Redlinerobert

It's actually the JDM Blitz. I do believe they have a flex-lite US version of the rod now. Great rod for smaller crank baits. As a model range, hard to go wrong with Steez pal. Honestly, the fractional backplay in many of the Shimano reels doesn't bother me a bit... don't sweat the small stuff, right? I have a different take though on that comparison. Head to head with what presentations exactly? The Aldebaran is a much more powerful reel than the Pixy and/or the supertuned Pixy (PixZilla). It's available in a higher speed (7:1) with HEG which sets it apart as well. I will agree that if we're talking about throwing a 1/16 oz head with a 2" grub, sure - the pixzilla is going to win out. If were talking about casting a 1/2 oz. jig, tossing buzzbaits or spinnerbaits, the Aldebaran is the way to go for overall performance. It's simply a much more versatile reel than the Pixzilla - and don't get me wrong, I LOVE my pixzillas! I've had the Steez reels - while I think they are very nice, I would pick and Aldebaran MG7 over any model steez - and in fact, have sold/traded more than one Steez in favor of them... The best Steez to me was the 100SHA... yes, the Aldebaran comes in two different speeds. It's lighter, newer, and feels GREAT in the hand because of the ultra-low profile. I personally feel that it ranges between the Pixzilla and the Steez. Steez 100HSA is an awesome reel for sure. To me the Steez line of reels just feel more solid. The beauty of choice. 8-)

IMHO, The Core 50 is great for any bait, its built just as tough as the rest of the Shimano reels built for bass fishing. Just because it weighs less doesnt mean it cant handle heavy action. I would never under esitmate the toughness of my core 50. Ive already cranked in 5#'ders with it and was as smooth as my Core 100 and probably any other Shimano BC reel. I have the old Core 100, as well as the Aldebaran and more than a few Steez reels. The Core 100 never gets used. The Aldebaran gets plenty of use but honestly the ONE charachteristic of all shimano baitcasters that drives me nuts is that little bit of wiggle in the handle that they won't get rid of. I'm sure it's not that they can't, as my 200DC does not really have any back play at all. I would say that the best comparison for the Core 50/ Aldebaran would be the Daiwa Pixy. Now if you put those reel shead to head, a tuned Pixzilla will eat an Aldebaran/Core 50 for lunch. Here is apicture of my modded Daiwa Pixy. This is my modded Aldebaran.

The new Core 50 MG is the US version of the jdm Aldebaran. Awesome reel, but it's no Steez. I'd say they complement each other very well though. The 50 is great for smaller baits.

Great show coverage guys. ICAST is overwhelming with so much cool stuff!

You can't beat the Zillion swimbait stick paired with a Zillion reel. Light enough to cast all day and enough backbone to control a chunky fish.

Golf? I've played a couple times. Minature golf counts, right?

There are so many that I like. I suppose if I had to choose one, it would be Matt's Hardbait Bluegill. They rock!

And here I was thinking you were getting all dressed up to go to some fancy mixer. ;D

Very nice fish.

Hmmm... A bass fishing version of the world cup. This could be good. Do you hahve any experience in organizing large scale events? Tournaments?

Sylvia Browne and her son, Chris Dufresne, are personal friends of mine. She invited Gidget and I to her show in Las Vegas as guests, and to us, it was very entertaining. Based on what we saw, I think that her show is different things to different people. In the years I've known the family I've never asked them any questions.... Oh wait, I lied. Every now and then I will ask Sylvia, if I'm going to get lucky that night. ;D

Mistake? Ask us after you've bought a few more combos. ;D The problem with using exotic tackle is that it ruins you. It's like drinking Cuervo Gold Tequila, then trying Herradura Suprema. Game over.

aaahhh!!! My eyes!!

Agreed with Triton. Replace with Sufix 65 , especially if this is your frog outfit.

Bass as big as a striper? How about a bass crossed with a gar, or better yet a bass crossed with a snakehead fish? Or peacock bass? Pirhana? The thoughts of genetically engineered bass that are larger, more aggressive, and grow faster would be something else. Did I drink too much this weekend? ;D http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tv/columns/story?columnist=sutton_keith&page=g_col_sutton_future_fish

shiner perch.

Hey! I know exactly where that is. Nice fish.

Invest in a Bazooka Pro tube. best money you will spend on rod transportation. If it works for me to take my rods halfway around the world, I'm sure it will work in the back of your truck.

Vodka in general...bad news for me. Tequila on the other hand, is another story. And I'm not talking about Cuervo, unless you mean the Family Reserve. Don Fernando Extra Anejo is one of my favorites. Too bad it's no longr produced. Asombroso is also really nice, as well as Herradura Suprema.

I have to say GLoomis has the best warranty service. Back in 2005 I broke one of my favorite rods - one of the Original GLX Flippin Sticks. Back when I bought it in 2000 or so I paid like $500 for it. They replaced it, and gave me full replacement value. I was surprised in all honestly that they would do that. Their rods may be ugly (compared to JDM) but their warranty policy speaks for itself.

Sweet! Good job.

I want my click back.

Very cool video. The racist comments bother me though...I don't understand why people need to go there.

Nope. This was caught at "the other place" I've yet to take you to.