The most popular discussion in my opinion is the ubiquitous “ recommend a ____ for me”. It could be a bait, rod reel, heck even a kayak.  
 

I move to the beat of my own music except once.    One of you blew into my ear the words, “buy a Zillion”.   Now i’m a Zillion person.   Heck. I even lean into Daiwa more because of it. 
 

you?  Ive after wondered what a poster went with after the blitzkrieg of advice and opinions finally settle down.   collectively. You all are all over the map. 

Yeah, a time or two.  Things for specific situations or variations on something that I know works for me.  A better mousetrap perhaps.  

Happens all the time. Rods, reels, line, baits... you guys have steered me into purchasing all of the above. I'm not mad. 

Megabass jerk baits and costa sunglasses.

 

I'm a customer for life now.

Many times. Yes, people are all over the map on any given thread. Over time, I’ve learned whose opinions I can trust. I don’t pay much attention to the fanboys or the guys who always buy the most expensive gear just because it’s “the best.”

But there are some members who’ve clearly made a lot of casts in their lifetime. When those guys say they like something—and can tell you exactly why—I listen.

Definitely has happened. But I’ve also learned whose opinions are sound and solid. Not just fan boy stuff like @gim said. 

I never heard of Neko Machos until @roadwarrior sent me two packs for Fishmas. Now I use them all the time. 

I pay attention when the old timers speak about technique. Specific gear though I am rarely influenced.

Almost all my reels were Abu reels. I read quite a bit on here how happy so many members were with Daiwa reels so I gave them a shot. Then I added another and another and well you get the idea. I still have other reels I like but Daiwa has the majority in my arsenal. Same with Dobyns rods.

 

A pros recommendation doesn’t sway me one bit, it’s the everyday Joe like we have here that I’ll listen to.

I've bought scores of lures that were mentioned by other BR members. A few haven't caught a single bass, like spybaits. 

Awhile back I posted a question about what people’s favorite rod manufacturers were. St. Croix seemed to be very popular and reasonably priced , so I got one. I like it. 

Has a forum member here actually convinced you to buy something?

 

Isn't that part of what makes this forum like a Boss ?

 

Yes, for me.

More than a couple of times.

Just one example is

After writing off the first versions of FC line, I gave it another try.  Most all of that was based on recommendations from some of the better Sticks here.

Glad I did.

A-Jay

 

 

Oh yes.  Quite a few lure, rod, reel, and line recommendations turned into purchases.  And I try out things from sponsors periodically.  

 

11 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

 I read quite a bit on here how happy so many members were with Daiwa reels so I gave them a shot. Then I added another and another and well you get the idea.

 

The forums turned me on to Daiwa reels too. 

I get most of my fishing information from this forum so chances are anything I buy is because I read about it here first!

 

 The most prominent example is G. Loomis. Before I joined BR I had never heard of this rod manufacturer. Now I’m an unashamed fan boy! 😁

Yes, pretty sure this forum was actually created by the Bait Monkey himself. 

Guilty as charged! I now have enough tackle, rods and reels to last me a lifetime and a couple of reincarnations. 

FM

Oh totally!

 

I'm about to install a kayak anchor trolly system recommend to me in a thread I started. When it comes time to replace my spinning reel next season, I'll use a similar thread I started on durable reels to make my choice on what reel. 

I have only bought a couple of things that were recommended to me admittedly.  I am very particular about my gear as I have been bass fishing for 40 years and know what I like for the most part.

I never heard of the bait monkey until I read it on this forum. Now I know what was whispering in my ear!

Quote

Has a forum member here actually convinced you to buy something?

I going to say yes. To try out a lure to see if it fits into my type/style of fishing.  

Absolutely. Both on reels and in one case, rods.. there is some free flowing information on here and at least in my case has proven to be very expensive..

 

🤪😁😂

This is the most expensive forum on the internet.

 

 

scott

Although the recommendations weren’t in the form of a post my first 2 Okuma rod’s purchased were because of the gear reviews done by Glenn and others on here. 

Yes !

1 reel and 2 rods came by recommendation here.

The biggest was finesse techniques.

I was always strictly a power fisherman before joining, now throw a majority of finesse which does wonders in the clear water I fish.

20 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

The most popular discussion in my opinion is the ubiquitous “ recommend a ____ for me”. It could be a bait, rod reel, heck even a kayak.  
 

I move to the beat of my own music except once.    One of you blew into my ear the words, “buy a Zillion”.   Now i’m a Zillion person.   Heck. I even lean into Daiwa more because of it. 
 

you?  Ive after wondered what a poster went with after the blitzkrieg of advice and opinions finally settle down.   collectively. You all are all over the map. 

 

Same reason I have a Zillion 😁

Before I buy reels and rods that I haven’t used before I always see if I can find a thread about them on BR. I take the opinions of the folks on here more seriously than I do any other group when it comes to fishing gear. I think you’d be extremely hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable group of bass anglers anywhere.