roadwarrior

Man, that has been my whole point when discussing this company: Quality Control! Deliver what you offer. MOST customers are VERY happy. Make EVERYONE HAPPY!

The St.Croix Avid is a VERY good rod, well woth the $160 (+/-) retail offering. The current models are on sale for less than $100 some places, around $110 at BPS. Either way, this is a GREAT value. I would HIGHLY recommend a St. Croix Avid at the pricing point you are considering.

So... What's the problem?

Wait a few months and save some extra dough...ANY G.Loomis IMX wlll meet ALL of your expectations and will be a rod you are not only happy with, but a piece of equipment you will fish with for the rest of your life. The IMX series is what G.Loomis is all about. If you can find a GLX in our Flea Market or on sale somewhere else... You have arrived... 8-)

Take a look at this thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141053342 8-)

Nope, it ain't gonna work. Find somewhere else to fish.

Nothing wrong with those, but I don't see a 5.

Now, THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! 8-)

The lines have a different percentage of fluorocarbon vs. nylon. Less fluoro/ more nylon (Ultra Soft) reduces the memory in Ultra Soft to almost nothing. A higher proportion of fluoro (original Hybrid) has a refraction index closer to clear water. As far as I can tell, all other attributes are basically the same.

There are simply many classes of lures that you cannot fish in a pond. Basically, those are any lures you're not willing to lose! Just today I lost two jigs and two Storm swimbaits. Not terribly expensive, so I'll continue throwing them, but last week (against my better judgement) I donated a Fat Free Shad and a Yo-Zuri Ratl"N Vibe to the pond monster. I know better and it will be awhile until I do that it again. :

Great post! You got me jonesin' for some brown fish...Nice pics, too. 8-)

8-) Stretch is not an issue with Ultra Soft, but I do not know (technically) how is compares with XT.

When you detect a bite, lower your rod tip and reel down QUICKLY. When you feel the fish, snap your wrists (snap set) without moving the reel position relative to your body. All of the force is concentrated in the upper portion of the rod. This will drive the hook into the fish and the subsequent fight will drive the hook deeper. NEVER double set, this does more harm than good. I assure you, if you will practice using the snap hook-set, your ratios will improve dramatically.

No doubt. However, all the skills that are learned on ponds are easily transferable. The main difference is the right location at the right time. As Rick Clunn has often stated, "Catching bass is easy, the challenge is finding them."

Go catch a big bass! 8-)

Congtratulations! There is a fair chance you will catch her again. Good luck!

Well, I really don't know a lot about the rods, but I think Raul has recommended them at their pricing point. However, I would NEVER pay retail, BPS has their in-house brands on sale at different times throughout the year. You can probably pick up a combo with a Shimano reel and basically get the rod for free!

Yep, Print this out and keep it around: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9222.html 20" Smallmouth = 3 lb 14 oz 20" Largemouth = 4 lb 10 oz

Fishing is only as complicated as you want it to be. With any rod and reel; any brand of line and any hook, you could fish a plastic worm and catch bass if you are at the right spot at the right time. For most fishermen, it's "the rest of the time" when having the right gear counts.

Davis, Please take a moment to take a look at the PM I sent to you.

Davis, Please take a moment to read a PM I sent to you.

I have the Fenwick Techna AV AS70MM. It's a fine rod, but I don't think it's worth $209. The price was raised from $160 without any improvements. I consider it a couple of notches down from the G.Loomis. I also had a IMX MBR844C for several years which I was able to exchange last year for the GLX version. I think you would be very happy with the 843, but the 844 is a more universal rod. If I only had one rod, it would be the MBR844C.

As a St. Croix fan, I am appaled that they offer this rod in their line-up. This is a terrible example of shoddy product under the umbrella of an otherwise outstanding company. Look for an Avid on sale. St. Croix is introducing a new Avid and the current model is being discontinued. Some of our members hace picked them up at $65-$100. BPS has them for around $120, but I expect that price to be reduced soon.

$350 and since it is "brand new" that is probably the price you are going to pay.

Thanks! That's a beauty and a great example of "perspective".