Cephkiller

I'm not sure if they're worth $40, but BPS has the Hank Parker 6'6" MH on clearance for $30. I would jump on that if I needed a budget rod.

I am by no means a swimbait expert, but I have had some success this year in IN. I am using small (4" or less) in minnow and bluegill patterns. I have most success allowing them to sink to the level I feel the fish are holding and swim it just fast enough to make the tail kick.

WOW! That's awesome! Fishing/Spiritual philosophy at its finest.

Now that's a good deal! I will personally bring my tools and window down to Florida. I may just have to stick around long enough for you to show me some of those Florida bass, though. "But Honey, Avid needs me and I'll only be gone for a week or so."

I have a Motorguide Freshwater Series Digital 71 lb thrust and although the motors are completely different, I have had no trouble with the Gatorflex 360 mount as I have heard from others. Another piece of advice which you may or may not choose to follow: I will not buy a motor without variable speed. If you can't match the wind or current conditions, you have to constantly be on and off the motor which will spook fish in my experience. If you can't afford anything else though, I suspect the Pro series will work for you.

You know one can sit while operating the pedal. I have no physical issues (except I'm too fat) and I probably do this 1/3 of the time depending on the presentation I'm using.

Enjoy it. My seven year old gave up the Barbie pole this year and wanted a grown up size rod. At least she made me buy her a pink one.

The only problem I've had with them is that I can't kep the small ones off them. i have yet to catch anything over 1 1/2 lb on them, but I have caught them both weightless and with a weight on windier days. They wouldn't work as a fluke because they won't glide like a fluke, but that's not to say they wouldn't work fished like a fluke (i.e. small twitches and pauses) because I'm certain they would.

I like MH fast or extra fast rods for SBs, but many manufacturers market M power rods for SBs and some even suggest fiberglass or composites, so I think this is one area that is truly personal preference.

Today I was cleaning our windows which are the tilt - in style. In the process of returning the window to the track, I pressed too hard and broke it. I taped it up as a temp fix and then tried again. As I did, the mini blinds got in my way which I proceeded to destroy when I tried to get them out of the way. So, in summary, I have a several hundred dollar ordeal to make it right again......all so the kids could have a good view of the birdfeeders outside the window. Sometimes you just can't win.

Hey Muddy, I've been reading your posts long enough to know that you are very passionate about that which you care deeply and I can tell you care deeply about this sight, as do I. I was just razzing you a little bit. I, too, have great respect for Glenn and I have defended him on occasion as well as promoted this sight as much as anyone. I was jut expressing my opinion on the rules in what I thought was a very casual and nonconfrontational way. If I offended anyone, especially Glenn, I am sorry. BTW, I was a HUGE teacher's pet. I even have the yearbook to prove it.

WOW! Were you a "teacher's pet" when you were in school? ;D ;D ;D ;D

I fully comprehend that this rule is not open to debate, however, maybe I can start the trend or pattern pursuant to the following policy: "I never change policies/rules because one person thinks I should. I do so only after a trend or pattern has been established." Rule number 2 and 3 are contually violated. I thought that was the whole point of having an "Everything Else" section.

I've often wondered about this. It is obvious that most Lowrance models have an Eagle counterpart. What justifies the extra cost of the Lowrance?

You know what's even more amazing is that some of these guys manage to win a tournament without a single Shimano. ;D

Congratulatons Mr. Welcome! I am pleased to inform you that you are the winner of the $1,000,000 prize for Stupid Ol' Redneck Fisherman Magazine's GUIDE OF THE YEAR. Alls you gotta do is send me a small processing fee of $1500 USD. Please PM me and I will send you the mailing address and contact info. Again, congratulations and good luck this fishing season!

I never had the Stren break - ever. If my bait was hung and it wouldn't come loose I had to cut the line several times. Maybe you had a bad spool? Did you buy several packs over time and still had the same problem? What type of knot?

Also very important: If you're getting your rear handed to you by your partner, swallow your pride and do what he is doing

I have used the PP, Stren, Spiderwire and Fireline and the Stren is by far my favorite. It just seems to be so much smoother than the others IMO.

Great baits although I have had more luck with the Gambler Swim Blade. I just saw some Strike JKing Pure Poisons today and they look good too. You can fish these any way you want. Steady retrieve, erratic, yo-yo, shallow, deep and I've even had some success pitching them into heavy timber. They catch fish.

I appreciate your enthusiasm, however, I assume it takes a good long while to develop a video game and I am just preparing for the future nine months from now when I'm going crazy and waiting for the lakes to thaw. Oh, and IT"S FRIGGIN' COLD HERE RIGHT NOW! Last week I was fishing comfortably in shorts. Right now it's high's in the 30's and lows in the 20's and windy too!

God bless you and thank you for your service to our country. Keep safe and stay out of trouble. We'll try to save some bass for you when you get back. ;D

You know, I like you more and more every day

YES. PLEASE! You could even suggest that you know a large internet community of dedicated bass fisherman who could serve as an advisory board and/or a group of beta testers. Also, don't forget the wii. The motion sensitive controllers would be awesome for driving, casting, presentation, etc. if done properly.

For that price point, I'd go with a St. Croix Avid and a Shimano Stradic.