XpressJeff

Folks, I have not looked at the newer spinning gear at all and what I own is too old/light/small to deal with the quality fish I hope to attract. I need help and I am kinda poor by the standards some of you folks buy gear. I would like a rod with a backbone that will not weigh a ton and wear out this old man and a nice reel. Being a retired government employee my budget has got be in the $250-300 range and it will be used for multiple types of baits. I have not researched reel sizes but SMB will be my target audience. I am glad to blessed enough to get back into fishing but I did not realize just how much the gear has changed in 20 years!

Thanks Tom, the stepson is an idea I will try. I have seen those steps that bolt on the trailer but they seemed a little proud of them. That's not ruled out though! Thanks for responding Sir!

This is a good point that many folks will still argue about, especially traditional 1911 guys! I was brought up shooting .45 in the Marines and absolutely hated the move from the 1911 to the Baretta so I was of that belief for many years. Other reasons too! Technology with ammunition has come a long way and so have the firearms. Just being able to carry 17 rounds in a package that's lighter, recoils less and stays on target better is incredible. Although a 9 with good ammo can now make a hole as big as a .45, I have NEVER seen a .45 make a hole as small as a 9! Now that I have aged I appreciate both - Sig 220/229 are a Great comparison. Also Kimber has provided me 1911s in both calibers. I love the choices available now!

A 4lb Red Ear must pull like the 15lb Smallie I catch in my best dreams! Excuse me while I take a nap!!!!

I wish God would make that pretty little Pumpkinseed, Red Ear, Blue Gill grow to a bout 3 or 4 pounds. That would be fun to catch!

Normally nothing at all, occasionally a little Cream, Allman Brothers or talk radio. Yup, I'm one of them!

Would love to see her in an auto but she's ok with a Ruger LCRx and I am just going to leave her in that! Thanks for the thought though!

Catt makes a good point. I own an H17, and it may be lacking in some of t h e goodies it's my first real bass boat and I am quite pleased. I bought a several year leftover at a good price to make up for it while I learn what will be mandatory for me!

I don't want to hijack the topic, but I know that some of you are no longer spring chickens either. I have had 3 knee replacements and a back surgery. Sometimes I am a little slow and some launches are not conducive to us limited mobility guys! Any special adaptations you've made!

My wife loves a CZ75, she's just not big enough to rack one. We just keep wheel guns around for her!

Gets up on the pad quickly, and very stable once it's there! Great fuel mileage too! I have not had a large number of boats to compare it to, but I am very happy with it.

I have seen skirts on jigs/spinner baits that seem much better than the typical rubber materials used by most manufacturers. Any help on what and where they might be available? Any passed along experiences would help since I am a spinner bait junkie!

This topic interests me as although I don't consider myself an inconsiderate launch candidate, I am slow sometimes due to having numerous knee replacements and general age induced lack of mobility. I would just hate to be a launching/loading impediment! I guess I just feel bad about it sometimes.

Matt, I am very sorry for your losses. Unfortunately I have been there. Hang tough young man! Your God will see you through it!

Just to have one! I completely understand that concept of thought. Have spent FAR too much money "Just to have one!".

Very nice news on the marriage. Enjoy sir!

I'll bet thAt Casull is rough on the wrist! Definitely a purpose piece!?

Would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6! It's about that simple!

My wife has an LCP and an LCRx. She used to have an LCR but due to her diminutive size and weaknesses in the hand a trigger was required. She may only shoot it single action but... ...she is VERY accurate! One round is usually all needed if you shoot accurately!

They make a beautiful piece. Unbelievable machining tolerances! They are only for the "More money than brains club" though!

Ruger LCR or LCRx. Solves all the issues of cartridge discharge, caliber, weight and you can get a laser on it!

Taurus Judge on the boat. 000 buckshot works well on snakes here in the south and also on 2 legged snakes in the south. North too! That is the only time I carry a Judge besides in my garage.

Yes SwBass15, I used to live just west of Cave Run Lake and there was some excellent Musky fishing there but I never did have the opportunity because life kept getting in the way. Now that I am retired that will not happen any more. I a not throwing those 4 pound baits any more either. I figure I have moved a whole lotta weight chasing those "fish of a thousand casts." There's supposed to be some great bucket mouth lakes around here.

Wow, I've never heard of a Bass doing that. Seen quite a few Musky dead with a Sucker or a Perch stuck in their throat. I have a swimbait nearly that size too! Was he just floating like that? Wow, I've never heard of a Bass doing that. Seen quite a few Musky dead with a Sucker or a Perch stuck in their throat. I have a swimbait nearly that size too! Was he just floating like that?

OK gentlemen, I was cleaning up and re-organizing for the upcoming season and my new boat when I realized that now I have moved to NC after living the last 15 years in Wisconsin. Guess I"ll put away the 80# braid! The problem is that I still have a whole LOT of $ in Musky gear! Seriously now, I realize that the 12 inch crankbaits/glide baits and enormous spinner baits are too much but I have time nice spinners (essentially a MEPPS #55 hairy straight line spinner) by Al Bucher are great. I am being fecicious, but I thought this might bring about a few laughs. I really do have a bunch of money tied up, probably just box 'em up! P.S. I love the big ass Crappie down here too.