Lucky Craft Man

KVD's rod was 7'10" long.

Flouro not stretching is a myth. Flouro does stretch and the benefit of it sinking and the increased abrasion resistance makes Flouro perfect for crankbaits and jerkbaits (which are the only two applications I use Flouro for).

I had the CBR906, which was nice for lipless crankbait, but in using it for crankbaits, I found the rear handle just too short. With the CBR855 GLX, the rear handle doesn't seem to be as short (even though it is the same length as the CBR906). In casting lipless crankbaits today, I noticed a huge different in feel and was able to tell if that lipless crankbait even touched a blade of grass. I felt really nice, but I will keep you posted with a more detailed review the more I use it. Part of my attraction to the SWBR953 is the long rear handle, which I would like in a deep diving crankbait rod.

I just recently received the CBR855C GLX in the mail today. I went down to the lake to see what it can do. It is AWESOME for lipless crankbaits and crankbaits that dive up to about 10 feet deep. Any deeper running crankbait is just a little too much for it. So in looking for a deep diving crankbait rod made by G Loomis (I am a G Loomis brand guy) I came across the new SWBR953C, which seems like it would be perfect for deep divers (as well as those hollow body paddle tail swimbaits). Does anyone have any experience with this new rod? Thanks in advance! (I did post this in another forum, just to cover more ground for advice. So if you saw this before, please disregaurd)

If you are looking for a very good 2-piece 7' casting rod, consider the following (which are on sale for $89.99 from the original price of $139.99): http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20372_TGP&id=0053033122637a&navCount=2&podId=0053033&parentId=cat20372&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true I would recommend the C702-2 in particular. The C702-2 has a fast action, which I think is suitable for more situations. I have the C703-2, but this rod has a moderate action, which I use for my crankbaits. I use the C704-2 for jigs, frogs, and carolina rigs. I have 8 of these rods in different lengths and powers, which I consider my "travel" rods. They are quite sensitive (though, I will admit, they are not as sensitive as my G Loomis IMX or GLX) and I don't worry about breaking them, because Cabelas has a great warranty (though, I do take good care of them).

Spell check is good, but nothing beats a good old fashion proofread (e.g., I assume you meant "It bugs me" instead of "I bugs me")

What is up with their web site? I get directed to Shimano's web site (which I know owns G Loomis), but I was wondering if their site will be back up.

I use this rod for all my rattle trap and deep diving crankbait apllications. The rod loads nice and can launch those lures a mile. The only thing I could say bad about this rod is that I wish the back handle was a little longer.

Hi luckycraftman, I'm a Pittsburgh expatriot myself . Been here in Arizona for 30 years now. The water isn't frozen and the fishing is fine year round 8-). Happy fishing. ~B.A.S.S.~N.A.F.C.~boatU.S.~ From Pittsburgh and now living in Arizona...Here is the million dollar question, who did you root for in the Super Bowl?

Hey TheBeast, here is another opportunity to use that image again.

Let me take a step onto Venus for a moment... I'm sure she is thinking that you spend all this time and money fishing, which yields no financial return, so why does she (I am trying to think like the woman here) have to take up an interest or hobby that requires her to turn a profit. You fish and she wants invest time and money in making nails. Makes sense to me... Ok, I'm back on Mars...what a waste!

Well, the saga has ended. The representative from G Loomis called me this morning and said she spoke with an individual at Reeds Sporting Goods and that this individual was going to contact me today. She also apologized profusely and said that if he doesn't call me today, to let her know and she will handle the situation personally. Later in the day I did receive a call from a gentleman from Reeds Sporting Goods. He said that my order was cancelled, because G Loomis no longer makes that rod and I won't be charged. I was happy to receive an answer, but I am still wondering why I was told last week it was going to be shipped? Oh well, at least I don't have to wait and wonder if it will come or not and I can start looking for that rod elsewhere. Through the whole process, I realized one thing. People comment on how much a G Loomis rod costs and if it's worth it or not and after my dealing with G Loomis, I realize their rods are worth every penny, not only in performance, but in customer service. That Customer Service Agent went out of her way to make sure an order, I didn't even place directly with her, was rectified and if she didn't take the time to track down the problem, I might still be waiting 3 weeks from now for an answer. My hats of to G Loomis and I will continue to support their product. PS I also told her if she wouldn't mind relaying a message to the engineering department, which was that they should never produce any rods with a split grip. She said she hasn't seen any future designs with that feature in it. Another great answer from G Loomis.

