LAO162

Congrats on the new setup I've been enjoying mine this spring.

vs CX and CXX is Floroclear supposed to be less visible? And, if so is it on the CX (limp) side or CXX (strong) side? Unfortunately, YZUS isn't available locally, so I'm trying to find an alternative until I place a large order for YZUS

How does Floroclear fit with CX and CXX? Thanks

If you don't need to spend over $100 for a Stradic , the Shimano Symetre has almost the same features for about 2/3 the price - and it's slightly lighter. The new Daiwa Tierra hasn't established a reputation yet, but it looks as though it has potential. It also is also available in more sizes.

As a fan of internet companies, I've been watching Acadia. Back in my single days, after 100's of hours of research, I purchased a couple home theater systems and other components from internet companies - including a custom made 5.1 system. It was a pretty big leap of faith to make purchases that size without even hearing the products. I got some awesome equipment and have no regrets... Too bad the bait monkey didn't know me back then... ;D Anyhow, by following Audio & Home Theater Forums, I found several companies that were internet based. I eventually had complete faith in them because they depended upon "word-of-mouth" for business. These young companies could not afford to tarnish their reputations. Through valuable discussions on forums, as well as supplying demo equipment to respected, independent reviewers, the owners of these audio companies developed a following. A key aspect of the discussions by these business owners was that they typically provided in-depth insight into their philosophies and a high degree of detail and facts about their products. USUALLY, these discussions by the (respected) owners would not tarnish the reputation of other manufacturers, but would point out differences in philosophy and construction. So far, I don't think Acadia has been able to create any kind of buzz that peaks the interest of fishing fanatics. I'm not sure if that is because the owner is not an avid fisher and doesn't understand the typical enthusiast, or if he does not have experience marketing on the internet. Of course, it could be that the products don't warrant any attention either. :-? I think it would be interesting to get some unbiased information about the products. While I wouldn't exect rods that sell 2 for $40 to satisfy an enthusiast, it would be nice to know that there is decent rod available for folks with a lower budget. On the otherhand, a Berkley Cherrywood or Lightning from Wally World is a known product that will suit a novice. Thus, I'm interested in following the company's success (or not) as a business case.

A couple weeks ago I ordered a combo from BPS early in the morning on a Wednesday. The rod came on Saturday via USPS (to Western Mass). The reel and other goodies came on Tuesday via Fedex. I was surprised that the rod came so quickly. As expected, there was no helpful tracking on USPS. However, the tracking for Fedex also showed little information. Other than showing the Pickup on Thursday, there was no more information until Tuesday AM.

Thanks again for all the input.

Thanks

NBR, thanks for the encouragement. I'm acutally OK with switching hands, but I grew up with spinning gear, reeling with my left hand. The other factor is that my right arm is quite a bit stronger than my left. Due to an old injury, I've been favoring my right arm for about 20 years. I just feel more comfortable holding the rod in my right hand - of course I rather switch than not fish at all ;D I'm enjoying my Curado now, but I've been wondering if I would feel confident with the LH reel(s). Since I'm sure the BassResource community (aka bait monkey) will convince me to purchase many reels in the future, I'm beginning to work on my plan for future additions. Leon

Thanks Raul, the Castaic wasn't even on my radar. It looks pretty interesting. I'll have to do some more research now. Cheers!

Recently I acquired my first BC reel, a Curado 200B. I already feel comfortable casting with it pitching is a different story. My only gripe is shifting hands :-?. Since the rest of my 2007 fishing budget should be spent on tackle, my options this year are fairly limited . Should I consider selling the 200B and applying the proceeds towards LH alternatives like the Daiwa TDA153HSTL, Citica, or Revo S, or wait until next year to purchase a complementary reel like a new Curado or Revo STX. I'm not sure how the "old" Curado compares to current model BC reels... Ideally, I'd like to have only LH models in my BC fishing arsenal. I suspect as I eventually acquire additional LH BC reels, I'll let the RH model sit. I'd rather keep only gear that I plan to actively use. Currently, virtually all the hardbaits I throw are in the 1/4 to 3/8 oz. range. I'm more likely to throw a 1/8 oz lure than one that weighs 1/2 oz. I have a couple new 6'6 MF spinning combos that fill most of my current needs. However, this year I only have an inexpensive BC rod to practice with. Next year I plan to step up to a worm/senko BC rod in the Avid/IMX range. Suggestions on lateral BC reel moves or future upgrades would be appreciated. I'm trying to do my homework early so that I can act with confidence if I come across the right opportunity. Thanks! Leon

