roadwarrior

The Lucky Craft Pointer series (78, 100 & 128) are what I consider "Dream Lures." Really, they are perfect in every aspect and they catch fish. What is really amazing is all the specicies that these lures attract: largemouth bass, smallmouth, walley, rainbow trout, German brown trout, stripers, white bass and the list goes on.

I'm ALMOST always a Chiefs fan! Do you Kansas City boys remember the Wolf Pack? I was a season ticket holder back in the Hank Stram/ Lenny Dawson era. Yep, I was a senior in high school and at the parade the last time they won the Super Bowl, too.

Over the years I have caught a number of smallmouth with crawdads stuck in their throats (greedy guys, don't you think?) These native, wild dads all had claws, no exceptions as far as I recall. Maybe removing the claws when fishing live bait is "more" productive, but I assure you, bass eat dads with big claws, too!

Here's the list so far: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1161268320

And after dinner, put on your Orange and Blue, Broncos vs. Chiefs. Yo! Go Broncos!

I fish Senkos weightless, year around in water <12'. If I'm fishing soft plastics deeper (with weight), it's an El Gordo or Mizmo tube, or GYCB Kut-Tail or 8 1/2" worm. Another option, especially for smallmouth is the GYCB Single Tail Hula Grub. I am currently trying to put more emphasis on fishing a jig and GYCB Fat Baby Craw trailer. BTW, In shallow water (<12'), the Fat Ika is still killer.

Wow! I guess my approach will sound too simplistic, but I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 on spinning tackle and #12 on baitcasting equipment. I tie a Palomar Knot except on big treble hook lures. For these I tie a Trilene Knot. Nothing special, no leaders and no adjustments.

What is really important in terms of speed is inches per crank (IPC). My Calais 200ASV is 6.2:1/ 26 IPC and it's FAST! On the otherhand, my MBR844C is saddled with a CTE200GT 5.0:1/ 23 IPC. I prefer the "feel" of the round reel on this particular rod and the speed is adequate for just about anything except buzzbaits.

Welcome aboard! That's a pretty nice peacock you're holding. Maybe you can share that story sometime.

I think the MBR 844C is too heavy for those lures. I fish all soft plastics, light and medium weight jigs on medium power/ fast action spinning tackle. Maybe an 843 would be better for you, but I have not fished that rod.

The MBR series are all "fast action." (7 X 12") = 84. The third digit, "4" is the power rating. In this case (844), is a Heavy Power/ Fast Action rod.

I sugget that you consider getting a G.Loomis IMX MBR844C.

On a Senko? Nice bass, congratulations!

Another vote for the Calais.

I'm with Chris at Tech. For single hook baits, I fish fast action. For all treble hooks, I recommend moderate or slow action. However, I do fish a St. Croix Avid AC66MF with a soft tip for medium weight lures, so I guess I'm onboard with Avid, too. Another "Fast Action" rod with a soft tip is the G.Loomis PR series. My PR844S is my dedicated live bait rod and my next rod for treble hooks will be it's baitcasting counterpart, the PR 844C. Confusing, hun?

I know that is the way you are suppose to store them, but I don't remove the reels. I have a fishing room with a vertical rack for storage and display. I do loosen the drag on the reels, but otherwise, they are ready to go.

castaway, The posse is a joke. None of us are sponsoed by Shimano or have ANY financial affiliation with the company. We simply like Shimano reels. I have NO argument about anyone else's favorite reel, but Shimano has worked for me.

Let's see, "My house, my cards and my rules. So, exactly how much do you want to bet?"

The posse has arrived! I'm sure your dad will be very pleased with whatever reel you decide to get him. I have had bad experience with Garcia and have only fished Shimano for the past ten years or so. I am a Shimano guy and admit to being very biased and closed minded. BTW, all the Shimano reels I have ever owned are still in use, have never been modified or repaired.

***************************** This thread has run it's course ******************************* roadwarrior

Upgrade your rods. Without getting into a debate about which is the "best," let me just say that a G.Loomis IMX or St. Croix Avid will improve your fishing experience. You will fish these rods the rest of your life, even if you find a "better" rod in the future. That said, I still enjoy high end reels and that's what you will probably evolve to, also. The "total package" is a treat.

Welcome aboard!

Alpster (Ronnie) has some fine stuff for sale in the Flea Market section. Check it out, NOW! If you are interested in a great baitcasting rod at a great price, pick up his G.Loomis GLX MBR843C, that's a steal.

I fish a G.Loomis GLX PR844S/ Shimano Stella 2500FB/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #4 & #6/ Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks #6. This is a dedicated rig for fishing big, live minnows to my pet smallmouth. The PR844S is my favorite rod, period.

The Shimano Symetre is a very good reel for $79, but for $120 you could get a Stradic which I think is the best value in the Shimano lineup. I purchased a couple of Stradics in 1997 that were serviced (for the first time) by ReelMech last spring. They are better reels today than they were when they were brand new. No parts have ever been replaced and they have performed flawlessly throughout the years. I think you should keep an eye on the Flea Market section for your rod. There are often some great deals there. If you can find a G.Loomis SJR 783 or SJR 843 in your price range that would be ideal. Otherwise, I suggest a St. Croix Avid AS70MF.