volzfan59

Yes, Elites are $100K. Not to long back, the Opens paid $30K and a boat. Not sure if they still do that or not. I guess I've been living under a rock. Don't have any idea who Ben Milliken is? From the comments I'm guessing he's a YouTuber? I know this about him, he's pretty much built up an insurmountable lead at TB.

Opens pay around $40 to $50k to win don't they?

@Eric 26, When I was at BPS, they hadn't reintroduced the Extreme rods and reels. Back when they first came out in the 90's the baitcaster's were $99.99 for just the reel and were pretty much bulletproof. They were green in color, don't remember anything about the bearings. They were the next step up from the Pro Qualifier reels at the time. I think that the old Extreme reels were made by Doyo, but I'm not sure. I don't know anything about the new Extreme XML reels, but at that price point it wouldn't surprise if they were made by Doyo. Sorry

If Diawa is still making the Johnny Morris Signature Series and Platinum Series spinning reels, I would be shocked if BPS stopped carrying Diawa reels. The store that I worked at stopped carrying Diawa rods. We couldn't give them away.

Bass Pro Shop in Little Rock, AR, online and catalog sales still carry Diawa too.

I heard that interview too. I guess I'll order a few and see. Really like the bone color that @NorthernBasser posted.

It would depend on your states lemon law's. I realize that you said that you purchased in December, I'm assuming December 2022. Was it a new hold over 2017 or did you buy it used? I don't know if a lemon law would work on a used motor. You're describing a motor issue right now, what else have you had your rig in the shop for? Final question, did you purchase from a private party or a dealer with some sort of warranty?

Has anyone tried the Toad Thumper frogs? They were introduced last year. The promo video's look great, but I guess they're supposed to. Toad Thumper is partially owned by Cody Cannon, singer and songwriter for the band Whiskey Myers. Not a great reason to buy the toads, but I'm a huge WM fan.

Thanks @MN Fisher

When I worked for BPS, all of the BPS branded reels from the Bionic series up came off the same Doyo line as Lew's and some other other brands. Actually were delivered to the store in Doyo boxes. I don't remember who made the cheaper reels. From what I've been told by friends still with BPS, the only exception are the Johnny Morris Signature and Platinum spinning reels which are made by Diawa.

Hey Ken, When you get your outboard back on, would you post a pic of the motor sitting on the jackplate? Pretty please?

This!

I remember the inflation of the mid 70's well. My closest buddy lived down the lake a little bit from us. His mom and dad had an adjustable rate mortgage and their payments kept going up to the point that they were actually worried about having to sell, thankfully they didn't. I'm not saying that things were great at our house, but I'll say this, my mom and pop paid cash for everything and weren't sweating about as much as other's were. Money in the bank and zero debt equals a lot of peace of mind for me. But, as in all things, to each his own.

My first kayak was a used 12' Ocean Kayak. First new kayak was a 12' Field and Stream from Dick's Sporting Goods. Then I bought a new Ascend 128. Kayak fishing was okay, but not for me. Sold or gave them all away and bought a boat.

Like @garroyo130 said, you'll see It mentioned here. For me, I prefer using either a palomar or Trilene knot. I can't remember either ever failing me. But as in all things, to each their own.

Doggone, you're rolling in ninja style! I like it. I don't know if it attracts bass or not, it would be an interesting study. In my mind if I can hear it, they can hear it.

Happy Easter!

I'm not a fan of fluro at all for anything. I only use monofilament line and 2000/2500 size reels are the smallest I would use.

I had a stereo system installed in my old 19' ChampioN bass boat. Loved it and listened often........... until. One summer day I was fishing and it was hot, I mean satan's arm pit hot. I dove in to cool off a little. While under water I could hear the bass from the stereo and I didn't have it cranked up. I never turned it on again while fishing. It's also the only boat that I've had a radio on.

Welcome to BR from the great state of Arkansas. Look forward to reading your posts.

Easy, BPS Platinum medium/fast with a BPS Platinum 6.8:1 reel. I find myself using this set more are more. While I use BPS Crankin' Stick's (with the same reel), for crankbait's, I would be comfortable throwing them on this set up.

Ain't that the truth! @Darth-Baiter, I'm retired and hate to admit this but I don't fish nearly as much as I thought that I would. I had these grandiose plans of fishing all the time. Just hasn't worked out that way. Unlike you, I'm basically a loner. Nothing wrong with being social, just not for me. I love being around family and friends, that's about it. It's a double edge sword though, how does one make new friends when they're not willing to meet new people.

I don't know who would have officially protested the win. It was noted by both parties that he was in contact with the tournament director the entire time. If I remember correctly, he contacted the TD as soon as he found the way to his area blocked. He contacted the TD again when some of the folks following him got out of their boats and moved the rocks that were placed in the small channel leading to his spot. Blocking a competitor's way was some real chicken ? stuff in my opinion.

I know that BPS rod and reel repair used to have a ton of older parts and would sell them. That said, it was several years ago.

@Blue Raider Bob, Your excellent post made me remember a book that I read by a guy named Kim Trevathan called "Cold Hearted River". Kim and a friend floated the length of the Cumberland from Harlan, KY to where the Cumberland connects with the Ohio River. Not really a fishing book, but a great read. Thank you