Boomstick

If you need a 2-piece rod, maybe so you can transport it or maybe to hide in your trunk so you can go fish after work, then get a 2-piece rod. But one piece rods are typically higher quality and certainly have a better selection to chose from in any price point. Additionally, you don't have to worry about a potential weak spot at the rod joint, and they should provide better sensitivity as well. That said, Ugly Stik has figured out how to make that rod joint strong -- who ever breaks an Ugly Stik at the joint> It's always the tip or the handle -- if you manage to break one at all.

So they didn't feel they could do a traditional biopsy safely due to the size of thing thing and the proximity to my intestines, so they're going to make a small incision to get a sample. If it's Lymphoma, they will stitch me back up but if it's not which is most likely, they will remove it. The operation is slated for Monday morning.

Wow, ironic that was post 666. I hope this process moves quickly. These hospital beds absolutely suck!

So on Saturday, I woke up with a sharp pain in my lower right side, primarily when I bend over or cough. I still managed to go fishing without issue. Yesterday, it got worse. I would have went into the emergency room last night, but my girlfriend was out of town and I was home with the boys. So I went into the emergency room today, expecting to have appendicitis given the location of the pain and some other symptoms. Turns out, a CT scan revealed that I have a tumor the size of my fist on my right colon I must admit, I am a little scared. Tumors this size usually aren't benign. I should be out fishing but looks like I will be in the hospital for a while.

Go Celtics! I never would have imagined they would get this far given who they have injured, but that team is tough and has no quit.

I use a ML/XF for drop shots and Ned rigs with 6lb leader line. Might try a shake head but but M/F is preferred.

Wow that's a great fish! Congrats and welcome to the exclusive double digit club -- which I hope to join someday.

Yours definitely looks large because you got a proper pose in. I was trying to keep my back from killing me waiting for my girlfriend to figure out how to take a picture lol. I'd guess they probably are similar in length, yours looks a little fatter though. But like I said, I tried picked it up with my rod and even thumb'd the reel a bit and it just pulled out drag like nothing and the drag is set at 4lbs at a 45 angle. I don't think a fish that is just 4.5 would pull out line like nothing at a 90 degree angle (which typically takes a little more weight) so there is some science to my estimate

Looks like a good sized bullhead to me. As others have said, the tail gives it away.

I am 6'3". The picture doesn't do a great job to show the actual size of this fish but it was just shy of 2 feet long. I didn't actually have my scale on me, but I do know my drag was set to 4 lbs by my scale and I tried to pull him out of the water with my rod and it just slipped like crazy. If he's not 5, he's not far off.

^ Seconded.

I would probably go with something M/M if most of the water you fish is pretty clear. If you find yourself fishing around a lot of stumps and grass, maybe bump it up to a medium heavy to help pull a fish out, or possibly a M/F, which will give you a nice quick rebound when hitting a square bill off of a stump.

I caught my PB on a rowboat and did not have my scale on me, which kills me to this day. I do know this was a 22.5" or 23" long smallie, because my index finger to my elbow is 18.5" and it was at easily 4" past that, and quite the hog. I'm going to guess it may have been close to 6 pounds and I usually under guess vs my scale, but given it's length and girth, there is a solid chance I caught a Vermont state record, but I'll never know for sure. Grats on the fish, but do try to weigh it next time or at least gain some kind of measurements. I would have weighed that fish through the gills, if you do it quickly the fish should be fine. A 9lb fish is too good to not verify. I now have a smaller electronic scale that I can fit in my pocket.

That's completely objective. The Tatula SV wins with lighter baits. I actually like my son's Pflueger Supreme XT a little more than the Curado K and I got mine for a bit cheaper -- it's as light as the 70, holds line of the K plus it reels even smoother and the line spools on straighter and I think I cast further on it as well. But the Curado is certainly among the best options in the price range, no question. It's not like you're going to go buy one and later regret it because XYZ is so much better.

Do you fish from shore mostly? Do you fish any deep divers? How about through grass and stumps? Also do you have a limited number of rods you can carry? These can have an effect on the rod I would suggest.

I have no experience with Shimano rods as from actually using them, but I've seen several in stores and always thought they felt like they were built like a tank, like I could use one as a baseball bat and not break it.

I haven't tried it yet, but I wouldn't see why not.

I fished a spinnerbait and chatterbait all day today, thought it was the perfect conditions plus time of year, but got nothing. Finally I switched to a crank and landed a nice 5 pounder when I ran it through a weed bed (actually missed him then got him on a follow up cast). I am going to assume there may be lack of shore access at the lake, so packing up and moving might not be an ootion, so maybe try a crankbait then a paddletail swimbait and if that didn't improve, maybe try some soft plastics or a NED rig or dropshot. It's possible they're just not chasing, or they're just not there.

It's common you may find a 3/8" is a willow and a Colorado and a 1/2oz is a double willow for burning, and generally if I am slow rolling them especially this time of year, the smaller the better so I would agree 1/2 for burning.

I should also add that frogs are really fun to fish.

I've heard of plenty of success stories with these rods, actually considered one for myself but ended up going with an Avid X. That said back to the original topic at hand. If money is an issue, one of these forbidden rods will do nicely as will the Fenwick HMG, and if you have a little extra to spend go with the St. Croix Premier.

I think the B is an older generation but I am not 100% sure to be honest. If I didn't just sit down for the first time today, I would go check mine which is the older model. Some people tell me they prefer the older model, but I believe the newer model will be better with line twist and more importantly, losing loops which is the biggest issue I've always had with that reel.

When compared to the 70, the K is a little heavier and larger but holds more line. I would say if you ever use anything larger in diameter than 40lb braid and plan to cast with the reel not just flip and pitch, the K is probably the way to go. My biggest problem with the Curado is once you take the side plate off, it's a pain to get back on. You have to kind of hold it shut very tightly while reeling to get it to lock. Fortunately, there's only 4 brake pins, so you won't adjust those too often (most people will have 2 on, 2 off and use the external adjustment control). Once it's locked though, it doesn't pop off. I got one for my oldest son and it's a great reel, I would not hesitate to recommend it.

I got a Daiwa BG for $75. It's a little bit more expensive than the President, but worth every penny. Also the upper model Pflueger reels should be worthwhile as well although I am not familiar with them in the price range between the President and Supreme XT.

I really wish I got a better picture. I wasn't even in a good pose -- waiting for my girlfriend to take the picture and getting annoyed, plus her phone takes bad pictures.