Oklahoma Mike

Where are you fishing that multiple people, including gang bangers, are trying to start fights with you? No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to picture that scenario in my head. Perhaps some deeper issue here? In any event, you have a few options as I see it: Ignore them Find another place to fish Issue them a beating As has already pointed out, the latter is probably not your best recourse.

I believe the Avid X is a much better value. The guides alone are enough to keep me from buying an E6X. If you're set on Loomis, spend the extra money to get the IMX.

Me too. I don't think I've ever followed through on actually sending one in once in my entire life.

The first thing you need to do is get the reel properly set up. I believe Glen has a very good video for this in the videos section of this site. Stick with some relatively inexpensive mono, like Trilene Big Game in 15lb until you get comfortable with using a baitcaster. You're going to eat up some line until you get the hang of it - no sense in having to strip off $30 line every outing.

I use braid on all my spinning rigs, but if I were gonna go fc I'd pony up the few extra bucks for Tatsu. I assume your reason for wanting to make a change is just to get away from having to use a leader? You might consider #6 YZH as well. It's breaking strength is much higher than that, and for its price range it's a much more manageable line than fc IMO.

Did you buy the optional casting module?

I fish alone more often than not, but I don't mind a fishing partner at all - so long as he isn't the type to annoy me or wants to pack up and go home after only a short while.

Picked up a Denali Lithium L843CB on the bay. It was brand new but had a broken tip. I practically stole it $22 + $10 shipping. So I called Denali and spoke to Pete to see about what tip to use and to see if I could buy one from them. I told him I bought it 2nd hand and understood it wasn't covered by warranty, but he insisted that if I'd just ship them the rod they would repair or replace it for me. He didn't even want return shipping. Packed it up and sent it off a week and a half ago - just got it back today good as new. Just wanted to give them a shout out for such outstanding customer service. they have definitely gained a customer! Have not been able to take it out yet, but it is very light and feels great. I'm looking forward to fishing it, and will update here when I do.

Store?

Bubble wrapped inside a piece of schedule 40 PVC. 2" diameter is about right for a typical casting rod. I glue a PVC cap on one end and on the other I glue a female adapter and install a screw-in plug for inserting and removing the rod. Secure the screw-in plug with some clear shipping tape to keep any curious delivery persons from tampering with it.

That Rod would work, but I feel like there are better options for the versatility you're looking for. Here a few rods for consideration: Avid X AXC70MHF Denali L823SB Irod IRG703CC

I assume this would be a MH/F? 6:1 works pretty well for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and cranks, but for the buzzbait you want to be able to get the bait moving and on top of the water as fast as possible, so I'd probably be throwing that one on a faster reel. The 704c setup with a 7:1 or faster would be better suited fo buzzbaits IMO.

+1 on the Lightning Rod Shock. I still have a Lighting Rod that I bought when I was 15. Has a Pfleuger Triton on it that I bought when I was 17. I'm 45 now. I'd call that durability. OP, I didn't see you specify whether you're looking for a spinning or baitcasting rig. There are plenty of quality offerings for both in your budget.

Well you definitely need a couple of Cavitron buzzbaits in there. A Baby Mann's 1-minus Booyah pond magic spinnerbait Wopper Plopper 130 Livetarget sunfish Some GY senkos - watermelon and junebug colors are my favorites Jackall pompadour

I have had no problems with getting good hook sets using the stock LC hooks. I am usually fishing them on a MH/F rod.

I like to keep my stored on a 33-1/2 degree incline, cryogenically frozen, and contained in a hyberbaric air chamber. When I'm ready to fish them I start to slowly increase the temperature over a three week period from -280* F to about 68* F, which I find to be the perfect final temperature. The trick is to gradually increase the incline in tune with the rising temp so that by the time you reach 68* the worms are now hanging on a perfectly vertical plane. I'm sure many people here will try to tell you that an initial 22 degree incline and -310* temp will yield a better result, but it all just comes down to personal preference IMO!

Your line (type and size) and your retrieval speed will have some impact, but if you're talking about trying to get down several more feet you're just going to have to add some weight.

Certainly, if you put in fewer than 8 boxes. I put 7 X 3700 boxes in mine and can cram about 15 bags of plastics in there with them.

Just bought this Rapala bag on sale from Cabelas. Holds (8) 3700 boxes. http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/tackle-storage/tackle-bags|/pc/104793480/c/104777280/sc/104619780/rapala-reg-tackle-bag/2125652.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1100378

DSG or Gander Mountain - can't remember which - had them on sale for $60 a little while back. I picked Up the EXE100HSA, which is the 7.3:1. I've had it out several times and really like it. Casts great, feels smooth, drag feels good. Functions as well as many of the higher end $200+ reels I own. I would not hesitate to pull the trigger on buying one, even at the regular price of $100.

Honestly, you don't need much to get you back in the saddle. I remember when I was a kid I'd take out and fish the ponds and streams all day, and aside from the one lure I had tied on (usually an inline spinner) I might carry an extra 1 or 2 lures along just in case I got snapped off. I bet there were summers as a young teen where I fished the whole season on less than 5 lures. You don't need to invest a pile of money on tackle to enjoy this sport. To hear you say that you may just give up til next year sounds silly. Keep things simple. Just grab 1 or 2 lures that you have confidence in and enjoy the act of fishing.

I cut the thumb and index finger off of some level 3 cut resistant gloves and wear them all the time I'm fishing. Not only sun protection but I no longer get pokes and cuts from hooks.

Topwater bite is still slow here, but it is the only topwater I've caught fish on so far this year. I also have the 130 but haven't thrown that one yet.

Been catching bass on rooster tails forever. In fact, it is my old stand by for when the bite is slow. My favorite is the old Terminator titaniums... Those things were indestructible. Not sure why they quit making them.

Got a smokin deal from Thorne Bros back during the classic.