roadwarrior

Gottcha! And BTW, for anyone new: Muddy and I are best friends. So, take note, we can have a passionate debate without personal animosity or attack. I have the highest regard for Muddy and his opinions, even when we are not in complete agreement. Thank you Dominick! -Kent

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Although the 10" Anaconda is still my current favorite, "Must Haves" include the Rage Tail Shad, Lobster and the new Smokin' Rooster. ;D ;D ;D

Let's get ready to rumble! ;D ;D ;D ;D

Let's see...Say you have 20 Lucky Craft Pointers, but only fish 4 colors. Do you think a fellow might have a handle on the Pointers "in general"? Suppose you had some friends that were mangers at BPS and they told you that certain reel brands represented the majority of their replacements and repairs, would that count for anything? Although I have been told that many mushroom species are poisonous, I haven't actually eaten any, so that might not be true either. This "gotta use it yourself" theory seems a little far fetched to me. When people I know or trust offer their experienced advice, most of the time I pay attention. I have never been in your kitchen, but if the heating element on YOUR stove is red, trust me, it's hot! :

"One man's trash is another man's treasure." So, to have a more credible review, I'll need to get a vegetable stick; saddle it up with the STX I already own and carry a spare Flooger and Quantum; spool on some Vanish or Viscious fluorocarbon; and swap out Eagle Claws for the hooks on my 5 year old/ brand new Rogues that never get fished? Not. 8-)

If you haven't voted, please do! 8-)

Get the oil recommended by the manufacturer. However, there is a good chance your reel may need cleaning if it is making noise. If it has not been serviced in the last two years, it's time! 8-)

There is no change. 8-)

In addition to black & blue, I like green on green and brown on brown. If you are looking for a new jig to try, pick up a few Evolution e2 jigs: http://evolutionlures.com/ 8-)

I guess all the big bass aren't gone after all! Nice fish, great pic!

WOW! Looks like another "Must Have!" 8-)

Excellent advice. There is really nothing more to say.

The "Law of Diminishing Return" applies to everything: You can pay a lot for just a little more! I don't think it's a big deal, but some of us are "collectors". When it comes to baits or lures I actually fish, I think particular brands can make a difference in results. However, a lot of guys, like me, buy stuff we never use. Silly? You bet! For me it's just a part of the bigger picture. I like spending time in the Man Cave just playing with my gear. Seriously, I enjoy collecting equipment just about as much as fishing! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Soft baits: 3 1/2" tubes, GYCB Single Tail Grub and Single Tail Hula Grub. Hard baits: Lucky Craft Pointer 100, Rapala X-Rap (XR8), Zara Spook and/or LC Sammy. Lots of guys fish the 4" & 5" Senko and small hair jigs. I have had some luck with Silver Buddies, but you will lose too many in a canoe. Good luck! 8-)

This is the last time we will change your screen name. Choose something else, but you may NOT use your corporate name.

Double Van Dam and all the Seagal movies. Besides the Governor, Jet Li (Li Lianjie) is my all-time favorite action hero. BTW, Steven Seagal lives close and I see him occasionally. These days he is BIG, I'm talkin' Jawa The Hutt!

5 1/2...Don't mess with the legend. 8-)

You may like it, but I have the BCR854 and would not want anything stiffer. Don't just handle the rods, take a reel and tie on a 1/2 oz jig to get the feel. You may still go with the 855, but compare the two before you buy. 8-)

If it's just about "catching fish", you are absolutely right! However, the lures themselves are inferior to the others mentioned in many ways. Rogues have quality control issues, often fail over time and do not cast well. They are inexpensive and a very profitable product for Smithwick. As a result, the company has no incentive to improve the lure. (Note: For $2 more they now offer a version with Gamakatsu hooks). Bottom line: Rattlin' Rogues will produce bites, but they are not the "best jerkbaits". 8-)

I don't know: Nano-vegetable molecules; no-name mystery components; quality control issues from the get-go; semi-secret blank replacement; widespread reports of breakage...the list goes on and on. Even the Carrot fans admit that the originals sucked or on a positive spin, the second generation were much better than the first, until another issue popped up. With all the issues surrounding these rods, the novelty is wearing thin. More importantly, if the company goes under, so does the warranty. I'm sure we will have a ton of information as this story continues to develop. 8-)

The Natural posted the scoop on the new Core, too. Looks like a "must have" to me! 8-)

For jig trailers I have been using JJ's Magic for the last couple of years. For all other soft plastics, MegaStrike. I recommend using JJ's Magic outdoors, at home. Pre-marinate you baits and put them back in heavy, sealed plastic bags. MegaStrike by contrast is VERY user friendly and can be applied as necessary. In addition to helping to hold a bite a little longer, MegaStrike is a great lubricant. It should be used on your hardbaits, especially the bigger swimbaits. BTW, a tube of this stuff lasts forever. Give it a try! 8-)

WOW! Those are some beautiful fish and great pics!