moby bass

I got back into fishing last year after many absent years. My old equipment was antiquated and useless. The first rod I purchased was an ugly stick, 5'10" med power. I caught fish with it and started to really enjoy fishing again. I used it all last year and purchased some (alot) of new equipment along the way, each time, I think, upgrading the quality. The ugly stick got me started, again, for not too large an investment. I do like the rod, and do still use it, although not as much. I also purchased a MH Ugly Stick that I thought I might like for heavier fishing, larger baits, etc. I don't like that rod! The tip is too flexible, the rod is to heavy, it does not cast well. I will either sell it or keep it for something like bottom fishing for cats, if I should get the notion. I purchased a St. Croix premier this spring, but due to adverse weather, haven't had the opportunity to use it. I am anxious to compare it to the Ugly Stick, and find out, if in fact, a rod costing even 3 times as much is really worth the investment.

I've been looking at the Shimano Convergence 7' MH. I think I handled just about every rod at Gander Mountain the other evening and compared weight, balance, action, etc. and of course, price, and I thought this would fit the bill for cranking. I even compared it with a St. Croix and I just thought thie Shimano felt better. Of course, handling in the store and actually using the rod are two separate things. Does anyone have any experience with this rod for crank baits?

Here's a 16 inch crappie my son caught in our local pond last summer.

Is it called a frog hook?

I purchased a Quest MH baitcasting rod for my son at Dick's. Seemed like a really nice rod for the money, especially since it was on sale. I thought this would be a good inexpensive rod for him to learn to baitcast with. I don't know who makes it. Unfortunately, we haven't had the opportunity to use it yet.

The inshore rod actually seemed to be lighter and have better balance than some of the comparable freshwater rods in the same spec range and price range.

Several inches on the ground right now here in western PA, along with 26 degrees and occasional white outs. Global warming?... seems to have taken a hiatus. :

Has anyone ever used or considered an inshore spinning rod for throwing heavier lures or fishing in heavier cover? I was looking for something that would let me throw heavier spinnerbaits, larger jerkbaits, and such. I wouldn't be using it just for bass, but possibly pike and whatever else comes out of our river. I saw what I might be looking for at Cabelas. It was their Salt Striker that was rated for 12 to 20 pound line and lures 1/4 to 1 ounce. It seemed fairly light weight and balanced but I don't know if it would be sensitive enough. I believe it was listed as a heavy power with a fast action tip. Any opinions to help me decide? BTW, budget is an issue, I can't afford $200+ rods. This seemed like a good rod for the $80 price. Would this be a mistake?

"Come fish come, come fish come"

There is a small pond in my area, where my son and I fish often. Our most successful lures seem to be inline spinners like Joe's Flies, Rooster Tails, etc. It also has a mucky bottom with alot of moss and weeds. I frequently have to clean off the lure. Yesterday I got one bass out of the pond (on a Joes Flies inline), and today one on a Strike King chartreuse Little Mr. Money. Having said that, last year I took bass out of the pond on a Senko Carolina rigged, black Jitterbug, buzzbaits, and assorted spinnerbaits, and some assorted Rebel lures like grasshoppers. Most anything seems to work but the spinnerbaits are by far the most effective. I haven't tried too many shallow cranks, I will this year. Deep cranks pick up too much muck.

Welcome! (I'm new here myself, and also from PA. - Hermitage)

What is considered a traditional Spring bait. Consider me uninformed :-[

19.5 inches on a Strike King chartreuse spinner bait. I've only been back at this a year, I hope to do better this year.

Bank, only because I don't have a boat... yet.

Hangman's noose. Easy to tie, never had one fail.

44% Barely a Yank!

Has anyone used the yellow Suffix line? Is it visible to fish? If so, is that ok. When and where should I use it. I know its going to be visible to me, but other than that, what are the advantages/disadvantages?

Hmmm this is not all good news. I purchased one and just received it the other day. Haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. The online reviews that were written about it seemed to speak very highly of it. I don't believe there were any negative comments.

First post here. Some people are never happy, unless they're telling other people what to do and how they should live their lives. (Hello, Congress? Are you listening?)