roadwarrior

No. The 'power rating" tends to be understated by St. Croix vs G. Loomis, but the "action rating" is the same. What throws a wrench into the equation is variance in the tip, regardless of the brand or rating: some are soft and some are firm! Specifics for a couple of the rods mentioned: St. Croix ES70MF: This is really medium heavy power, fast action, firm tip. G.Loomis PR844S: Medium power, moderate action, soft tip. Loomis SJR843S: Exactly as described...medium power, fast action, firm tip. 8-)

Sam, I go back where the "state teams" were about players from the state. As a Missouri grad, maybe bragging on Nebraska seems silly. However, the majority of their team is from the state. Not coincidently, The University of Nebraska has one of the highest graduation rates for "student athletes" in the nation. 8-)

I REALLY don't care what brand you buy, but save your money until you find $100 MSRP on sale for $50-$75. The cheaper reels are NOT a bargain.

Fat Ika 8-)

This is what a crawdad castle looks like: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp3.blogger.com/_9Q950MiMIgc/SHqrXgV5O7I/AAAAAAAAGCE/h16yYAstjIQ/s400/crawdadhole.jpg&imgrefurl=http://gradualdazzle.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html&usg=___o5vaJAn6WQpoad2z3Df1tUBwOs=&h=300&w=400&sz=51&hl=en&start=22&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=mk2dpj1b9F3P7M:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcrawdad%2Bcastle%2Bpicture%26start%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Ds%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1 8-)

Megabass PopMax Lucky Craft Pointer Zara Spook 3/8 oz Cavitron Buzzbait, black on black River2Sea Frog Rage Tail Shad and Toad 8-)

Geez...Everybody happy? No, I fish hard baits and soft baits about the same amount of time. I think I prefer hard baits for "fun", but soft plastics and jigs are (generally) more effective.

Save your money and keep an eye on our Flea Market. The Shimano Citica is a great value and with a little patience, you will find it for a good price. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200e.html 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

My favorite Big XII/ SEC game was the 1998, Orange Bowl. Nebraska (#2) vs Peyton Manning and the Vols (#3). That was a whoopin'! ;D ;D ;D

50-75lb gar (Bull Shoals, Lucky Craft Pointer) 40-50lb Buffalo ( Tennessee River,Swarming Hornet/ LFT Live Magic Shad) Lots of 20+ catfish and drum 8-)

I don't think a U.S. Navy Captain with thirty years of experience on the seas should attempt a crossing of the Pacific Ocean in a sailboat, let alone a teenage girl! 8-)

I had the privilege of fishing the Swim Bug as a prototype. On a recent trip to Pickwick/ Kentucky Lake with .ghoti, I caught several nice bass including ~4lb smallmouth. You are going to like this bait! ;D ;D ;D

3/8 oz Shak-E2. The new Pro Series offers a screw-lock bait keeper if that is a feature you prefer. http://www.megastrike.com/ 8-)

My partner fishes a couple and really likes the Bronzeback line, but I think they are too soft. Take a look at the SJR783 or 843 and see what you think. The BSR852 gets great reviews, too! 8-)

My primary rod is a St. Croix ES70MF. The PR844S might be my favorite, but the tip is too soft for T-rigged soft plastics and shaky heads. Other suggestions include the Avid AVS68MXF, G. Loomis SJR783 or 843. I have not fished the BSR852, but it gets rave reviews! Good luck! 8-)

Save money somewhere else. Even "expensive" hooks don't cost much. 8-)

Buy a pack of GYCB 6 1/2" Kut Tail, you will become a believer! 8-)

Welcome back! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)