Lard_Bass

i just bought a new Shimano Stradic FI 2500 for $127.99. I deliberated getting a Pflueger Supreme for $80 but ended up with the new Stradic . Here's a link to this week's circular: http://dickssportinggoods.shoplocal.com/DSG/default.aspx?action=browsepageflash&storeid=2486067&rapid=536444&prvid=DSG-080427&promotioncode=DSG-080427&fsid=128539053872199062 The coupon is good for ANY regular priced item or ANY clearance item (minor exceptions). There's also a 20% off coupon for ANY Apparel item on clearance or on sale. I got a pair of breathable waterproof pants that were $24.99 but on sale for $19.99 for $14.99 with the other coupon.

Hey all, I took the kids down to Dunlap Lake this past Sunday. Fishing pressure was very high. We fished from the shore and I rigged the kids with minnows and I tried some plastics. Unfortunately, we got skunked. I only saw a couple of trout caught around me and nothing else. LCM, Call the Gander Mountain down in Washington, PA (724-229-9800) and ask for a guy named Skip. He is a big Muskie fisherman and gives lectures to local fishing clubs. He may be able to help you find a GLoomis. I know he does a lot of ordering for Gander. Last winter, I thought I saw Gander clearing out some St. Croix Legend Muskie rods that other stores typically don't carry. -LB

Hey Guys, Glad to see the thread doing well. I have been on hiatus since bass season ended. I went up to Erie last weekend for some steelies but caught some nice brown trout instead. I officially put away my steelhead gear and ready to hit the bass. I have heard that Cross Creek has not been doing too well. A tourney a couple of weekends ago only netted one fish according to a buddy of mine. Any other reports out there would be appreciated. Thanks. -LB

I have been using 4# and 6# Ultra Soft on all my spinning rigs. I talked to the reps at Yo Zuri and they recommended 4# for lighter fishing (i.e trout) and 6# for most bass applications. I have been quite happy with it over the past year. I spray some line conditioner on as well and the line has little to no memory.

I have some Medium Power Avids that I picked from Reeds' last sale. I will try it 3 lbs first and work my way down if I feel the load is too much. Again, this forum is always filled with great advice.

Thanks. That's what I figured.

I can't remember what the recommended way to set the drag for Yo Zuri Hybrid Ultrasoft. I have 6# but the indicated break strength is 11.9 lbs. Should I set my drag at 1.5 lbs (for 6#) or at 3 lbs (for 11.9 lbs)? Any help would be appreciated.

bassnleo, What have you been using to catch the steelhead? I went up to Erie twice and got skunked. Once the water was extremely low in Oct and then went back in Nov and the drift was really fast.

I didn't believe it either until I had to return a bad trolling motor battery. I had to call about a dozen DSG's in my area and not one of them could do an inventory check at other stores. I also had to call around to see if any of them had any Avids marked down. I am surprised that the VA locations had a different system. DSG is based here in Pittsburgh and you would think stores closer to the mother ship would have better systems. I guess not.

Welcome aboard Beav! Fish Tank, congrats. I got some giftcards burning a hole too! I was thinking of picking up the Stradic FI but going to wait for a coupon deal at Dicks Sporting Goods. Also, I am waiting to hear more reviews on it. Keep us posted on your new purchase.

I bet everyone will have a different experience with DSG. I know the one by me is very competitive given there is a Walmart across the street from it. It's not very big but it constantly has items on clearance. However, they carry the old Stradic on clearance for $119. A premier DSG store about 20 minutes away doesn't have as much tackle marked down but carries the same Stradic marked down to $99. I discussed one time with a store manager why different DSG's have different pricing. They will price match a DSG or another local competitor with no problem but he mentioned that their inventory system is very obsolete. They can't even do an inventory check to see if another DSG in the area carries a certain item (I encountered that when I had to return a trolling motor battery and had to call each DSG individually to see if they still had any in stock). I usually stop into a DSG or Gander Mt. when passing one to see if there are any deals. I found that at both DSG and Gander you will find different deals at each. I think both are not up to date in their inventory systems and both have discretion to offer deals given local competition. I work closely to several DSG's and Ganders and the deals can differ vastly between them. Just my .02.

