GReb

I’m currently throwing shimano, daiwa, Abu, and lews. I’ve had more issues with shimano lately than the others but I still have a few I love. If someone held a gun to my head and made me pick a favorite it would be Dawia. But buying the same product is boring.

For your needs I’d focus on a deeper spool aluminum framed reel. Shimano, daiwa, lews, and abu all make quality products. What you’ll notice more than anything when fishing is ergonomics. If your local shop has inventory, ask them to mount some different models on a rod so you can get a true feel. From my experience you need to spend at least $100 separately on rod and reel to get a good product.

I thought they made gummy bears for that

It definitely looks a little different than the competition

It’s no different than Elites fishing the Opens

You don’t need a fancy reel for Texas rig. Spend that money elsewhere

You get an adrenaline rush buying a rod that a reel will never match….seeing how many pieces the tube arrives in!

I use the Cara Head Turner and Heavy Cover Jig

The blades provide lift. You can throw a 3/8 oz jig head with paddle tail fairly deep. A spinnerbait is a perfect balance between weight, blades, and retrieve speed. Thinner blades provide less lift than rounder ones. Even bigger willows provide a good amount of lift. If you want to go deep with a lighter head change the blade to one long skinny willow with no trailer. Or just throw an under spin. Personally if I’m fishing deeper than 5-7ft I throw a 3/4-1 oz. The added weight will keep the bait down regardless of my blade choice and retrieve speed.

Both

I’ve caught a dozen or so in the 2.5-3lb range. Grenada Lake is slam full of them and if you ever want to have a great day charter a trip with one of the guides there.

If you can find a good ribeye with marbling but not thick bands of fat, cooked at a high temp where the fat renders down, it can’t be beat in my opinion. Thick, chewy fat will ruin it though. The proper cut on a quality piece makes more of a difference than anything.

Was hoping it would be a new Chronarch MGL weighing 5.5 ounces to compete with the new higher end Doyo products.

A new Chronarch has to be in the works. The current model is 6 years old?

The reason a lot of dealerships can sell at cost is because they get a sizable portion of the rate. If the dealer is quoting you 7% you can bet he is paying less and profiting off the difference. I’ve had rates magically cut in half from threatening to walk out the door. I’m not saying that’s always the case but it’s definitely a card dealers have in their back pocket.

Champion is fine at $150 but it’s not a $230 rod.

It’s not worth it to me. I have learned to disassemble and maintain my reels regularly but I don’t baby them. Also don’t abuse them and unfortunately don’t fish enough days for it to matter. Parts can be replaced. Cosmetics are cosmetics. At the end of the day it’s a tool with a depreciable life.

Several years ago I wore them out all spring in the bluegill thunder cricket. Last spring I bought 3 new ones and they all ran like crap. The blade wouldn’t vibrate correctly and the baits struggled to run straight with or without a trailer. Was the same on all 3. Not sure I’ll buy another

He’s making well into 6 figures between his guide service and sponsors. Why would he want to fish bass tournaments. Most of those guys don’t make a dime fishing tournaments after entry fees and expenses.

Perfect cranks to take to those MS river oxbows full of gar

I’m not sure what pellets you use but the difference between the cheap one that contain a filler material and the 100% wood pellets is huge. I would imagine the 100% wood pellets heat faster and hold a more steady temp.

Probably 5 minutes to get it to where I cook at most 225. Cranking it up to 400-450 will take another 5 or so minutes. Never really timed it Pellet smokers are more efficient with smaller cook areas. It holds plenty for what I need it for. Two-three butts or 4 chickens or 4 racks of spare or a large brisket.

I have a Green Mountain and it gets up to temp within minutes.

Braves will be fine with or without Dansby. I believe the focus is on LF. Xander was the smart money this off-season.

I’ve tried quite a few and the Bill Lewis just seems to out produce them all where I live. The smaller 1/4 oz “Jr” version is the real star in the fall. I still consider myself a beginner when it comes to lipless fishing.