR852. I really think this is the best all around spinning rod that is made. I bet you will be pleased. Good Luck in your search.

What happened to Spain against the Swiss? That has to be a shocker there.

I am not a soccer fan, but I love the World Cup. There is something about a competition the really captures the attention of every country in the world (except for the U.S. of course). As far as teams I would like to see win, U.S. is obviously at the top of my list. I have a bother-in-law from Mexico, another brother-in-law from Greece, and parent-in-laws from Italy, so any of these countries winning would be nice (though, all three of these countries didn't start off too well). I really enjoyed watching Germany, but I don't know if they are really good or if Australia sucks that bad. It will be interesting to say the least to see who comes out of each group. Also, I am going to order one of those vuvuzela's in either black or gold. If you ever make it to a Steelers game and you hear one of those horns blowing, you know who it will be.

You know how there are threads that are useless without pictures. This is definitely NOT one of those threads.

Well, at least you got to spend time with your cousins...that's what fishing is really all about anyway.

That's Awesome! Always been Lucky Craft Man (was Lucky_Craft_Man for a little while when some gliche with this site wouldn't let me sign in as Lucky Craft Man, but that has been fixed)

I would get a Dobyns...just joking, I had to say it before the Dobyn crew got in here with that suggestion. Seriously, I would get the GLX BCR803. Really great rod and will handle all those applications you are looking to cover. I think you will be very pleased.

Is that a Sage TXL?

x2 Since switching to a braid mainline, it is like a whole new world.

I have a Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris reel on a Cabelas XML rod and I haven't been struck by lightening yet. If it is comfortable to you then mix away.

My preferences are a good quality rod, a full rear grip, well balanced, and great warranty. Of all the rod brands I've tried (granted, I haven't tried them all), only two fit all these criteria. Hence, those are the only two brands I buy. So, I guess by process of elimination as to my personal preferences, I have somewhat developed brand loyalty for rods. Though, I have reels from all different companies, so I have no reel brand loyalty.

I know when I first fished Erie, I didn't do so great. I'm sure if I went to Lake St. Clair, I would suck it up the first few times as well. This is true with any lake. It takes a little time to find those sweet spots, but when you do, you will be rewarded. I agree with you, if Lake St. Clair is that close and you know the water well, then why make the drive to Erie?

Lucky Craft, I cant say for certain but the reels which were made 15 years ago are a different breed then the cheap reels mass produced in China. If you look at the old Shakespeare reels, and compare them to the ones made today, wow what a difference. I would highly doubt that a $60.00 reel purchased today would last 15+ years, but I could be wrong. Actually, you could be right there. I recently purchased a new Ambassaduer 5500 C3 and it doesn't have anywhere near the quality that my 15 year old one has. I guess that is the price of progress.

I hate to say it, but I would stick with the Ambassaduer 5500. I have several of those that I use for Musky fishing and they are at least 15 years old and are still going strong. The low profile reels of today are really nice, but I think they lack the durability of the Ambassaduers.

That second one is hilarious. I have one question though. What does "calling the hogs" means?

hmmm...good question. I would say my G Loomis SMR814C-CB paired with a Abu Garcia Revo Premier and 12 Fluorocarbon Line. This is a great jerkbait set-up.

The question should be, "How much do you like your current marriage/relationship with a significant other?" Because once you buy one high end rod, more will follow and if your significant other finds out how much this crap costs, you will have some sucking up to do.

I had it happen twice on the same day. The first time, I was using a jerkbait and while I made my last jerk by the boat, I saw a Largemouth come from the left and a smallmouth come from the right and they both hit the lure at the same time. I set the hook on them both. It was funny to watch, because the smallmouth dominated the fight with the largemouth looking like he was along for a ride. Later that day, I felt a hit on the jerkbait, set the hook and then 2 seconds later felt what seemed like another hit. When I pulled it in, two largemouth were on the lure. I assume after the first LM hit, the second one tried taking the lure out of his mouth. The funny thing is that I have been fishing for 23 years now and those are the only two time that has happened to me, which were within 2 hours of each other on the same day.

I saw that thread...I am in love with that rod.

Hey Robert, What is the best Horny Toad Rod you have ever fished?

These are the reports I like to see. Erie sucks, everyone please stay home. (Actually, there are way too many boats out there nowadays, so this is more of a wish)

I have several Zillions and I am not a big fan. They are smooth, but are heavy. If you are going to spend that type of money, get a Revo Premier (6.7 oz and $120 cheaper), Shimano Core (100 MgFV - 6.7 oz, 50 Mg - 5.5 oz, and both are $20 & $30 cheaper respectively) or a Diawa Steez (5.5 oz. and $80 more). I think these are better options. If the new Zillion weighed say 6 oz., then I could see the price justification. As you can see, I am a big fan of really light reels and my Zillions don't fit the bill.

Dwight, I don't know how you do it. I fish in Erie quite a bit, but I just can't dial it in like you do. I have been catching a ton of smaller males, but haven't been able to hone in on the big females (5 lb 12 oz. is my biggest this year, which, as you know, is not taking advantage of Erie's full potential). If you have any tips you wouldn't mind kindly passing on, I would greatly appreciate it. Congratulations on those Nice fish.