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Hey WdyCrankbait..... make sure to keep checking in with we VA guys...... always liked your contributions...... hope your enjoying the new zip code

I'd take a look at two different things...first, pick a good reel, if you take care of them properly they'll last for years and years. Check the on-line stores and read the reviews. I've been a Shimano fan for years. I've had Diawa's, Shakespears, ABU Garcia, Quantums and others, and although most of them were decent reels, I've felt that that usability, durability, and design of the Shimanos fit my fishing style better. I recently deviated by purchasing an Ardent flipping reel because it seemed innovative. Although I use it, I'm not happy with it. The quality isn't good. The flipping switch never worked, and the clutch doesn't engage every now and then properly. Most of the time when pitching or flipping, I don't need the flipping switch anyway, so when I use it the reel does an OK job for how I use it, so I just kept it, but I wouldn't buy another one. Although I like the flipping design for the most part, looking back in hindsight, I would have purchased another Shimano Castaic (always been good for me when flipping). Buy a reel that suits what you want to do, and that will dicate the price. If you want to flip, the Castaic is good, but so is the Core. If you want to just cast and retrieve, and maybe do a little flipping, the Curado is a good reel. I own both and love them both. As for the rod, again, find ones that suit what you want to do. If you just want one to start out, maybe think about the combos available by the on-line stores. The rod prices are reasonable especially when purchased as the combo. I've had good luck with rods purchased that way. I'm not brand specific, but I have yet to own a baitcasting rod that I didn't like. I've owned a Diawa flipping telescoping rod, I currently use a Powell flipping/pitching rod, and love both of them. I've owned Shimano rods which were good too. I currently use St. Croix Avids, and all of theirs have worked well with me. I'm a fan of graphite, and all of them have worked well for me. The "round" baitcasters are nice too especially when chucking huge heavy baits. I just bought a Shimano Takota for tossing big musky lures, and I love it. It was a toss up between that and the ABU Garcia 7000C, and after seeing them in person opted for the Takota. I would have loved to buy a Calcutta, but it was out of my budget at the time. But as a beginning baitcaster, I'd avoid the round ones for now. The low profile ones tend to have better magnets and such to help eliminate backlashes. By the way, you will backlash, and don't be embarassed. It happens to everyone at the beginning, and even happens to experienced users including pros. You will learn how to prevent them and how to pick them out. The more you use them, the less it will happen. Eventually, you will love them. Good luck in your choice Kevin. Again, read the reviews of those in the prices that you are interested in. If you start with a less expensive model, just make sure that it is designed to do what you're asking it to do.

I love my Carrot Stix! Over the past 4 years I have accumulated about 10 of them. Five were the origional carrot Stix (Two of them have the micro eyes/love them). The last five I got are the PG's. I have another five baitcast on the way. I like the split grips and the sensativity. The hardware is fine. I usually remove the bait keeper. My rods take a beating. I have broken two of the origionals. One was while running from an alligator and it had nothing to do with the construction of rod. The other was in a ceiling fan. I just mailed in the model numbers on the handle and they sent me new ones. There is a replacement fee, but it was reasonable.

I've always been in love with my Curado reels. 200e5 and 200e7, I prefer the e5 for crankbaits. Not sure if those models are available anymore since they've released the Chronarch line, but there are still Curado reels to be found. You'll probably look at the price tag and move along like I did at first, but any of the higher end baitcasters are worth it imo.

I agree, the only way to learn is to do the Nike thing, "Just Do It", but practice helps. When I shore fish, I carry a baitcaster for my heavier lures and a medium spinning rod for my finesse stuff. If I'm in a boat, I'll have as much as two baitcasters, a pitching/flipping rod/reel, and two spinning finesse rods. The amount of space in the boat determines how many rods I bring, less space, less rods, etc. Baitcasting gear gives you a different way to present bigger lures like spinnerbaits, flipping with jigs,etc., crankin'...and they have a bit more crankin' power IMHO, and they're accurate because you can stop your cast with a simple press of the thumb. When you buy one and practice, learn to cast from any angle (overhead, side, back hand, underhand - pitch/flip). The key is to be versatile. Don't worry about casting distance but instead focus on accuracy. Distance will come with practice and experience.

I like my Bandits200. Tennessee shad is what I used mainly. I also like some of the Live Targets, Rapala DT series, