pawpaw

That is AWESOME for your Dad. Made me smile.

Not meant to be. All that much. I mean, I tried to act like I was happy the Cubs won. Should I have said "with all do respect"? Maybe?

As a Cardinals I have been raised to, let's say, "less than like" the Cubs. But, I gotta give it up to them, that was one heck of a series. Congratulations Cubs fans. Now, let's start the next 108 year drought. GO CARDS!

Not good news. Not at all

Vision 110, LC Pointer, Spro McStick and, as you said, Smithwick Rouge. All are usually tied on most of the time. The 110 usually ends up seeing the most use and the McStick probably the least. In water below 40 degrees the Pointer seems to out perform the rest.

Using the handle to shut the bail on a spinning reel isn't a good idea. Use your hand to shut it just like you did to open it.

The water here in the Ozarks can get pretty darn clear in the winter and I've yet to need 6lb to get bit on a jerk bait. I'm not saying I will never see the day when 6lb would be necessary but 6lb is below my comfort level for jerk baits. 8lb is as low as I will go, and I'm not real comfortable with that.

I've never tried Iron Silk so I can't comment on it. Can't say I've ever known anyone who has used it. For me it's been good old Trilene XL for a very long time. It just seems to be limp enough to handle the cold temps usually involved with jerk bait fishing season and have the perfect amount of stretch to work the bait right.

I'm so sorry for your loss and what you've been through.

10lb mono for most cases. 8lb mono in clearer water 12lb mono if water is stained enough .

eBay

I prefer Mustad KVD Ultra Point 2x short shank for most crankbaits. The short shank will often allow you to put a size bigger on the bait without the hooks fouling each other. Gamakatsu hooks are about as good as it gets in just about every hook they make as well. I prefer a round bend Gamakatsu on jerkbaits, topwater and rattletrap type baits.

Yes, and sit in it to make sure the seats still work. This week is going to seem like it's 1000 days long. Good luck with it Saturday.

Spot on advise right there

Nice

You're welcome. Now go back out to the garage and look at it again. That never gets old.

Congratulations

Seeing as both have the same capacity (100 yds - 14lb) I wouldn't consider either if long casting was important to me. You get even less line with 17lb or heavier. Any event (break off, backlash, etc.) that would require removing anything but a small amount of line may not leave you enough line to do much at all. If I was definitely sold on one these 2 reels anyway I guess it would come down to if I wanted the TWS or not.

YES!!!!

I have a Zillion SV TWS and I find a the real benefit of the TW is when skipping jigs. That's what I bought it for and all I use it for. It has a low line capacity, especially when spooled with 17lb. so how far I may or may not be able to cast it never entered my mind or comes into play. If you could find a better reel to skip with I'd sure like to know about it so I can get one.

AWESOME!!

I Stand Up For Sandy. My Daughter's best friends Mom. May the Good Lord continue to give Sandy the strength to keep fighting.

7" mh casting rod 7" med crankbait rod 6'6" or 7' med spinning rod

It looks like a deformed, incomplete portion of a Zoom Critter Craw. Other than that I got nothin.