Eric 26

I’ll second this??

@AlabamaSpothunter Although I didn’t photograph the second crappie he was actually darker almost to the point of being all black with a beat up tail and even his top fin was ragged. He fell out of my hand thankfully into too shallow of water and was disoriented enough to trap himself in a big ol pile of slimy weeds, as my work boots are waterproof I had no issues getting him back into the proper water level but like you I still felt bad.

Stopped off for 30 minutes yesterday at my favorite retention pond. Caught 3 bluegill 2 crappie and a couple small bass. It was fun on my ultralight and more to try out my newest purchase this spring which is a Stradic 1000 reel. As a bonus all my fish came on my $1.00 Wal Mart clearance jig pack which I was going to give to a handful of young boys fishing right by me until I saw one launch a small bass in the air doing backflips as his preferred release method ?

@Bluebasser86 that is the most colorful sunfish I’ve ever seen. Simply stunning and that rock bass is definitely well built also.

@Brett's_daddy I do have a question.You are asking about a 7’-6” rod which on the 13 fishing website does not show the defy black available in 7’-6” only the the defy gold. Are you considering a shorter rod in the defy black or am I misunderstanding ?

I second both @TnRiver46 and your sentiments @Woody B . Scumbag and no use for cheaters.

Myself and my co-workers just signed a very fair to us 5 year contract on April 29th. Although I was rewarded last Friday with the increase today is the day I’m celebrating ?

I got a flyer from Bass Pro the other day and although I can’t speak on the performance of either they have their pro qualifier rods and baitcast reel on sale for $69.98. I will say I was tempted to pick up the 6 foot version of the rod during this year’s spring sale.

Beautiful fish Katie especially that pumpkinseed ?As far as getting up that early I’m right there with you but by 3:45 I’m heading to work not my local ponds ?

Although I’ve never had a fishing reel engraved my suggestion would be a local jewelry shop. Especially independent jewelry shops not big name shops. Also my daughter has a tattoo artist that does beautiful engraving which I have seen firsthand on some guns and knives he engraved.

I have the fate black in 7’-1” med light. I use it for Ned rigs with an older (heavier) 13 fishing spinning reel and 8 lb braid. I find it’s very well balanced and plenty sensitive enough for my tastes especially at the $65.00 price.

@TnRiver46 I knew you could do it?

@ScottW I’m not trying to sell you on any brand baitcast reel but I will agree with those saying get a better reel. I currently have a budget priced KK and had a budget priced Piscifun which was a pain keeping adjusted. If you have a local shop see if they’ll take it as a trade in, if not sell it online and stick to one of the many budget friendly reels in the $99-$120 price range or even cheaper on this sites flea market page. Lastly I will suggest seeking any and all tutorials (including here) on setting up and casting a bait caster until you find the one that you best understand and practice.

I’m not sure what your price range is but my suggestion is the Okuma TCS-A in 7’-3” heavy power. I have this exact rod and it has a softish tip with a ton of backbone. It’s listed as a frog/swim bait rod with a weight rating of 1/4-2 oz. And is priced at $165.00

As a father of a daughter who just completed her freshman year of college and a son who is 2 years from entering college I offer my congratulations to your daughter for the hard work involved in graduating and both you and your wife for the patience love and support in helping her succeed in her college career. Wishing her nothing but the best in her continuing journey?

@AlabamaSpothunter I love your enthusiasm for everyone else’s fish pictures. “Mother of god” dang near made me choke on my Cheerios I’m currently enjoying ?

@Motoboss That appears to be a sweet reel especially at the blowout price.

While I was grocery shopping today I happened upon these 2 clearance 6 packs which were only $5.00 apiece. Really enjoyed the Samuel Smith and I’m hoping the 2nd 6 pack will still be available tomorrow. As for the Saugatuck it was as if they started with a sour ale which is something I do not enjoy and felt it overpowered the vanilla and coffee, but hey I’m only out $5.00 so there is that?

I say buy the combo for the rod alone, use it this year then come spring when Bass Pro Shop has their spring classic sale trade the reel in as long as it’s still working and upgrade the reel that way. Heck you can get a Lews speed spool LFS normally $100.00 but during the trade in its $85.00. If the rod is based on the Hank Parker/ Carbon Fire line it will be well worth the $80.00 price tag for the combo.

@mjb2000 I really appreciate you pointing out the price. I made my purchase earlier this year going in favor of a 1000 size Shimano Stradic FL for a few different reasons but mainly I didn’t want to have to shop overseas for a shallower spool.

@Ohioguy25 I have bps panfish elite rods and they have hook keepers.

@Kirtley Howe I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments. I’ve had a ball fishing my Eagle Claw rod and although I have better rods there is just something about the rod that just feels right.

that makes 2 of us?

2 more of my favorites . “Champaign Illinois” by the Old 97’s and “Welcome to Janesville” by the Smoking Popes again sorry I can’t figure out how to download and transfer the files to here.

I’m not tech savvy enough to upload the link but my kid sent me this one recently. “”Bubba Jones” by Tony Joe White