MN Fisher

My two remaining Aird-X rods have a Patriarch 7.9:1 (MH/F) and a Fuego CT-XS (H/F)

Probably right behind the Mini-Donuts...

I've kind of shifted away from TW the past year...various reasons. FishUSA or Academy would be my preferences. Well, one other place, but they're on Glenn's 'naughty list', so I can't post them.

I've had both - still have 2 casting Aird-X rods. Many bass anglers out there do quite well with spinning gear only, so it's really personal preference for the most part. I'd go with a good reel right off the bat. If you want spinning, I'd go with either a Daiwa Fuego LT-2500 or a Shimano Nasci FC 2500 - both are excellent reels that'll give you years of service. Casting - Daiwa CA-80 or Daiwa Fuego CT in 7.1:1 gear ratio...I'd start with a metal frame reel here...I've upgraded all my casting reels to metal frame.

I'm 'mostly' a righty...a few things I can't do left, but my right is slightly more dominate. Still, my left arm is my stronger arm...so cast and work the rod with the left, turn handle with the right.

Or at least grab the line and lift it that way...never with the rod.

That seems to be the norm....last time I was out for 4 hours....probably put all of 15 minutes on the outboard, rest was on the TM.

Save that for Lynn....we're not interested... ?

While the max weight on that rod would be fine for quite a few applications, trout rods are usually softer than bass rods. Slightly above $50 - how much...I've got a couple Okuma Reflexions and they're good rods for the price at $75. Spinning is entirely possible for bass - some guys out there do well with nothing but spinning gear. If you go casting, you'd want a good reel - in the $100 range - a lot of the lower priced reels aren't that good to learn on.

Spinning or casting? Also, what's your max spending limit - there is a break point...really cheap reels aren't worth the money most times.

Skip the UglyStick - go with the Aird-X. I've had both - I cut the UglyStick down to use as a spooling tool - still have two Aird-X in my arsenal...and that's with half my bass arsenal being Dobyns Furys.

I just looked at the DNR list. Was looking to take the boat out next Monday - but Denny's Super 30 is happening that day. Nope - those guys are insane...I'm staying on shore.

Steam it, then strip it off the cob...my teeth aren't what they use to be...drizzle a little melted butter and a dash of kosher salt.

On my Striker Plus 7", you can turn down the screen brightness...can't imagine they'd remove that function for the Vivids.

I'll double-down on the Aird-X. Still have two in my arsenal...they fish way above their price-point.

Couple options 1: Drill through the hull where you want it, mount with bolts/nuts and LOTS of sealant. 2: Epoxy a transducer mounting block in the location you want the transducer and mount to that with the included screws. #2 is typically the standard...rarely have I seen #1, but I have seen it.

Which is why most of my lures imitate Bluegill, Pumpkinseed or Perch....those are predominate prey up here.

I probably run heavier FC on spinning than most...but it's only 8# InvizX on a 2500 reel...and only 70yds on top of cheap mono backing A 4000 reel IMO would be great for inshore salt or going after musky...but not a good bass reel

You're not alone, pal There's been days when I have the opportunity to go out, weather is cooperative, but I can't get up the gumption to hook up the F-9 and haul it to the ramp.

I guess I'm the odd-ball. When I buy a reel, I go through the instructions to make sure I know what-is-what. With my Patriarchs, before they even arrived I knew I'd have to set the centrifugals as I'd specifically purchased those cause they had dual braking.

So they went back to drums. 2001 Silverado LS 4x4, 5.3 - rear fender driver's side a little distorted (idiots in parking lots), rocker panels pretty much gone...but that's about it.

I've liked the Mighty Max AGMs, I think their LiFePo4s would probably be good. Their 17.5lb 55ah goes for $265

Huh - my Chevy with the tow package has disc all around. Full replacement last fall...far as I know, first time it needed it in 20 years...bought it used in 2016, but found the maintenance records.

Dunno about the rest of the field, but I can't abandon The Llama-Stache.

Yep - place I order my Zoom plastics from is lower than TW...not quite $1 less, but in most cases $0.80 less No, I can't say it as they're on the 'naughty list'.