roadwarrior

Okay...Three pages and we're starting to head downhill. All in all, I thought (most) of the thread was kind of interesting, but as George notes, it's getting a little absurd. Anyhow, this isn't ending because of anyone's specific post and none have been edited or deleted (to my knowledge), but it's time to move on. This thread is closed.

Dude! That's my soft plastics rig! I hope you like it as much as I do. Congratulations.

Welcome aboard!

Well, Cabela's Guidewear is the bomb! Before I bought mine I asked a few guides why they bought theirs when there are so many less expensive options. They told me they couldn't remember "why", they bought them ten years ago! I have matching bibs and jacket, unlined. Look for them to be on sale later this month or in the near future, they are often on sale. I think I paid around $300 for the package (both pieces). I consider this "the best" investment in fishing equipment I have ever made. BTW, That's what I'm wearing in my avatar. ** UPDATE ** I just checked the website. They're on sale NOW! Parka & bibs ~$319.

Lost? A better term might be "strategic retreat." He WILL be back!

The Stella 2500FB is a SIGNIFICANTLY better reel than the FA. The FA is an upgrade on the basic Symetre/ Stradic/ Sustain format. The FB incorporates several technologically advanced and unique features. It is the finest reel I have ever fished. Problems: None. Good features: http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/group_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302036665&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1167225542709 Catch: Well, in addition to the smallmouth in my avatar, I have caught all of my smallmouth the past two years on this reel, six 10+ largemouth and a number of striper over twenty pounds. I have caught my PB rainbow trout and German brown trout, too. Otherwise, I have landed both drum and catfish over 30 lbs with this reel. I don't know what all that extra stuff in the box is for. I will be sending my reels to ReelMech for servicing next month and if he needs any of those parts I'll send them, too! Regarding the grease, I only lubricate moving parts on the outside and the exterior portion of the main shaft. Even though the FB has a lubricating port, I have been told NOT to add grease, more is NOT better. In conclusion, you bought the right reel. Congratulations! ....and welcome to the posse.

I already posted my suggestion, but to restate: I recommend a Moderate or Slow Action rod, but you can fish fast or extra fast action if the tip is soft. What you don't want, or at least I don't want, is a firm tip when fishing treble hooks. A forgiving rod reduces the chance of pulling the hooks out of the fish's mouth.

Welcome aboard! I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #4 (8.5 lb tes, .009" diameter) or #6 (11.9 lb test, .010" diameter) on all spinning tackle. The line is a bonded fluorocarbon/nylon copolymer, has very little memory and is tough as nails. Although I don't think the color is very important, I suggest green.

That is correct. This is a reel that, with proper maintenance, will last a lifetime. My first CTE200GT was purchased in 2001. It has been used EXTENSIVELY, mainly for striper fishing. In addition to thousands of pounds of fish, this reel has stood up to the challenges of big boulders on a fast river. The reel has not been abused, but it has been tested. ReelMech serviced this reel and a new twin. I specifically asked him if he found "much difference" between the reels. The answer was no. Both reels received a general cleaning and lub, but no replacement parts or adjustments.

Shimano CTE200GT (5.0:1, 23" IPC)

I have two PopMax that I have fished once and caught small bass on both. I don't really know if I will fish them again. They are BEAUTIFUL, true works of art. However, I consider them more of a "collectors item."

Well, first of all, a pole is for climbing, raising a flag or staking tomatoes. A ROD is used for fishing. The "pole" is probably medium POWER/ fast ACTION. Now, to answer your question. You may be able to find a good reel for under $100, especially if you keep an eye on the Flea Market here at BassResource.com. Spool it up with at least 12 lb test line (thicker diameters are easier to work with when you get a backlash). Then you are going to have to practrice- a lot!. ReelMech has a great tutorial on his website, take a look.

My wife explains it this way: The sale was 50% off. So, if I only bought the $100 shoes I would have only saved $50, but since I got the whole outfit and a purse, well...I "saved" over $300!

Touche' Meineke Car Care Bowl: Navy vs. Boston College 12/30/06 GO NAVY! p.s. Another plus! The BPS site is listing the Steez 4 cents cheaper than the Stella!

Congratulations!

If you want to fish fast, Rat-L-Traps and jerkbaits might work, but if you want to CATCH fish, I think you will do better slowing down with soft plastics and jigs. I have been fishing a variety of lures, per member suggestions, without much luck the past several weeks. Saturday I went back to my old standby, a 6" Senko and finally hooked up with a pig. Unfortunately this big girl came unbuttoned, but not before showing herself! I'll probably stick with the Senko until the water warms up.

I like both kinds of music, Country and Western. I like both kinds of fish, Good Ole Bigguns' and Big Ole Gooduns'. I don't fish tournaments and I don't live in California, so I like to think I'm after for the biggest fish in the water I fish. I like fishing for other species and think about records that are regionally possible, but I am not "disappointed" when that doesn't happen. Like Rattlinrogue wrote, "When bassing becomes not so much fun because you're worried about keeping up with the Jones' instead of just enjoying the moment, maybe it's time to find another activity that brings you enjoyment."

That is a fantastic deal. Congratulations!

Guys, I am REALLY looking forward to a post on your new Steez reels. I hope you post a DETAILED review after you have fished them awhile. Congratulations! Also, I suspect the Ultra Soft will work just fine. Try #6 and see if you like it.

Welcome aboard!

I wonder what's on Lifetime...Guess I'll go to bed.

This happens to be my favorite hard bait. If you target big fish, this is the ticket, and not just for bass. I own several colors, but since I generally favor some shade of green for all lures, the Baby Bass pattern would be my suggestion to start with. My biggest smallmouth caught on an artificial lure was fooled by a 128. PB walley, rainbow trout and #2 German brown trout, too. #1 artificial casting for striper. By accident, my PB freshwater fish was also caught on this lure: 50-100 lb gar! This dog hunts, but it only hunts BIG! BTW, I have technique specific gear for this lure: Lamiglas SR705R/ Shimano CTE200GT/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #12. When I first fished the lure, I was using my MBR844C which will work just fine. That was the rod that landed the gar. You really need a Heavy Power rod to throw this lure.

twors, Welcome aboard!

My main set-up is a St. Croix Avid AC66MF matched with a Shimano Calais CL200 (6.2:1). For big baits (Pointer 128) is fish a Lamiglas SR705R. What I would like to have is G.Loomis PR844C as my "go-to" rod for most treble hook lures. Generically, you need a Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Moderate Action rod or a Fast Action rod with a soft tip. I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #12 (19.5 lb test) on all my baitcasters.

Long Mike, I think that post was from avid. Keith (flechero) has graciously offered to take me fishing in his boat, so I don't really have an offer to make. The only reason we'll be off the water after six hours is if we run out of room in the live well for all those Share Lunkers! Regarding hooch...BYOB and buy beers at the restaurant, too.