Thoughts from a newbie... Assuming the G Loomis is "reasonable" for your budget, buy it if know you will regret buying something less expensive. In my many hobbies, I always find that I upgrade to the "standard" that I wanted in the first place. Buyer's remorse is a horrible thing Besides, as you increase your arsenal in the future, you will always have a solid reference when comparing other rods. That said, don't blow your whole budget on 1 rod, you still need other tackel (and things like shelter, food, clothing, heat ) Something to consider. Before buying your ultimate rod, think about the type of fishing you will do most of the time. You won't want a jig rod if you spend most of your time with crankbaits. And, you you may not want a 7' MH rod if you are a "finesse" fisherman. Thus, the cost of a "decent" general purpose rod may not be wasted if it allows you to fish for a season while you learn what type of high-end rod you need for next season (and the rest of your fishing career). Cheers! Leon

Hi MN Basser, As a newby I feel for you. There are so many choices. I've found lots of great advice here on the forum and in the acticles. You're at the right place. With so many choices, you may want a plan to start filling your tackle box. I'm starting with hardbaits, knowing that there are certain types I want to get. By having a plan, I can keep my eyes peeled for sales and deals and not just purchase a ton of stuff that's cheap. I've already got more lipless cranks than I need (in the immediate future) One of the consistent recommendations I've seen regards color. Your tackle should include colors match (or look natural) the bait in your area. This spring I've been working on hardbaits, getting 2 or 3 of each type in different colors. - Silver - for sunny days and clear water - Gold - for cloudy days and stained water - Other - Chartruse, baby base, perch, trout etc. when other colors aren't working I found that by initially limiting myself to just 3 colors I'm filling my box with more types of lures and a variety of sizes. So far, my lucky bait has been the Silver & Black Bandit 100 crankbait. Good Luck! Leon

Tackletour.com http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabugarciapreview08.html

Thanks again

Thanks, Big as your hand with or without the tail? How small is too small to fillet (for a newby)? I'm thinking that 6" to 7" will be managable, until I'm more adept with sharp objects. Cheers!

How large should Panfish be (inches) in order to be kept for dinner? We'll be catching mostly Perch, Sunfish, Bluegills and Rock Bass. Also, is their a different size minimum when considering the health of the fish population? We fish mostly for fun, but occasionally would like to enjoy our catch. Thanks. Leon

It looks like the link is no longer working. Fortunately, I still have one more paper copy

The TackleTour preview of Cabela's 2007 reels made reference to the SC: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewcabelas2007reelpreview.html

Thanks for suggesting the ProLite / Symetre combo . I just ordered it. I'll put the Exceller on my BPS Extreme. Cheers

I've also started using a fine Sharpie. I mark the lip.

Thanks, definately nice looking combo. He's already got the Exceller though.

There's definately a big difference between a decent rod like the BPS Extreme and entry rods. Today I used spinnerbaits for the first time with my Extreme. At first I thought I was getting hits, then realized I was just feeling more sensations than on my "practice" rod. It was a huge difference. Unfortunately, my Midas remained a Father's day gift so I couldn't take it out.

Thanks, glad to hear they are a nice as they seem. Were you able to compare the ML vs M power? Leon

At this point I think the BPS Prolite Finesse rod may be the best option under $100 to meet my Father-in-Law's needs. He has a cabin on a small lake that is populated mostly with perch and bass. The water is fairly clear and does not have much structure. The lake is shallow and casting distance is important so we can reach some of the deeper areas. We may eventually do some fishing from a canoe. He uses smaller spoons & lures and will probably spend some time with a bobber (fishing with my daughter). My goal is a light, fun all purpose rod. It will be matched to a Daiwa Exceler 2500. I'm leaning towards either the 6'6 M or the 6'8 ML. I think the Medium power may be a better all purpose rod, whereas the ML would be more fun with perch, but sacrifice some backbone in the event he does hook into a big one. Does the ML have the backbone to land a decent sized bass or pickerel? I've checked out the St. Croix Triumph & Premier and find the ML slightly whippy and the Medium to be overkill for perch and 1/8 oz. lures. I have not found a Shimano Clarus in my area to compare and evaluate. Rod selection in my area is limited (mostly just Dicks), so I have to look on-line to have any type of selection. I'm an analyst by trade, so I can never enough information Any information, advice, data etc would be welcome. Thanks! Leon