67Ghost, Could it be that you just got a bad one? The septon handle is on the Stella too and I haven't heard anyone complaining about it. Also, some heavy users of the new Stradic over on other forums have not mentioned the handle problem yet. One poster who fishes heavily for King Salmon with his new stradic has reported nothing but glowing reports so far.

Here's a comparison of the new Stradic FI on a thread that I started. As RW pointed out above, the new Stradic is geared towards the Stella (where the old Stradics were closer to the Symetres). Like you, I have been debating between the old and new Stradic. I still haven't purchased one but leaning towards the newer one. I was going to see what fishing deals pop up in the spring. Delos had the new Stradics on sale for $129 during Thanksgiving. I know Dick's has 20% off coupons usually in the spring so I may use one then to purchase a new Stradic. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196480464/0

Welcome to th forums. Here is a recent thread on the New Stradic FI. Like RW said, there are components in the Stradic that are used in the Stella. The new Stradic uses a similar Paladin gear system which decreases line twist. You can read the new Stradic enhancements here: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196480464/0 I am contemplating getting one.

Glenn, Nice job on the new look. I have several issues and don't know if they have been covered. In the top tool bar, "Home" and "Fishing Forums" text is the same color green as the box it's in. I tried switching the color schemes in IE for visited websites but had no luck. Also, the search function doesn't work. I did several searches on easy to find words and the search came up empty. Thanks for all your hard work. -LB

Thread about new Stradic FI http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196480464/12#12 I think the upgrades may be worth it.

wow. that was fast on the Supremes. They might have some at the stores if there's a Sports Authority close by. Okay, I modified the title since the Supreme deal is dead. There's a Team Daiwa Advantage Baitcast reel that can be had for $69 (orig $99). Click here: http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1961043&cp=970432.970452&parentPage=family Also, they carry The Team Daiwa Vientos that can be bought for $159. All baitcasting reels: http://www.sportsauthority.com/family/index.jsp?cp=2057781.716957.717053&categoryId=684427&view=all All spinning reels: http://www.sportsauthority.com/family/index.jsp?cp=2057781.716957.717053&categoryId=562571&view=all

Sports Authority has a new Friends and Family 25% off single item coupon TSAFFSAVE available valid through 12/16/2007. Printable version: http://a.slickdeals.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=66093&d=1196921920 The Sports Authority has the Supreme (8040) on clearance for $62. Use the above coupon and the deal gets marked down to $52 with shipping. Click here: http://www.sportsauthority.com/sm-pflueger-supreme-spinning-reel--pi-2649981.html The coupon can be used on other fishing gear as well but the Supreme was the best deal I found. Act fast. Fishing dept: http://www.sportsauthority.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=716957&cp=2057781&clickid=topnav_outdoor_7

Anyone know what a bait monkey's kryptonite is? He's relentless.

FYI, on sale (original $250) at Cabelas: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0048815117196a&navCount=0&podId=0048815&parentId=cat603253&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=email&catalogCode=EBC&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat603253&hasJS=true I know it's a large size but it's a great deal for anyone looking for a larger reel. This is the older model.

Bait monkey is that you in disguise telling me that I need a new frog rod. Thanks for the heads up Mike Bat. I do not use frogs much. I throw a Sizmic Toad every now and then and catch some bass with them. When I get more into frogs, I am sure the bait monkey will convince me to get a new rod. And while I am at it, I'll probably get a new swimbait rod too. Why the heck not.

Thanks. the lakes I fish in do not have much slop. I was thinking of just throwing a frog out there near a weedline. If I did, I assume the MXF would be a good one to go with since that will be my general plastics rod.

If you only had an Avid MF or MXF rod, which one would be better for frogs?

previous thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1195695678

This is the time of the year when that bait monkey attacks more than usual. Here's my contribution, I was going on a business trip and the wife was dropping me off at the airport. I couldn't stop thinking of that recent Reeds sale on St. Croix's that whole morning. The wife basically tells me to stop torturing myself and just buy the rods. I get to the airport and 5 minutes before I board my plane, I decide to boot up my laptop and to let the monkey take control. I ended up with two new rods (AS68MXF and AS66MF). I don't even remember pushing the buy button. The monkey took over my body and then the next thing I know is that I am sitting on an airplane and wondering what I just purchased. Later that day, the Reeds sale was off and I forgave the monkey. We are now shopping for a nice reel(s) to go with my rods.