roadwarrior

Got a GLX BCR854 for sale? 8-)

I think you are much better off buying specific lures recommended by people you know or trust. Some of us have huge collections of lures we never use! Start out with a few "sure things": Hard Baits Rat-L-Trap Original Floating Rapala Norman Fat Boy Terminator spinnerbait Zara Spook and/or Puppy Chug Bug Soft Plastics GYCB Senko GYCB Fat Ika This is as much as you really "need" to get started. 8-)

St. Croix will replace the rod, but since it is obviously defective, the retailer might swap it out for you. Either way, return the rod for another. 8-)

** MODERATOR NOTE ** Okay, I hope everyone got their say...Let's move on. This thread is closed.

Nothing more than conversations with Shimano representatives. I suspect David Green has tired of this thread, but if he happens to see this question, he might address the issue.

Well, I don't mind losing a lure once in awhile, but every ten casts is a little much. If you had a boat on the water you could recover most of the Rat-L-Traps or any other bait, but it's almost impossible from the bank. I would fish soft plastics, weightless and weedless for the most part. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Don't know, but it could be a marketing ploy to make some people think it's now a "better reel". I have three of the old, shabby Stella FBs and they all have a little give. 8-)

Just trying to lighten up the thread... I fish Shimano, but... I recently received a Revo STX as a gift... So, now I'm a Divo Revo, too! :

Well... "I don't need no stinkin Shimano Reels" 8-)

The "play" is designed into the reel to protect the gearing. Other companies have decided this is not important to them. This has nothing to do with engineering tolerances or craftmanship, it is a feature Shimano feels is important.

I have been experimenting with #15 Yo-Zuri Hybrid (original formula, 21.5 lb test). This line retains a little more memory than I would prefer, but KVD Lure & Line treatment has helped address that issue. I don't notice any stretch, but I know that cannot be technically true. Strength? Well, this is the strongest line you can fish and still break off if you need to when you're hung up. I don't believe a freshwater fish could break this line even with your drag cranked all the way down! I fish "The Rocks From Hell". Abrasion is a not an issue, none whatsoever. No special knot is required. 8-)

And here is another way to look at it: Excluding the coldest winter months, I think I might catch a decent largemouth about every four hours of fishing. So, if we don't count little fish, I'm usually skunked! The better fish make up for lost time. 8-)

As reelmechanic alluded to, it just depends on where you fish, how you fish and what you are using. I fish both spinning and baitcasting equipment and like them equally, but I have a high preference for one over the other when using specific techniques. 8-)

Well, that's my favorite and a lot of other guys, but really, the only reason we catch more fish on watermelon w/ black flakes is because we throw it more often! I think I probably do just as well with black w/ blue flakes or green pumpkin w/ red & black flakes. Basically, any color will usually work. I fish "dark" or some kind of white! 8-)

I'm with Catt if you are talking about "Tournament" fisherman. I'm with Matt if you talking "bass" fishermen only. But if the question is "Greatest Angler", it's Al Lindner hands down! I voted "other". 8-)

For fishing soft plastics, I have a strong preference for spinning tackle. I use a Medium Power/ Fast Action rod, specifically: St. Croix Legend Elite ES70MF/ Shimano Stella 2500FB ans #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft. 8-)

This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229 Technique specific rods are for those that "collect" equipment. Once past the basic "needs", some search for the "perfect rod" for a particular presentation. 8-)

I've been a Shimano fan for a little more than eleven years. Although I have given my older, introductory models away to friends, every Shimano reel I have ever owned is still in use and continues to perform as well or better than the day they were purchased. Strong, smooth, silent and reliant. These are attributes incorporated in every Shimano reel. This company has grown their reputation by building reels that have stood the "test of time". As competators are forced to improve their product offerings, we all benefit. Individually, there will be preferences among brands and models, but it seems they are all still "compared" to the standard, and Shimano has set the bar high. 8-)

Well, you guys are right, but to answer the question as it relates to "commom usage", stickbaits are usually Senko style soft plastics. Or maybe not: http://www.cabelas.com/ssubcat-1/cat600382.shtml 8-)

This should help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1189609782 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137 8-)

"Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish." -Mark Twain 8-)