roadwarrior

A GREAT all-around spinning reel would be the St. Croix Avid AVS68MXF. If you want 7', AVS70MF is a fine rod, too. Match either of these with a Shimano Symetre or Stradic 2500FI and you're set! p.s I also recommend Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft #6 for your new rig. 8-)

Get yourself a couple Shimano Citica E and don't look back. This reel is as "strong, smooth, silent and reliant" as any reel in your price range. With proper manintenance the Citica might last a lifetime! 8-)

We will have several at Kentucky Lake, but other than BassResource.com guys, I have never seen one anywhere I fish. Maybe availability (in store) is an issue in this region, I don't really know. BTW, If you're looking for an antidote for the plague, get yourself a Lamiglas SR705R cranking stick. They are a few shades lighter than ugly orange! 8-)

Some of us think aesthetics is as important as functionality. My preference is the "Dark Vader" look, others like bling-bling. I care about the color of my line, I want it to match the rest of my rig.! 8-)

Welcome aboard! There might be 100 pages or more in this section. I suggest reading through the various threads and taking notes. Some of the authors are pros, others are business owners. We have addition information at the top of the page, "Fishing Articles". LBH also posted a stickie in the top half of page 1 in this section: https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1173009274 8-)

Your current rig is best suited for single hook, "moving lures". Examples are buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, small swimbaits and grubs. A second rod would be for jigs and soft plastics. In your price range, St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF would be a good choice. This would match up nicely with either the Core or CH50MG. The third rod is for all medium weight treble hooks, including topwater, jerkbaits and crankbaits. I suggest looking at the Avid AVC66MF, which is my "all-around" baitcaster. Mine is saddled with a Core, but again, the CH50MG is another option and a GREAT value! Good luck and WELCOME ABOARD! 8-)

I think you're right. It's very difficult to express one's contempt on this forum without violating our "Family Friendly" policy This thread is closed, not for what was written, but for how we really feel. Bless the officer's family. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator >

I wish you could make it this year. Hope next year works out. -Kent

Well, that just makes me want to

The lure looks great and those are some fine fish! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

You will have to experiment, any size and any trailer will work sometimes! I like a big trailer on a 1/2 oz jig myself. I use GYCB Flappin" Hog, Baby Paca Craw and Rage Tail craws. Next week (April 5-10) the BassResource.com 4th Annual Roadtrip is being held at Kentucky Lake. There will be plenty of information posted about when, what and where, so stay tuned! 8-)

The lures only spin when they are foul hooked. 8-)

Not... If you can find the CH50MG for around $165, there's nothin' to talk about. Buy two and be happy. 8-)

Save some money and catch a bunch of fish: Hire a guide that furnishes tackle. If you decide to stick with it, spend some time in the BassResource.com Library, "Fishing Articles" and the "Tacklebox" at the top of the page. The easier answer to your quest is a couple of "in-house" combinations from a big retailer: Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's have all you need. Good luck and welcome aboard! 8-)

I would bet most local tournaments are won with a Senko. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Well, I have several different jig tailers that I have soaked in JJ's Magic and re-bagged. I like the stuff and it seems effective, but it's messy. For other trailers and everything else, MegaStrike. 8-)

Wayne, That is a very nice offer, but I have Monday night covered. -Kent 8-)

All plastics. 8-)

If you end up not using it or find that you really don't need the rod, you can sell it on our Flea Market quickly if the price is reight. We have plenty of Carrot Heads! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)