Jeff H

I won't be. He's my pick for the Classic win. This kid should have a bright career and even if he doesn't win this one there is for sure one with his name on it coming soon.

I always buy all my worms in bulk now. I ran out of a particular color the fish really wanted during a big tournament one day many years ago, so now I won't buy less than 100 ct bags. I seem to have about a 5 yr supply on hand at all times now and carry more than I need in the boat....even though I no longer fish tournaments. Heck, I have more worms in my basement workshop then a lot of tackle shops have in stock. I just bought another 400- 7" Powerworms today.

My favorite is not listed either, but I KNEW it wouldn't be before I even opened this up. My favorite is the Castaic.

Unfortunately it's not in the best of shape, having been a Library book and all, but it is intact. Wouldn't be worth much to any collector, but it really is some good reading.

I just had GMAN make me a bunch of 1/8 and 3/16oz weedless flateye heads but they have 3/0 hooks. Looks big enough to me, but you could ask him if he can do 4/0??

Nobod here has read this book?? If you ever get a chance, do read it. His work is based on over 1700 hours of underwater study/observation of bass. He contradicts a lot of what is accepted as "the norm" today. It would make for a lot of "colorful" discussion here I'm sure. I don't think this book is easily obtained anymore though, I stole my copy from the Library about 20 years ago. (actually I just forgot to return it and found it about 5 yrs later packed away from our "move".

Anyone ever read this book by Bob Underwood? Lunker! is pretty old, my copy says 1975 so I suppose most of our younger members have not heard of it, but thought I'd ask. If you have read it or do own it what do you think of it?

One of the best deals I came across was the 07 model Cabela's Prodigy on clearance for $65. Heckuva deal for what is basically a TD-A 150H.

The one I have certainly is not. I'm going to send it to Reel Mech and see what he can do for it. Something is wrong inside this one (nothing real bad me thinks). To be fair I bought it out of the bargain cave at Cabela's for my son and it was obviously used/returned...but I got it for $50 so there is room for some of his magic work.

It wasn't much to watch really. He just beat up his light pole which happened to have our nations flag on it as I recall. I'm sure he learned a lesson out of it.

X3... on the Trilene XL

I tried it many years ago when it first came out. I can't remember why now but I didn't like it. I know a lot of walleye guys liked it for trolling but thats still a far cry from casting cranks.

As somebody else already mentioned, I only use spinning gear to throw cranks that I can't throw with a baitcast outfit. Baits like the smaller sizes of Shad Raps and Rapala Original Minnows etc. Admittedly I've paid no attention to the retrieve speed of the reel when doing this, I just crank them and switch up my speed if needed.

6'6"/M/XF

Did ya check his wallet? :-?

Great info!! The Exceler sounds like a incredible reel in it's advertisemnets.... for $70. Now we know it's a real bargain.

Good spontaneous buy! You'll like it. it should be a good rod for fishing T-rig worms, thats what I'd use it for.

I have 3 Castaics. 2 are originals, one I just bought. I gave my son the choice of the new or old and he chose one of my old ones (that I just had Reel Mech service) Since I can't comment on how good the new one is yet, I won't. But, my old ones are my favorite reels of all. The thumbar is addictive. After I've been using the Castaic awhile and switch to a Curado, TD-A, Revo or whatever, I find myself flicking my thumb looking for that bar. It is the ultimate reel for pitching for me. Before I bought this new one, my Revo SX had the easiest spinning spool of the lot I own, but the new Castaic just swept that honor out from under the SX. A great reel!! Tighten the tension cap down so it just takes all the lateral play out of the spool and give that sucker a good spin and you'll be there awhile waiting for it to stop. I may buy a couple more and put them away. If Shimano ever quits making these I'll still have some to get me through my lifetime.

Thats what I was thinking. I figure if I've ever cast beyond 30 yards, it was for no real good reason. Can't say I've ever even tried to "spool" a reel.

http://www.classicbass.com/ Try that.

In any case, I agree with your opinion.

It is the blank/foot interface? :-/ You got me, whats the difference? The difference for me, or what I like about the "pricey" rods is the lighter weight. That is a big deal to me. Reel Mech has shown me that balance is super important in adding to that "light" feel. Good balance can make your light rod feel lighter then it already is. The one I just got from him today is absolutely beyond freaking incredible. It weighs a svelte 4 oz but it feels like there is nothing in your hand with the reel mounted up...unreal!!

Start simple. Go the Alpster route for now and let your adventure take it's course. Won't be long and you'll have more than you need like the rest of us.

Lucky Craft man, What rod were you using?

I have both, but...my Daiwa is the 07 model HST 153. Of these 2 I'd declare the SX the winner only because I feel it's a little bitter on the cast. Otherwise one is as good as the other. Now, I think the new HSTA is slightly better than my HST and will do as well as my SX on the cast. The SX feels slightly smaller in the hand, just slightly...to me anyway. There is no wrong choice for you, both reels exhibit tremendous value in their price. I don't have as much time with my Revo's as do my Daiwa's so if I had to make this choice again, I'd grab the HSTA just because I have many more years of trust into Daiwa products. Congratulations on whichever one you choose!! Both are great reels.