Eric 26

I purchased a Favorite Soleus last year during Dick’s Black Friday sale for $50.00. I also grabbed a Favorite Lit reel for $30.00 but returned that one. I’m pleasantly surprised with my Soleus and would definitely grab another if I saw that deal again.

@AlabamaSpothunter I agree that is one awesome looking combo ?. Can’t wait to see/read how it does on your beloved spots.

@Mike L wow 150 lbs is a healthy boy? My parents had one “Jake” which I believe was right around the same size. He was a harlequin who’s bark used to shake the walls ?. My brothers and sister and myself never worried about anyone trying to be stupid enough to break into their house when they had him, even though they’re usually sweet once you got into the house. The Doberman’s on the other hand wouldn’t make a sound until you stepped into the house. And you better pray they knew you belonged. When I was young my neighbor and I would purposely hit the wiffle ball over the fence and make our other neighbor go get it while my boy (Doberman) was watching, he never moved until our neighbor would go to hop the fence then he’d bark like mad at him all while his nubbin tail would be wagging like crazy? He would never think to bite him but man he loved scaring the ?out of him. Reflecting on it now it was very childish but d**n it was funny watching my neighbor’s reaction? And yeah don’t sleep on our Bears as it looks like the pieces might have finally been put into place for a future team?

@TnRiver46 In my opinion Trex is the longest running composite decking company for a reason with a close second being Timber Tech. I know there are more available but these 2 have been around the longest. For what it’s worth the deck I built on my previous house I used Timber Tech. On the tube there is a channel by the name “the ultimate deck shop” can’t say I watched the videos but they have quite a few to watch which may help also.

@TnRiver46 For what it’s worth my advice is to not skimp on the decking in terms of price. Unfortunately the old adage “you get what you pay for” is very real in decking materials. I built a deck on my wife and my first house 20 years ago and used at the time a premium deck board, sold the house 4 years later but still pass by it every once in awhile. As of 3 years ago the original decking was still there. Conversely I helped my FIL build his deck and although he used a premium brand he purchased the bottom of the line decking they offered to save some money, the manufacturer recommended 12” on center spacing for the joists but we went 16” on center against my wishes and I think you know the results. After baking in the sun for a few months it looked like the decking is waving at you and some spots you can really feel the sag stepping on the boards let alone the color fading quicker than I thought it would. Like premium fishing gear (which I don’t own ☹️) the saying “buy once cry once” definitely applies.

@Mike L everybody’s dogs are awesome looking but the Great Dane in that photo is very regal looking. After my parents lost the last Doberman I grew up with they moved on to Great Danes, my dad currently has 2 both rescues. Although I see you reside in Florida I’m wondering if you are/were a Chicago Bears fan? At very least between 1965-1973.

Although I enjoy reading about Porsche’s, it is definitely not me on that forum?

My wife turned me onto Berringer White Merlot??

Count me in?I grew up with Doberman’s (4) including 1 that was especially bonded to me and my parents fostered a Irish setter also for about a year. Always had cats also growing up. My wife and I are on our 3rd German Shepard or mix of German Shepard, with these 2 being our latest. Wife loves Shepard’s, they share the house with the 2 cats my in-laws adopted for my kids many years ago. My wife found a really great organization that our current 2 kids were adopted from.

Curious if anyone has any updates/used this reel for any amount of time? Although I’m not on the market for one I love all the chatter on here about gear. I know everyone is currently riding the JDM wave which I don’t fault anyone for, just a bit jealous on my end?. That’s why I figured a good old fashioned alternative/budget gear post could be fun.

Sorry to hear about your pup. I’m sure he’s enjoying all those that crossed the rainbow bridge before him?

I also cannot comment on the Dobyns rods having handled them in-store (fury series) but never fishing with them. Although I don’t have the TP1 black I have the previous generation TP1 in med.hvy/moderate along with 2 previous generation Carbon Fire rods and a Hank Parker signature rod. All of my Lew’s rods are well built especially at their respective price points. I will echo @Woody B in not being a rod guru, I have more expensive rods but I will say my 6’-10” Carbon Fire has been without a doubt one of my favorite purchases yet. I will admit although I don’t have a preference for grip material I have Eva and cork gripped rods as well, I love my Wynn grips but I also prefer the slimmer grip that my Carbon Fire’s and TP1 provide.

@bulldog1935 It’s been awhile since I’ve had any Ballast Point brews, but the last time I did it was a variety pack that was really good. Not going to lie I would rather starve than eat pickled herring. Growing up it was a New Year’s Eve tradition to have pickled herring that my grandmother used to always partake in. I’m all in on the cold pizza though for sure.

Essential supplies for sure?I’m intrigued by the double ipa ? Cheers?

I too am very fortunate to work for a great owner and have a great supervisor to boot. The company owner has his office door open and is easily accessible as well as being the person I hand my paperwork into daily. Although I’ve had a few co workers over the years who got under my skin as well as one boss I really wanted to throttle, I’ve been very fortunate so far.

Love me some Hall & Oates great Motown/R&B sound. Although I’m not a musician G.E. Smith sure could play guitar. I’m not technologically savvy enough to download it but one of my favorite bands are “Royal Bliss”, there song “I was drunk” is pretty relatable.

I’m a broken record but welcome back and thank you for your service.

My wife insisted we adopt our girl “Beauty”, for almost a full year she wouldn’t come near me and pretty much hid under our bed when I came home. Now she runs to me as soon as she hears the garage door open when I come home and she’s on me like white on rice after 2 hours on the weekend so we can take our daily walks ? P.S. Were going on 6 years with her and 4 years with her brother from another mother “Steve”.

Great read Katie, made me feel like I was paddling alongside you. Looking forward to seeing your next article ?

?? For your pup. All you guys are killing me when I see the deals everybody is grabbing ?. I’m still paying for a dumb move I made that shall never be spoken of again, the bait monkey is so mad he won’t even speak to me?

The Mississippi River isn’t just affecting crops, I haul powdered cement (along with other powdered goodies) for a concrete company. Our main source comes out of Festus Missouri and it’s been a struggle all year long. Other factors come into play also.

Happy Halloween ?

I agree with everything you’re saying. But what I find scarier is the mainstream media seems to have hopped on board, and before anyone thinks I’m being political you can find it on both sides as far as the media goes in my opinion. Getting harder and harder to filter out the B.S these days to formulate your own opinion on anything.