roadwarrior

Although I am a HUGE G.Loomis fan, I think there are better options until you get to the IMX series. Be patient and you might pick up the same rod, but IMX. Otherwise, I would suggest the St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF. At your target pricing point the reel I would recommend is the Shimano Citica E. This is an outstanding piece of equipment backed by the premier company in the business. With proper maintenance, the reel will perform like new indefinitely. 8-)

Let's see... Salary triples, endorsements go through the roof, coaches at a "real" college, plays in a conference with competative teams, and escapes the sewer we call Memphis. Man, that's a tough decision... Home run vs hit by a pitch? I wouldn't even pack a bag, I'd already be in Kentucky shopping for a toothbrush!

Well, why don't you give MegaStrike a try and see how you like it. After using half the tube, ask Bobby for a refund, tax included! You don't need to send it back or even explain what you don't like, just send an e-mail or PM with your mailing address. Those of us that use MegaStrike REALLY like it and believe the product increases the number of bites as well as improving landing ratios. If you find that is not the case, it will cost you nothing. -Kent a.k.a. roasdwarrior Global Moderator

WOW! That is pretty cool! I'm glad you made this post and saved a picture. 1000 post/ 1000 days...That's amazing. BTW, Even though post counts don't win you any prizes, we would like to boost everyone's total. Please say "Hi!" to our new members in the "Introductions" section. I realize this might be a little boring and redundant, but newbies appreciate a greeting. 8-)

Neither the Core or the CH50MG will hold much heavy line. If you intend to fish line with a diameter over .013" (12 lb test), you probably need a different reel. I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12 (.013" diameter, 19.5 lb test). p.s. We'll have to get together and fish sometime. 8-)

Welcome aboard! You might want to switch the reels around or better yet, get one with a lower gear ratio (5:0). For most applications 6.2:1 or higher is fine, but for crankbaits, especially deep runners, a slower reel is preferred. I don't know anything about Airrus rods, but generally you can get away with a "lesser" rod for working moving lures and spend a little more on a rod for jigs and soft plastics. 8-)

CONGRATULATIONS! Great story, too!

I fish alone, but would always prefer fishing with someone. I don't like drinkin' by myself either, unless I'm alone! 8-)

Well, since Catt didn't go into any detail, I won't either, BUT if you are not fishing these worms, you are making a big mistake.

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Try the TVA site again. It is updated (3/30) and has three day projections up now, too. -Kent

Bite off a piece of plastic worm and use it as a stopper or hook it horizontally through the pork rather than vertically (through the hole). 8-)

Send Bantam1 a PM if you need some assistance. If the issue is grease and/or oil, Shimano might just fix it, but I suspect they will send you a new reel. Don't use the reel thinking it will loosen up, it should be good-to-go right out of the box. Otherwise, there is a problem.

About 15 minuters ago the mailman delivered my new Citica 200E, and I've got say, so far I'm not impressed. It's nowhere near as smooth as I expected, it will hardly free spool at all, and I can't seem to get the drag to back off fully. This is my first experience with Shimano's baitcasters, and I really, REALLY hope the Curado I ordered is ALOT better than this. :-/ If I had to do it over again, I'd choose the Revo S. Send it back, there is DEFINITELY something wrong.

Nice report and pics! 8-)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kentucky Lake begins at Pickwick Dam. The water there is 49-51 degrees. The discrepency, I think, is do to heavy rains and a creek that emptys into the river just below the dam. However, things change quickly. TVA opened 8 gates this weekend and they are running 91,000 cfs through the generators today. Kentucky Dam is only running 61,000 cfs, so the lake should be rising.

The ML can be used for a variety of light lures. One specific use would be as a dropshot rod. For the most part, I fish a ML rod when targeting stocker trout and white bass. The AVS68MXF is especially well suited for weightless soft plastics and light jigs. Your glass rod is for treble hook lures. Your MH can be used for heavier lures, like jigs, T-rigged plastics and medium weight swimbaits. This would also be used for Carolina rigging. Both MXF and the MH can be used for buzzbaits and spinnerbaits although I prefer baitcasters for both of these lure classes. 8-)

Welcome aboard! Grubs, tubes and jerkbaits are always possibilities. 8-)

Catt, you are so subtle. I thought location was just the three most important things? :

No overlap. The 2500FI was awarded ICAST "Best of Class". It is a MUCH BETTER reel than the white one. Many of the features on the FI were previously only available on the Stella. 8-)

p.s. The wipers were the end of the story. It's tough, but women should never have any work done on a car if at all possible. It's not just your wife, all women get "special" treatment and the "female pricing and replacement" deal. >

Well, teetering on the brink...Let's give it a rest. Good night Irene -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Although I like the Rage Tail Craw, I think a "minnow" imitator is better on this rig. Something with a tail, not claws. 8-)

Yo-Zuri Hybrid or Hybrid Ultra Soft #12 (.013" diameter, 19.5 lb test). For maximum performance, treat the line with KVD Line & Lure Conditioner. 8-)