Big T

Hey Avid I can relate to your situation. I have one more rod to buy before I try to shoot the Baitmonkey. I am going to try to get a bigger boat over the winter, so fishing rods and reels will be few and far between. Good Luck with your surgery. I missed most of the prime fall fishing season with back surgery last year, August 3rd makes a year as matter of fact, so I can relate to missing the water. I hope everything goes well for you. Big T

While the forums were down I bought a 6'6" Shimano Compre ML baitcast rod for my Daiwa Advantage. This rod and reel rocks. I got it Friday and by Saturday evening I was able to throw 1/4 topwaters and rattle traps with the brake set at 5. I never good even throw a 1/2 more than five times without a backlash with my Abu Garcia 4600. I love this rig, I am making plans for a second setup with same reel and rod except in a MH action. Big T.

I agree, I missed this place.I think I was having withdrawals. Big T

Two Symtre 4000's and one Sahara 4000 used for inshore Flounder and Redfish. Big T

Thanks, I learned on an Abu Garcia round reel but I believe I am going to like this reel better. I think I am going to match it up with a Shimano Compre MH rod. I was going to get an All Star Tas in light action but I wish to have more of an all around rod. Plus there is not any local shops that sell All Stars and I do not feel like riding back to Mrytle Beach to the Bps or to Fayetteville to go to Gander Mountain. Big T

I voted for Shimano, but I am have acquired a Daiwa Baitcaster. Only time will tell if I get more. I also have a few Plfuegers which do not hold up in the salty to brackish water I fish ad one Quantum which may get replaced with another Symtre soon. Big T

I have both a Quantum Kinetic and two Shimano Symtre's that I use for inshore fishing. I think tht the Symtre's are the better reels. I have had one of mine for five years and really have not had to do anything to it. The only thing that I like about my Quantum better than my Shimano is that the Quantum holds more line, which really is not a problem in Bass fishing but it can be in the saltwater. Big T

I believe it is a new real. I think it is the one that was in the pictures on Tackle tour.com when they went to Lake El Salto with Jimmy Houston. Big T

My new Daiwa Advantage 150 arrived yesterday from Cabela's. I must say this is a pretty nice reel. I am so use to Shimano spinning reels and my Abu Garcia 4600 C3 . This reel is my first quality low profile baitcaster. I can't wait to try it out this weekend. Weatherman is calling fo scatter showers, but I do not care I going fishing, that's what they make rain coats for. Big T

Walmart carries rods that no one else has. I once bought some Ugly Stick Intercoastals there, they still sell them but you can't find any info on Ugly Sticks website.

Shimano has a over the counter warranty. I bought a cheap Shimano Carbomax once at a local tackle store. On the first cast two inches broke off, took it back and the shop exchanged it. I took the next rod home and must have over tightened the reel seat because the foregrip cranked. MY local shop replaced that one as well. They told me they just ship them back to Shimano. Sounds to me like BPS just does not want to be bothered with it. Big T

I held one at the Myrtle Beach BPS, nice reel. To me though it looked like a newer version of a Daiwa Advantage. I believe it retailed for around $119.

I would use a medium action rod with a 4000 series reel. I have a Shimano Clarus with an older 4000 series Symtre. The medium light would work for Trout, because they have tender mouths that can be ripped easily but a decent size Blue or a Striper would wreck havoc on it. Big T

I would definately look for another job, but in the meant time I would demand my money and turn him in to the laborboard. It is easy for me or anyone else to tell you to kick his you know what or to quite, stay home, etc. But that does not pay the bills when you need a job, plus you have to do what is in your best interest. However what your boss is doing is wrong and highly illegal.

I am not really a soccer fan, but I did watch alot of the World Cup last year when I was laid up with my back injury and following surgery. I of course rooted for the USA, but I did enjoy following the English team and as always I love to watch the Brazilians play, with Ronaldinio. I not sure if that is the correct spelling but I sure Avid knows who I am talking about. Big T

I would like to attend a Carolina Tarheels baketball game in Chapel Hill against Puke, I mean Duke, and go to my uncle's lake house in Panama for some serious Peacock Bass Fishing. But my main goal is to be the best husband I can be to my wife. Big T

That's a name I have not heard in awhile. I use to watch his show when it was on the Nashville Network with Shaw Grigsby, Roland Martin and Bill Dance. Big T Tony

Actually the lower end rods are the only ones that are made in China, according to All Star's website their rods from the American Classic series up are still made in Houston, Texas. I was just curious as to the feel and quality of the rods because I saw the older rods for $39.99 to $49.99 plus shipping from Simmons Sporting Goods on ebay. I also have a freind that can get me the newer Team Alll Satrs for around $75-$80 plus shipping brand new. I would buy them locally but there is no place other than Dick's Sporting Goods that sells them here and all they have are the Chinese ones that are made exclusively for them. This town is dominated by saltwater equipment due to how close we are to the beach. I think I am going to get the Team All Star. Thanks for everyones input. Big T

I had the same problem on my last saltwater trip I was fishing this ledge near the mouth of the Cape Fear river. I was anchored and this ledge is pretty long. Well low and behold these clowns in a Deck boat kept runing up beside me a drifting down the ledge. At one point they were so close that I could have smacked one of them in the head with my 7ft. rod. Three years ago I would have called them every name in the book and got into a confrontation on the water. However I must be mellowing out, plus my wife was with me so I just moved. Besides where we were fishing the river is almost mile or two across.. You Can't Fix Stupid. Big T

Blair Wiggins' show is still on. It just started aring again on Fox Sports South a couple weeks ago. He is fishing the FLW Redfish tour as well. This guy is cool I forgot about him. I also like the Sportsman's Adventures with Captain Rick Murphy, however sometimes he can be annoying. Big T

Thanks Skychimp, That's a nice setup you have there. I am more than likely going to get one of those All Stars. I just ordered a Daiwa Advantage reel tonight. Big T

I am considering buying a All Star Topwater rod. If given the choice of buyin one of the old original classic series rods from Simmons Sporting goods or one of the new American classic series rods which would you guys buy. I have heard that the older rods are better. I would appreciate any input . I would also be open to the idea of stepping up to the same rod in the Team All Star series. Thanks, Big T

Welcome!

I think everyone should stand up and support our brave soldiers and their families. They sacrifice so much so that we may live in a free and safe country. So even if you are for or against the war in Iraq, you still owe our troops and big THANK YOU because if it were not for them then you would not have the right to express your oppinion. To All Our Brave Troops Overseas: THANK YOU! Big T