JayW

My point being that "maybe" they had issues. I know what they are and have used them before a looong time ago, but I still prefer my Calcuttas over a antique spinning reel any day of the week. I wasn't trying to bash on a old classic reel. I have some old reels in my antique reel collection, but that doesn't mean that I want to start fishing with them. 8-)

Maybe God was trying to keep you from buying junk equipment? :-?

True words of wisdom! 8-)

Wow! I didn't realize that they got that big either. I have caught some in cast nets back in the day that I would guess to be a couple pounds maybe. Nothing even close to that!

Frosty, A&W, Mug... these are my favorites... even though I quit drinking soda too! I haven't had a beer (or any alcohol) in well over 15 yrs. When I'm thirsty I drink water, fruit juices, tea... that's about it. When I did drink, I preferred Budweiser.

Hmm, I live in Central Florida and I've never even heard of these lakes to my knowledge. I must be fishing too close to home! :-/

It really sounds like to me that your drag is still a little bit too tight. I use 12# Yozuri Hybrid down here in Florida and I've NEVER had a fish break me off since using it. I keep my drag set a little loose. When I set the hook, I can sometimes feel it pull a little bit of drag, but just barely. I like to enjoy the fight, so I keep the drag a little loose and use light line compared to many here in Florida. I also use Calcutta 100's and even a little 50. Small reels as compared to what a lot of guys use down here.

Take it back! There could be damage to the blank.

Beautiful fish!

Looking good! I think black was also a good choice for a first time rod build as long as you can keep the dust away from the rod while it's drying. Let us see how it turns out when you're done!

Someone told me they've been tearin' em' up out there! I'm thinking about trying it Friday morning.

I see. I rarely go to Frostproof though. I think I may know what lake it is now though. Thanks!

That's about as bad as the guy who approached me near the boat ramp as I pulled in with my rig and asked me if I'd take a look at 3 Bass he had caught and tell him if they were legal. I said "Sure". He then proceeded to the trunk of his car and pulled out about a 25" Mudfish! Then he told me how they tore his fingers up when he lipped them! I didn't have the heart to tell him they were Bowfin, so I said... "Yeah, I think they are definitely legal size!" He told me he caught all 3 on wild shiners! :-?

Where exactly is this lake?

Well, I was born and raised in Central Florida and I've never been bit by a snake or a Alligator. Unless you go walking into a swamp or try to mess with them... they aren't looking to bother you! Here's another Florida native to watch out for... Pygmy Rattler. I saw this one while out on a walk in a Kissimmee swamp area. Only one I've ever seen in the wild that I can recall in my 37 yrs of being here. Also... if you see some Gators doing this... don't bother them! They started fighting right after I snapped this shot! They weren't concerned with me though. I'd still show them some respect though.

At least you know now that your worms will be regular.

Looks good!

Looks good! I'd like to see the rest of the rod if you have any more pics?

Imagine flying through there at about 75 mph in a Bass boat! I bet someone could get killed by one of those things.

Good deal!

They are/were good engines. I used to fish with a guy back in the late 90's who had a Magnum 175 and it was a screamer! It never let us down.

x2 And Justice For All was the last great album and Black was the last decent one. Couldn't have been said better! St Anger blows!

Wow! It actually worked! I came up with 237. I usually eat out twice per week and I'm 37. Strange!

I still miss my Grandpa and he's been gone since 1993. Unfortunately, death is a part of life that we all will face one day. Hopefully your Grandpa will beat this thing and be around for a few years more!

I drove a Tundra with the 5.7 and it's a beast! I have a 2005 Toyota 4 Runner and it has 43,000 miles on it and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned! No rattles, no pings, smooth as silk! This is coming from a die hard Chevy fan, but after my last couple of GM's... I went over to the dark side and have never looked back! I know a lot of guys who have or have had Dodge trucks and have had a LOT of issues! Trannie problems, fit and finish, one had a tie rod fall apart on a new truck after just a few months! Fords are nice trucks, but the fit and finish is no where to compare to the Toyota's! I have a 1999 F-250 with 205,000+ miles on it and it's still going, but it pings, rattles, squeeks, runs rough, etc and has seen the shop plenty. That said, it's still been a good truck to make it that far! I just prefer the Toyota's.