LionHeart

I think the whole deal with carbon fiber is that it is light and flexible, while still being sensitive. Now you've got me wanting to know. I got check this out.

Gonna speculate here and say it isn't glass or graphite. It's a carbon fiber rod. I'd throw some 30 or 40 lb braid and whatever mono you have laying around for a leader. If you plan on using it for jerk bait, 10 or 12 lb would do just fine IMO. You seemed to use the words 'flex' and 'leverage' like they are synonymous. Maybe I misunderstood, but they are kinda the opposite.

Most likely it ain't the line. There are no shortcuts. You just need to practice. Everyone goes through it. Best advice I can give you is make sure your reel is set up properly, don't go for long distance, and start with a somewhat aerodynamic lure. Braid will backlash like a mofo if you have poor casting technique, and can be more difficult to clear a birdnest. I have had some whoppers. Having said all that, braided line for life. ?

I use it on a MH/Mod-fast St. Croix Bass X. Never really understood the whole 'pulling the bait away from a fish' thing. There must be something to it because so many people talk about it, but in my mind if a bass hits a spinner bait while it's moving, hammer it.

Don't make too much nevermind to me. In fact, if I pick up a rod that isn't noticeably tip heavy (and I can only think of a few that are), balance doesn't enter my mind. Weight? Sure.

What's yer budget? There are plenty of rods that can do all that

Never had an issue with this but who knows how many variables there could be.

I use the improved clinch knot often with braid. I've had the same thing happen but only occasionally. I have noticed that when tying to a lure with a split ring, like a crank bait, it tends to happen more if the knot is clinched where the split ring doubles over itself(which is most of the ring). Try clinching the knot down on the small portion of the split ring where the two ends of the ring end, and don't double over. Hope that makes sense, it's hard to describe.

Without a doubt. I can't tell you how many fish I catch on a Baby Brush Hog, but have yet to see one in my lake.

Some day. My girls are 3 years old, and 10 months old.

Once a week for 4-5 hours. On long weekend's I occasionally go twice and some weekend's not at all, but then again I'm married with 2 kids so I figure that ain't too bad. Going early in the morning helps. I usually try to be casting just before sun up and home by lunch.

Lakes IMO are much harder to fish than a small body of water. You spend half the time thinking you're doing something wrong, when in reality, there may just not be any fish where you are. Also, I find lake fish tougher to catch in general, while pond fish.....well.

Since you asked, no you aren't being stupid. This is America and you are free to want a rod to be any color you wish. However, I would recommend that you find a way to care less about how well your rod matches your reel, and focus more on the important properties of a fishing rod.

Wow, these guys don't mess around.

That Sir is a fine idea. Matter of fact I think my wife has one of those under the seat of her Mercury. Goodbye Shania Twain, hello Strike King.

I use 50 lb braid to 20 lb mono 6-8 ft leader with a few of my setups. The only reason I re-tie a leader is when it gets too short from changing lures. Most of my FG knots have been tied for the past 10 trips or so and look brand new. I am pretty die hard with this knot, and doubt I will ever use anything else. What type of finishing knot are you using?

So I went to Cabelas today. I figured instead of getting measurements, the best way to know how the guides would work is to test them. I brought in one of my reels and asked if I could put it on one of the rods and make a few pitches. To my surprise, they said "sure." I was even able to make a couple of casts in an open area of the store. I can say they work great. In full honesty, while the knot is going through the guides in either direction, I do feel it ever so slightly if I really concentrate on it, but no clicking or snagging of any kind, and absolutely no impact on pitching, casting, or reeling in line. What I feel of the knot going through the guides is barely perceptible even when looking for it. Pretty happy about that because I wanted to keep the build as original as function would allow. Thanks for all the feedback guys.?

I forget what it's called, but there is a type of boat that is laid out like a pontoon boat on top with a traditional boat hull on the bottom. Some guy was selling a 16 footer on my local Craigslist for a great price. Even my wife wanted it. To me, it looked like it could merge the two worlds of family/fishing boat perfectly. But alas, we are poor.

I keep hearing about Zolo"B." Are you guys just referring to bass rods? I don't see a "B" model.

Will do. Thanks man

Maybe people are finally realizing that Flouro is not what all the 'Pro's were paid to say it is.

Rod length affects casting distance, but not as much as people let on. It's far more important to have a rod that loads properly with the weight of the lure you are casting. It's also more important to be comfortable with the length of the rod than derive any marginal gain or loss in casting distance IMO. Also, nothing wrong with an Ugly stick. They may be a little heavier or less sensitive than a higher dollar graphite rod. Is it worth the extra $$$? To me it kinda is.

Can anyone recommend a good site to sell rifle optics online? I've already listed on AR15.com, and EBay. Looking to sell something fairly soon. Thanks-James

WRB, thanks for taking the time. I work very close to a Cabelas, so tomorrow I will measure the inner diameter of the size 5 Kigan guides. As long as it's 3.5 4mm or greater I expect no issues as I routinely use guides of that size.

They are having a 10% off sale till September 1st.