This thread right here is what's awesome about this forum. Glenn posts a nice message welcoming people and providing them with some useful information, which then turns into people goofing off in a funny and respectable way. This is why I keep coming on here (that and the fact that all the water around here is frozen)

It looks good Dan. After seeing Natural's rod set-up a few years ago, I wrapped every rod I owned and it probably would be weird for me to fish with a rod that isn't wrapped now.

hmmm...the mystery continues. I was wondering why G Loomis was taking so long to send the items, so I decided to call them directly. I by chance talked with a lady whose account just happened to be Reeds Sporting Goods. She said there was no order made by Reeds under my name and futhermore, the two rods I ordered through Reeds are no longer in stock in their G Loomis facilities. She said she was confused and going to get to the bottom of it. I am very confused as well...

I have a business trip to Colorado the week of March 8th. I was just wondering if there are any good fishing opportunities while I was there (either lake fishing from shore or fly fishing for trout in streams). I have never been to Denver and would be very appreciative of any information you maybe able to provide me. Thanks in advance.

Wow...very nice fish...I would love to catch one half that size.

Well, gear ratio is a little misleading. The true indicator on how much your reel is taking up per turn is called "IPT" or inches per turn. I won't get into all that, but before others beat you down with that information, I thought I would throw that out to you. I'll stick with gear ratio, since that is what you asked about. I use a 5:3.1 for deep diving crankbaits. For topwater, spinnerbaits, medium running crankbaits, and weighted plastics, I use 6.3:1. For jerkbaits, carolina rig, frog, flipping, and senkos, I use 7.1:1. Everything else I use 6.3:1. This is just my personal preference and you will find what you like over time.

Here are a few catches that really stick out to me as monsters (freshwater, I can't really gauge what is a huge size for the various saltwater species). Bassnbrett101 - 4 1/4" (52 inch) Northern Pike Jhoffman - 18 lb. Steelhead (this is huge for an Eastern Steelhead) Fourbizz - 57 lb. King Salmon Congratulations on these huge fish guys. I would love to see pictures and hear the stories behind these suckers.

I bet his swim bladder was the size of a grapefruit when you got him up.

Why does their declining to participate mean they 'suck'? Their declining to not participate means they suck to me. It doesn't necessarily mean their quality sucks.

Well, there goes that. I was hoping to aquire a new Shimano Curado 200E7. I wonder why Shimano sucks and doesn't want to participate? Thanks for the info Dave.

Well, I assume it all depends on what your idea of enjoyment is while fishing. Some people like throwing in a bobber with a worm and watching it float in the same spot for 2 hours. That would drive me nuts. I personally like to fish 13+ hours usually without eating or taking a break. Some people think I am nuts, but that's how I enjoy the sport. I could watch those guys and think they are over the top, but I also can understand that that is how they enjoy the sport (or at least that is how they feed their obsession).

I was just wondering how the Bass Pro Reel Trade In Program worked. Do they give a gift card or is it more of a voucher towards a new reel only. Also, are you limited to the amount of reels you can bring in and I assume the reels have to work? Sorry for the question, but I will be by a Bass Pro that weekend and was wondering if I should pack up some old reels to take with me. Thanks for the help.

Well, I use reels from the following companies: Daiwa, Shimano, Quantum, Abu Garcia, Pflueger, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Gander Mt., Pinnacle, Orvis (Fly Reel), and Lamson (Fly Reel). If I find a reel I like and can get a good deal on it, I buy it. I am a little more brand loyal with rods (I mainly use G Loomis & Cabelas XML).