Eric 26

So I’m wondering if anyone from the Illinois & the Southern Wisconsin area has been to this show in say the last 3 years or so? The last time I went was probably 30 years ago and at that time it was at least 50% boats and campers and the other 1/2 was 50% outfitters and guides. The biggest retailer was Ed Shirley and Sons where I bought a Quantum spinning combo as I was just getting into bass fishing, after viewing the vendors for the upcoming show I purchased a ticket hoping that it’s more gear for purchase rather than boats/rv’s/outfitters than what I first experienced. I will add although I didn’t go the past year maybe even (2) I always went to the Tinley Park Fishing/Outdoor show and plan on going to this years show as well.

I bought a spool of 4 pound test a few years ago. It was fine in every respect such as not retaining a lot of memory and it held a Trilene knot without issues. Now mind you I’m fishing in retention ponds with zero abrasion issues.

@MN Fisher Thanks for the response and I specifically asked as I’m hoping you can tell me if the spools are interchangeable between the 1000 Miravel & the 2000 shallow spool Miravel? If they are I would like to have the capability of swapping between Monofilament & braid with a simple spool swap.

I’m curious if you’re referring to both a 1000 & 2000 size Miravel versus a 1000 vs a 2000 Shallow spooled version of Miravels? I ask as it’s my understanding they are both the same body size with the difference being the specific spools.

Bless all of you that have taken on Australian Sheperds, my wife’s friend and her husband had one back when I was in my late 20’s early 30’s and I had a lot more patience and energy than I currently have and even then I was like 😬Absolutely beautiful dogs and well behaved but man that energy level 🤯

This one made me laugh out loud 😆🤣 Such a serious look as well 😉

I just double checked on my phone and I’m having zero issues and can open everything.

I have zero at stake in tonight’s game but man do I love watching lineman pick up a fumble and rumble it in for a touchdown 😃

@padlin Im not sure if you’ve used Yo Zuri hybrid in the past but it was my experience last season that it was pretty stiff until I used it for about a dozen trips. After it “broke” in I’ve been happy ever since. As per usual YMMV.

@NorcalBassin Congratulations and Happy Birthday to both you and Pops🎂🎉

I too have a 2000 shallow spool reel (Miravel) I had mine spooled with 4 pound monofilament mounted to a 6’-8” ultralight rod and casting a 1/16th ounce underspin with a crappie tube I was dang near emptying the spool. I wound up spooling 6 pound Suffix 832 on there and will run a 4 pound monofilament leader when the season opens this year.

I’m in no way shape or form an expert on anything fishing reel related and especially when it comes to upgrades or heck even basic servicing of reels. But I will say that I have 2 Favorite Soleus bait cast reels and they both came with ceramic spool bearings and I for one do not find them that loud, obnoxious or whatever negative things are said about them. I will add that although I only really used one on a medium heavy rod with appropriate sized baits, mainly a 3/8 ounce bladed jig or 1/2 ounce spinner bait I was seriously impressed with the casting distance and more so the ease in which the reel casted. Take this with a grain of salt if you wish as YMMV.

A quick photo opportunity of our boy.

@Glenn I’m not saying we’re going to be meeting but if it happens I hope it’s a good game regardless of the outcome. Not that it means squat but I’ve heard rumors on the sports shows that this would be the final straw🤔 @Mike L What’s the over/under on a topless Ben Johnson🤣 Also if you were still in Illinois I’d see if you wanted to grab a free Chicago Dog from the Weiners Circle next week.

No disrespect my friend but I believe a side order has been delivered 😉😂 @Mike L If I ever run into Ben Johnson I’m going to buy him 2 beers, one from me and one from you 😃

Thanks for making me feel better Mike. You have been as steady as a rock all season and I really appreciate your perspective.

As a silly side note during that last return from commercial break the building lit up with “Bear Down” is the Blue Cross Blue Shield building that I had the pleasure of working on while working as a carpenter. Interesting fact about the project it was the first of its kind in the city of Chicago and drew international attention as the work being done which was adding 24 stories was done while the bottom 33 stories were occupied on a daily basis while we worked above. I spent several months covering open elevator shafts to keep debris from falling on the elevators below which were still being operated. @Blue Raider Bob I’m tagging you in on this as I think you would have loved being on the crew especially given your amazing skills.

@Mike L Regardless of how this game/playoff run ends I’m thinking we need a defensive revamp at the end of the season. And in my opinion it starts with our defensive end Montez Sweat who again in my opinion has not played up to his contract. Also the first half our defensive looked exactly the same as it did in our last meeting vs the Packers which was completely confused and yes again just my opinion. I’m looking forward to hearing any and all opinions. And just like that Montez Sweat says…..hold my beer Eric😲🤭

You sir post some of the most beautiful pictures on this site and I for one appreciate and hope you continue to do so 👊🏻

@Jigfishn10 Although I’m not complaining that chart left me scratching my head a bit with the Bears vs the Rams placement along with the Bills vs the Steelers placement.

Dear @Kayak Koz Please see my response in the latest catch post page 921 so I don’t have to repeat myself 😜

To all of you living in warm climates…..

Try being a Bears fan up until this season 😬

So under or right around $50.00 -$75.00 I love my Wright & McGill 7’-0” med power casting rod (Brent Chapman) series, I also have and enjoy the Lews HP & Carbon Fire Speed Stick both being 6’-10” med powered casting sticks. As far as spinning rods although they are $80.00 but currently on sale for $56.00 I love my (2) BPS Panfish Elite rods and I feel they are worth the $80.00 they normally cost. I don’t generally buy at full price but as far as above the $150.00 range I really enjoy the Okuma brand of rods although I only own (3) and (2) of them are in the TCS-A lineup both are casting which are currently listed at $190.00 on Okumas site but they are showing a select few both spinning and casting at $82.50 currently. As far as higher end spinning rods my favorite is my St Croix Avid Panfish rod. These are the ones that for me at least stand out and I’m really enjoying reading the responses to this.