Luke Barnes

He sure is upbeat about it though!

Mine lenses now are best to high heaven. I bought a cheap gas station pair of polarized because I forgot mine and the difference with no scratches was night and day. So I really want quality unscratched lenses

Sounds like a story is involved in the tow truck driver job!

Many thanks. Looks like I would want the polarized elite. Still not a bad price!!

Went to one of my local Academy stores yesterday and the plastics were pi kes through and they cut them down to one aisle for every type of soft plastic. So its packed full of pegs and half empty.

I'm going to see if they make them for the Mainlink frames. Ive been wanting new polarized lenses but I could buy a whole new pair for what they charge for authentic Oakley polarized lenses!!

Thank you sir, I truly appreciate it. Yes just the stress of being there and not knowing if at any second a mortar or rocket could drop on your head takes a toll. Not to mention culture shock!! I will take you up on that big bass and will let you know when I catch it! I totally agree. Its not limited to war in the least. Frequent abuse, a single event, prolonged exposure to high stress, anything that can be traumatic can cause PTSD. Its a serious issue in the world not limited to vets.

I see the new BPS Extreme series come with an aluminum frame for under $100. Combo is like $130 and I think that's an amazing price if it works as good as the specs show. The more ive been thinking the more im leaning towards a MH/M or MF rod because that's what I wanted for chatterbaits but went with a MH/F so going to be looking in that area on a rods power and action. Those Carbonlite reels sure look super nice. I need to go put hands on one soon.

Been to a psychologist or two. They helped me when I got out of the Army and was in denial that it effected me and that I had PTSD from 27 months in a combat zone. So I thank you. If you help one person I think you did an amazing job!

If you did a podcast about your time doing that, i would listen to it!

Man you've had an interesting go of it. I have never settled into an actual career but the stories of the past 17 years I could tell....

That's awesome. Im a vet too and the veterans employment services are a huge help. I wish I could do something for a living helping my brothers! May you catch many big fish! Hooah!

Thanks for all the input so far! Lots of good info. My favorite spinning setup is a BPS Crappie Maxx ML I use for neds and its lower end so I figured it is decent quality. Is a Doyo a reel manufacturer? I'm guessing some brands dont physically make their own reels and have patented designs they have an outside manufacturer make? Also why I'm asking is I have a Black Max 6'6 M casting combo and a Lews American Hero 7' MH/F I'm looking to upgrade. I have an upgrade for the Lews already but I dedicated it to chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. So either something sensitive for bottom contact baits or a good rod for crankbaits which is what I use the black max for. My initial thought is another Speed Spool LFS but if the Carbonlite 2.0 is noticeably better and I can get it on sale then I may decide for it over the Lews. I'm kind of a Lews fanboy and I couldnt tell you why. Just when I started fishing I was drawn to them. I have a SLX XT reel and SLX rod and love them, the BPS stuff may be really good, my favorite pro fishes Abu Garcia, but for some reason I always want Lews and I am absolutely in love with my Speed Spool LFS so would take something special to steer me away I guess haha.

I would be using it for cranking most likely so M and maybe moderate action. If that makes any difference.

Ive been looking at what i dont have setup wise or replacing a cheap combo. I was looking at more dedicated cranking sticks and came across the BPS Crankin Stick. Anyone have experience? Also the Johnny Morris Carbonlite 2.0 is on sale. Looks like a nice reel but I wonder who actually makes it and if it's a good reel.

For what its worth they are the EC Lazer Sharp line of hooks. All the signature hooks they make fall under the Lazer Sharp line I believe.

It is the reel with matching rod. This is the best pic of the reel I could pull off the internet I believe the 6'6 MH is one piece and the 7' M is two. Or vice versa. I'll double check and get model numbers and such when I get home from work.

I'll see if I can find a stock photo online until I can get home and take a picture of them. One reel is a 2500 and one a 3500. They are definitely fresh water it seems, or atleast inshore.

Agreed, they all are awesome. Best forum regardless of topic on the internet. Hands down.

I caught my PB after a heavy rain with clouds still dark in the sky. Fished where the main drainage went into the pond. I was using a black and blue Z Craw and casting past the flowing water and dragging it through it when wham!!!

I'm jealous of having good crappie fishing from the bank! I would love to do this but ive struggled for years trying to catch crappie consistently from the bank.

I just saved the one I got my SLX rod from *** fishing. For this very reason ive saved it.

Seriously, just take his advice and do this. Its exactly what I do and ive never once gotten a tangle or anything. Braid to fluoro leader was a mystery to me for years until I tried it. Now for finesse I'll never go back.

I inherited two Diawa Procaster Tournament spinning combos from my father in law when he passed away. Ive put them to very good use. One is 6'6 MH and one is 7' M. I caught my pb bass on the 6'6 and my pb catfish on the 7'. Since then I have swapped them and use the 7' for bass and the 6'6 for cats. My question though. When did Diawa stop making them? Ive been to their website and dont see them listed so I assumed they were older models. They are both cherry mint. Ill work on pictures but ive only been fishing about 4 years and never seen them anywhere. They are amazing and i love them, just curious where they fall on the price scale.

I just started wacky rigging this year with great success. These are the hooks I use and I cant complain one single bit. For setup, I use a 7' M spinning with a 3000 size reel. 15lb braid to 12lb fluoro leader. Its a Diawa if youre that curious.