Redlinerobert

Lucky Craft and Mega Bass.

Not a world record, but I'd hate to have that thing chasing me none the less. http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/bearhunt.asp

I just looked at both reels as well. To be honest The Steez looks and feels great, but the Stella is a proven design. I bought the Stella. If you already have a Stella, then by all means give the Steez a shot. It would be great to hear a review on it when you've had some time to use it a bit!

It doesn't matter what race you are. Rules are rules and I'm glad you did what you did. I've seen it here many times as well. Mexicans and asians mainly, thinking the rules don't apply to them. It's just plain wrong. I'm Mexican and I abide by the rules - i was taught better. Unfortunately the problem will probably get worse before it gets better.

Wow. Those peacocks won't stand a chance against....THE ROCKET LAUNCHER ;D

Thank you for the offer L_B_H. Much appreciated, but if anything happened to them I would fell really bad. Murphy's law is a SOB. I wear contacts and have terrible vision, also San Luis Reservoir is a HUGE lake - the landlocked world record came out of there so there are massive stripers swimming in it. A good set of binoculars are a must.

Any suggestions guys? They will be on the boat and will be used primarily for spotting striper boils. Also may come in handy for spotting ladies sunbathing. I was looking at www.binoculars.com and the Fujinons look great. I'll spend up to $700 or so. Any suggestions?

That is just awesome. You guys are lucky

Check this out guys, I doubt it will last long, but you can watch movies free. Even ones in the theaters now http://movies.peekvid.com/

They did catch 2 over 20 lbs, but more large fish are caught on the Rio *****. In fact the world record was caught close to where the lodge is located. They have a replica at the lodge and the IGFA certificate there as well. The fish I am holding is close to 19 lbs, I didn't have a mount made. I'll save that for a 20+ if I am lucky enough to catch one later this year.

It sounds like you've played too many video games ;D

Thanks for raining on my parade Redline :'( Hopefully, I will get the chance to draw comparisons myself one day. Until then it will remain my "Dream fishing trip."

That is very cool. Amazing it was preserved so well under water for all that time though? You would think bacteria would have turned into dust by now...

I just use black electrical tape. I hear you on the mono backing, but why risk losing a fish from having one extra knot fail? I suppose if you are fishing for bass only it's ok, since they wont really strip your line out - but here in CA where we fish for monster stripers as well as bass, it's always in the back of my mind.

Having been to Brazil, I can tell you from firsthand experience that Gonzaga, although good, pales in comparison to Ze Bodo, the guide that my dad and I had in Brazil. If you look at the stats of the fish that they caught, they averaged 5 - 15 fish a day. If I had nothing else to compare it to, that would be pretty good. However, my dad and I on our worst day caught 32 fish. Our best day we caught 84. I also noticed that he was not very involved in their fishing. Again some people may like that, but the guides over at the Rio ***** lodge did EVERYTHING for you. Unbelievable trip guys, It's definitely one that I would recommend to anyone wanting to go. I'm going back God willing at the end of October this year. Maybe we can get a few BassResource guys to come along??? My next dream trip after that will have to be to go to Argentina on the Uruguay River for Golden Dorado. The Dorado there makes the Peacock Bass i caught in Brazil look like guppies - they average 25 - 35 pounds! On topwater!!

I received that book years ago - same situation if I recall! I ended up getting it for free.

I think you need one more level - exotic reel: $400+ exotic rod $400+ Megabass rods, Steez reels, etc.

I buy a ton of stuff on Ebay as well. I've had a couple issues though, but now with fishing tackle.

I could not agree more. This is a GREAT group here. I'm glad to be a part of it.

Very nice! Cool pictures.

Nice vest RW. Great gesture Bass Pro.

Very cool guys. I live in Gilroy, 15 minutes from Anderson. I will have to hit that lake when my boat comes in.

As well as in CA. You can join a private group here that grants you access to private ranches all over the state, some with fishing some with hunting and others with both.

Great book, I had a post on it a while back as well. I'd love to hear a follow up or something about fishing for peacocks in Brazil.

Congratulations RW. Make us proud!