The Bassman

They sell for 200+ real fast.

You make me envious. Wish I had more time this week. My business (painting) takes off about now.

You're definitely the guru of ABU!

And now for some of us old throwbacks. LOL Actually, I use mostly 6' because of being stuck on shore.

A lure that's rated 3/8 actually weighs half again that much. I use lighter stuff. Any M-MH rod of your liking will do. Again, the thing to remember is to ease up on your casting force. Except for certain lures like lipless and other cranks distance isn't that critical.

Hank Parker used to describe his cast as one would turn a door knob, just a light underhanded flick. That's what I do and it really minimizes overruns.

My first JDM purchase was a Scorpion 1000XT for a little over $200.00 and I got dinged 20 bucks. No fees since then but as was mentioned rods are apt to get charged because of agreements with UPS and Fed EX.

I ordered a rod from American Legacy and they tossed in a piece of Laffy Taffy. But no custom fees coming from Evansville ! The Japanese in general are very good to deal with. I've ordered from JL and have had great results. I think I've gotten small things like hook bonnets.

Seldom mentioned but the best buy going is Yamaha Blue Marine grease at boat supply stores. It's perfect for reels, under 10 bucks, and will last you forever. Another site which deals primarily with saltwater recommends it. I use it.

I know this ruffles the feathers of the guys who are still attached to their E platform reels. The truth is that the I platform reels are smoother in the long run. The X-Ship bearing makes a big difference. Every E I've owned has started out or became geary. This is not to say that they're bad reels. I just never cared for feeling and hearing a reel's internals.

I don't own one but I'm very familiar with Shimano. As one goes higher in their tiers the differences become smaller (with the exception of the Stella). The Ultegra, which replaced the Saros is a very good reel. It should do well for you. You made a good choice.

I got taken in by the bearing craze a couple of years ago and came to the same conclusion many have. A clean, well oiled stock bearing is quiet and will perform as well as you need a fishing reel to. Boca OS 7's are very noisy dry and no more efficient than stock when oiled. Save your $$.

My wife tries to sing to me, then I go fishing.

In my front yard on a busy road. No hits, but lots of looks.

I'm sure a lot of us appreciate what your intent is. Really enjoy your input.

But what's novel is that it's made in KY.

I used to wade Big Walnut upstream of Bainbridge. I live on the eastside of Indy and focus my efforts on Sugar Creek and Flatrock now. What tips me off is how small the mouth is.

Some. Years ago I caught one in a creek. We call 'em Kentucky bass.

That top one almost looks like a spot.

I use Windtamer some and find it quite user friendly but little known. Unless I am mistaken I believe it is a 4 strand, but suprisingly quiet.

What I showed you is 4x as much material. Also, he's got your drag washers.

Just checked the ad for that combo. Way overpriced. There are better options. Go to biggreenfish.com and order yellow rocket fuel and Cal's drag grease. They'll go a long way.

Rapala Rippin' Rap. Always runs true. Love the #5 for spinning.

Those will serve you well. The drag grease is also the OEM gear grease.