I have been lurking this site for years before I became a member and a lot of the same questions appear year after year. So I would like to put together a buying guide including things such as Rods, Reels and Tackle to make it easier for our membership to make informed buying choices. I'm leaning towards making this available online in a pdf document. Just looking for input as to what you guys and gals would want to see in this idea.

BassinNY, please don't be offended by MHO:

What you're proposing is a great idea, although many folks share the same opinion, but some differ and the differing opinions are the ones that keep the discussions alive. The other problem is that fishing products/tackle are constantly changing so by having the same questions popping up just adds to the discussion.

Last thing I want to share: Redundancy is what keeps the site interesting as more and more folks become members. You can participate in the redundant threads or not, it's your choice.

My suggestions would be:

Don't buy too much tackle at first. You don't know what its going to work on the lake you fish. What fits or don't fit your style.

Buy a nice small selection that has a little of everything. Plastics, cranks, spinnerbaits, jigs... I may say two pieces or everything.

Buy a nice baitcasting combo and a spinning combo to start with.

From the books I've read and the experience I've got you gotta match the forage. Give the bass what they want.

Jig' pretty well nailed it. Too many differing opinions.

Besides, there are pu-len-ty of sites to get user-based reviews of all types of products.

No offense taken Jigfishn10!! Discussion is good and the context of my OP was not meant to be negative in any way. I like many others have been fortunate to become a better fisherman because of people like you guys. The plan I had in mind wasn't going to have any reviews what so ever. Just a straight listing of specs, models and pricing. I appreciate any and all input that you guys have, for or against, positive or negative.

Yep...

What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members

of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!

BassinNY, please don't be offended by MHO:

What you're proposing is a great idea, although many folks share the same opinion, but some differ and the differing opinions are the ones that keep the discussions alive. The other problem is that fishing products/tackle are constantly changing so by having the same questions popping up just adds to the discussion.

Last thing I want to share: Redundancy is what keeps the site interesting as more and more folks become members. You can participate in the redundant threads or not, it's your choice.

I think you missed his part about buyers making informative decisions, there is a difference between info and opinion.

Buy More Shimano

I swear when I quoted you it said something different

RW I have owned and used BPS Pro Q's, Revo's and now a Core 50. I have to say that I will buying more Core's in the future. That reel just blows me away ever time that I use it.

I think you missed his part about buyers making informative decisions, there is a difference between info and opinion.

Not at all. When I made my post BassinNY didn't have any info on what his buying guide would contain. He has since clarified this. Again, I think what he's proposing to do is a great idea.

My apologies for the confusion, Tom and BassinNY..

No apologies needed. I should have been more clear from the start.

I think a set-up guide would be a great idea. Like having a low speed reel and ~7' Medium, Moderate action glass rod for deep diving cranks. Basically what to look for in technique specific rigs for rod, reel, and line. Personally I would stay away from the brand wars or naming specific models because everyone has their own preferences and/or budgets. Or include the more popular/proven models that fit the mold to start people looking.

Yep...

What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members

of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many

members fishing other brands!

ONE TRACK MIND!!

SHEESH!!!!! Aargghh!!!

Hootie

Yep...

What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members

of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!

They will just never learn, lol.

I think a set-up guide would be a great idea. Like having a low speed reel and ~7' Medium, Moderate action glass rod for deep diving cranks. Basically what to look for in technique specific rigs for rod, reel, and line. Personally I would stay away from the brand wars or naming specific models because everyone has their own preferences and/or budgets. Or include the more popular/proven models that fit the mold to start people looking.

Now that is a good idea.Having fished for years only recently have I got serious about lmb bass,something along these lines would be a great help to new members.

Yep...

What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members

of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!

I would fish a shimano, but you should gift one to me so I can try it out. Then if I like it I would replace all of mine to Shimano. Just saying.

I think a set-up guide would be a great idea. Like having a low speed reel and ~7' Medium, Moderate action glass rod for deep diving cranks. Basically what to look for in technique specific rigs for rod, reel, and line. Personally I would stay away from the brand wars or naming specific models because everyone has their own preferences and/or budgets. Or include the more popular/proven models that fit the mold to start people looking.

there are companies right now that name the rods after the style of fishing they are used at for instance:

Skeet reese, g.loomis, a couple of the BPS have the style they are used for.

Now reels are a big puzzle to us newbies. Thanks God I got a lot of info and help from some members.

Yep...

What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members

of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!

And that my friends is why I refuse to buy a Shimano.

Biased opinions are about as useful as an inflatable anchor.

BassinNY,

With all due respect, at almost 4 times the price of a PQ, the Core better d**n well blow you away.

Mike

And that my friends is why I refuse to buy a Shimano.

Biased opinions are about as useful as an inflatable anchor.

I would agree 1000%. Not saying Shimano is a good or bad product, I own some my self, some of it is top notch and some of it leaves something to be desired. People that catch great fish, catch them because they know what they doing, the rods, reels, lines, etc are secondary.

If I'm catching a 10# fish, it's because I found it, not because I was using reel A or reel B, and to say using one brand vs another gives me more enjoyment, IMO that's pure nonsense. The enjoyment and feeling of fulfillment comes from the fish itself.

A lot people on here follow the professional ranks, does KVD use Shimano?

Yep...

What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members

of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!

X2!!!!

KVD says he uses Quantum because he is Quantum's #1 pro and I would sumrise he receives Quantum products for free.

What KVD does not tell you is how he modifies his Quantum rods and reels and what modifications he has the manufacturing plant make to the equipment.

So if KVD likes a feature from a Shimano or Abu or Diawa rod and reel he can have that incorporated into his rod or reel and we will never know about it until Quantum decides to mass produce the rods and reels with the upgrades and changes.

I asked in the BAM post for that magazine to consider having an article on how the pros modify their baits. I think we could expand the article on how they modify their rods and reels.

Who'd have thought??? Another Shimano vs "All the other better quality reels thread"......................

Back on topic. I would love a buying guide. I have fished all my life but never had anyone teach me what to buy or what to look for. Having something to reference would help me understand what the differences are and what would better suit me.

Love the idea.

C'mon...Just having some fun. Instead of Shimano insert, Rage Tail Baits, G. Loomis,

St. Croix, Yo-Zuri, Gamakatsu, NorthStar, Siebert Outdoors or any other brand you

like. I'm not sponsored and don't really care what everyone chooses to fish, but for

those looking for suggestions, these are some of the brands I fish.

So, back on topic, here are a few suggestions:

Mike at DVT breaks down comparably priced Shimano, Diawa, Pflueger, Abu Garcia, Lews,

BPS and Pinnacle spinning and/or baitcasting reels. On a spreadsheet or chart, rank

10 specific attributes. For example: design, engineering, craftmanship, quality of

components, weight, strength, smoothness, etc. Some of this cannot be "quantified",

but professional opinions carry some weight in my opinion.

This format could be used across product line so we have a basis for consistant

comparisons. Obviously, there will always be "personal bias", but a systematic

approach would at least minimize the degree to some extent.