roadwarrior

I don't think guys were picking on you, the problems you were having with the Shimano were probably due to adjustments or the lack of the proper adjustments. Some of the members here are big fans of Shimano, that's all it was about. If you like your Daiwa and you are not having any problems with it, why don't you just buy another? I don't know much about the Johnny Morris reels, but Daiwa is popular with a lot of our members.

Start out "just catching" some fish. Then get fairly good with one technique before trying to conquer the world. I suggest you start out with some "cast and retrieve" lures. #1 Original Rapala. Just cast parallel to the bank, off the bank five to ten yards or along a weed line. #2 Zara Puppy (black & silver). In low light, cast as I suggested with the Rapala. Let the lure sit for a least thirty seconds initially, then twitch it and let it sit again. Work the lure all the back to you. #3 Rat-L-Trap ( blue & silver). In deeper water cast as you have with the other two lures (above). Just cast and then reel at a steady speed, but varying the speed on different casts until you find one that the fish like. I GUARANTEE these lures will produce some bass for you. Next, the 5" Senko and the Fat Ika. Soft plastics are a little harder to fish when you are starting out. Don't start this project until you have confidence in the first three lures I mentioned. Later, you may find the Senko and the Fat Ika to be the two biggest producers in your tackle box. These are all the lures/ baits you need this year.

I rarely use my cell phone and I never get any calls. My wife said I had to turn it on. :-* Is that true?

Take a look at this thread which is also a "Sticky" in the upper portion of this section: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1120348381

GYCB Fat Baby Craw

Hmm... "blanked" How'd you come up with that name?

pro-bassing, Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Some of our "stuff" is probably just fine. You will probably need to replace the skirts on spinnerbaits, they are probably rotten. The soft plastics will be fine, but if you're not fishing GYCB, you need to get some Senkos and Fat Ika! I would have my reels serviced and change out all the line.

Welcome aboard! Me, too.

I'm not really familiar with the BPS Extreme, but since it's matched up with the Stradic 2500, that would be my choice. I think the Stradic is the "best value" in the Shimano line-up and if you don't like the BPS Extreme for some reason, you only have $20 tied up in the rod.

I never peg for one simple reason: an unpegged soft plastic has more random action. The majority of the time I fish soft plastics unweighted. Tubes, lizards, GYCB Kut-tail and an occasional split shot worm would be the exceptions.

I recommend "better" equipment rather than "more." Start with the MLF and later you may want to add a M to the mix. Medium power is generally a better "all-around" choice, but in this instance I would choose the ML.

These are significantly different lures. I would agree that the X-Rap is the better choice for active fish, but larger fish (generally) seem to prefer the Husky Jerk.

I rarely keep a bass, but I think keeping little bass is generally a sound management policy (except smallmouth, of course!) I fish a number of ponds, one of which is "lost" to overpopulation, 90% of the bass are small and stunted. Balancing small water is very difficult. Ecology suggests that keeping legal, small bass will improve the environment of most ponds.

I think your title should read "Limitations of Medium Light Power vs Medium Power". That is what I assume you are asking and what I am replying to. Well, here is a fairly direct comparison between two St. Croix Avids I own: AS66MLF & AC66MF. This ML handles small and light weight lures just fine, but working medium weights loads the rod to such a degree that there is very little action left for the hook-set. This means you are setting the hook with the entire rod which is slow and may not transfer enough energy for the hooks to penetrate the fish's mouth. Secondly, if the fish is of any size, you cannot move it or change direction. In open water this may not be a problem, but it can be. By comparison, the MF equipment handles a broader range of lures while retaining faster action in the upper portion of the rod. Medium power still allows fish under 5 lbs to be fun to catch, but can handle big fish much better. Power ratings are more about the lures you are going to use then the fish you hope to catch. ML is the better choice for the type of fishing you expecting.

I'm with Catt.

Well look at you! Steppin' out... This is a very interesting and detailed initial report. I for one will be very interested in your follow-up.

If you are looking for a dedicated, technique specific rod, this is probably the one for you: http://products.gloomis.com/gl/products/family.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032501&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181201&bmUID=1173388534939 Compare it to the MBR844C and the BCR854C and see which one you prefer. I have the MBR which is a very versatle rod. The G.Loomis guys that have fished the BCR say it's THE BOMB! I don't recall anyone commenting on the FGR863C, but that's probably just because it's new.

Welcome aboard! Before you start spending money, go to "Fishiing Articles" at the top of the page, this page. There you will find a section "For Beginning Anglers." Read those articles first.

GMAN, That's cheatin'

Well, you can't tell for sure. Sometimes when new members modify their profile they "ex" themselves. I'm going to leave this up for a day or two.

Welcome aboard! Look at the "Stickies" in the top section of this page. We have accumulated a number of discussions to help you with your resume. These topics should answer most of your questions.

The Ultra Soft has some stretch, but I don't really know the stats. For me, it seems just about right! :

Welcome aboard! You have come to the right place. I'm sure you will receive several comments on the equipment you are considering and some suggestions for alternatives.

Russ, I'll bring you a couple next week so everyone will think you bought the right brand.