TripDaddy

Thanks for all the positive feedback. 1st day (first two fish) caught on 4" senko - weightless - black and blue laminate. 2nd day (last fish) caught on a green tube with red and black flakes t-rigged with a bullet weight.

and finally (6.7)...

and another... note: the first one went 6.3, this one went 7.1

Found a great pond on my father-in-law's golf course. Here's what we've caught yesterday and today...

Does anyone have any thoughts on the G Loomis BCR802 GLX? I'm seriously considering treating myself to a nice pre-christmas gift. To anyone that owns one of these: please include what you don't like about the rod as well. Thanks, Jason

UPDATE: As always, thanks for the info. I ended up going with a 6'6" Shimano Compre spinning rod (MH / F) and a Shimano Sahara 2500FB reel. The whole package ran about $160. I would love to hear what everyone thinks about this setup. Good or bad. Thanks, Jason

What does everyone think would be the best worm rig under $300? The reel can cost up to $200 and the rod up to $100. The only other requirement that I have is that the rod be 6'6" or shorter. Thanks in advance, Jason

First, thanks everyone for all of the useful feedback. After much deliberation, I decided on the Daiwa Viento. As for my initial impressions...it's a super nice reel but I'm not using the twitchin' bar as much as I thought I would. Maybe I just need some time with it, but I feel like I'm getting better action on my worms and jigs without it. Anyway...I really appreciate everyone's input. THANKS EVERYONE!!!

What is the best sub $250 baitcaster? I'm looking for another baitcaster and I have my own opinions but I was curious what everyone else thought.

I have one and I love it! Great feel. I paid 50 for mine 30 is a steal. BTW...I don't own any g loomis rods or anything so I couldn't compare to a higher-end rod, but I really like my tourney special.

Were you using live bait or lures? If lures, which ones? I've got a lake with hybrids near me and I have only caught them on live bait.

Thanks everyone for the great advice! After reading some of the BPS reviews and these, it seems like people don't use the twitchin' bar much. That said, it would have been the primary reason for me switching to the viento. I appreciate the feedback about the BPS reel but I have been very happy so far (knock on wood). I think I'm sticking with the BPS. Who knows...maybe in a few months I'll have both. Anyway...thanks again everyone!

I did indeed release her in the pond directly behind me (where she was caught). As for the weight...I did weigh her. She came in at 7 lbs 2 oz. I was just curious how big everyone thought she was.

How big does everyone think this fish is?

Which would you choose and why? Daiwa Viento http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=68750&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults or BPS Johnny Morris Signature http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90567?cmCat=CROSSSELL&cmid=PP_P1_1 I currently have the JM Signature but had a chance to use the Viento this weekend and here's my impression in a nutshell... I like the smoothness of the JM Signature and it feels better constructed. Of course, I love the twitchin' bar on the Viento but it lacks some the smoothness of the JM Signature and I also like that the cast control knob on the JM signature clicks while making adjustments. Lastly, it seemed like the Viento casts a bit farther than the JM Signature. Anyway...I can only afford one. Which would you choose and why? Thanks, Jason

Mostly swim baits, crankbaits, and jigs. Hope this helps.

I've been using the Power Pro Braid (moss green) 20lb line lately. It's been great but I wonder if it's had an impact on the number of fish I'm catching. I was considering switching to the Berkly Vanish Floro to see if it catches me more fish. Now...I know there are a lot of different variables when it comes to line, but what would you recommend for an all-purpose, reliable line? Also, if there's something besides these two, please let me know. These were just what I'm using for reference. One more thing...I'm using it on a BPS baitcaster if it matters.

Gotta Love It, About 18 inches. Caught it on a grape firetail culprit texas rigged.

Yep! That's it. Thanks for the info guys. BTW...my friends here at work were surprised at the quick responses. This forum is great! Oh...and I did notice the teeth prior to lipping him.

Just back from lunch where I caught this. Does anyone know what kind of fish this is? All I know is it put up a good fight and had some serious teeth! Thanks.

I recently purchased a LH Johnny Morris Signature BC at BPS for the same reason. I'm right handed and have become accustomed to reeling on the left with my spinning reels. Also, I like my right hand to be on the rod at all times in case I get a quick hit when the lure hits the water! I can't say enough about the reel. It's my first baitcaster. Great price...great reel! Here's the link: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=90567&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

I just started using the Rat-L Trap lures and they seem pretty productive. Basically, I've just been casting and reeling them back fast. Are there any other methods I should try? Also...any preferences on color?

I just now got back from a nearby pond where I lost 2 from jumping. > Worst part is...I was trying a new lure (Rat-L Trap Blue Streak) on that pond to see how it would work over there and they were striking like never before.

I've mostly been using the cast adjuster for that. It seems kind of redundant. What's the difference between the two?

I bought my first baitcaster this week and had a question. What exactly does the braking system do and how do I use it? Here's a link to the reel I bought: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90567_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1