CroakHunter

Shimano makes great products. They are highly recommend in the fishing world as well as the cycling world. I had a curado 200 and it was a workhorse. Smooth drag great castability, 0 problems. But it's like dogbone said, it didn't have that feel that I wanted for the rod I wanted to mount it on. If I had to only use Shimano I'd be ok with it and catch just as many fish. But I fish for fun and wanna use what is going to be fun and most satisfying for me because I want to catch them how I want to and with what I want to. Any reputable company that has been named here has a reel that will fit your style and budget. You just have to use trial and error to find that perfect fit. Mine is the daiwa tatula line of reels.

Although neither is very abrasion resistant, 4 carrier braid will be slightly more resistant than I carrier. But 8 carrier is smoother and usually casts better. I prefer 4 weave daiwa j braid.

Way under your budget, but I just picked up an 8' heavy daiwa fuego. Great quality. I also use a 7'3 heavy tp1 speed stick for pitching. Its a great brush and grass rod.

nice! Someone did their research it looks like.

I have a cabelas tournament zx. it's a really nice rod. Was very surprised about the quality for the price. I actually use mine as a c-rig and wobble head rod. But have thrown cranks on it before I bought my denali

There is no set standard for rods. I have a fast action cranking rod and it is definitely more of a mod/moderate fast.

Feel sorry for you guys with ice already. 45 and rain here today. Supposed to be in the 50's this week here.

Seen this yesterday, couldn't believe nobody Was injured.

That's on my birthday and I just so happen to have a 3 day weekend that week. Decisions decisions

I use this formula as well. My 7.2 on the scale measures 22.5x17.5 Which is 7.38

Daiwa j braid x4 is great. 15 bucks for 300 yards

Was reading through some old posts about a lake close to where I live and even closer to where I grew up and couldn't resist @Bluebasser86

Yeah they are hunting hogs when they are on the flw tour or on the bass elite series. But if 8 1lbers counts the same as an 8 lber, I'm catching dinks all day if that's what it takes to cash a check

I've got one...bad part is the scale only read 7.2lbs

I've heard of older people grinding up and pressure cooking carp and then frying them I believe to make what supposedly tastes like salmon patties. Same guys went on to say that when bbq'd correctly racoon is very delicious. I'll pass on both And opt for crappie, bluegill, catfish, and bass. I've also heard gar is great when filleted and cooked near instantly after catching.

Just picked up my new flipping stick! Too bad it's 30 degrees, I'm stuck in line at the bank, and I've been up for 24hrs and gotta pull another 11hr shift tonight

Ok, I'll choose Jacob Wheeler. I think we went to different high schools together.

That was my second choice so I win!

Thanks for the replies guys. I Was definitely over thinking it. Can't wait to get out there and punch

Not sure what type of vegetation it is that's in our waters. Its thick and viney like. Don't think it's hydrilla or milfoil. Will look up coon tail

Was hoping you'd reply. I've read your write up about Tommy (Martin?) a few times. And will probably read it a few more before I actually go out and have some hand to hand combat with some largemouth.

I went ice fishing once, after 30 minutes of no bites, a little bird landed on my head, chirped 3 times, took a dump on my shoulder and flew off. Literally 30 seconds after that I got a bite and caught nearly a 1.5lb red ear. I packed up my stuff and went home saying "if that's what it takes for me to catch fish through the ice it ain't for me!"

2 questions. Where is option 3? And do you ever use a punch skirt?

I have no idea how they do it, but I work for a large automotive manufacturer and deal with paint/plastic quality mainly. We have a lot of tools and equipment including sonars and microscopes that help us determine not only if it was a defect or if it was mutilated. Most of the time we can figure out when, where, and how the mutilation occurred. Also keeping records of reported problems can assist in the determination of the problem. But back to the thread, that's great he is getting out of California if that is what he feels like is best. Texas has some great fishing so I've heard. I believe this spring will be the time I pick up my first (and probably not last) dobyns.

Hard to beat an orra winch for the price you can find them for. Tacklewarehouse just had a huge sale on left handed winches for around 50 bucks.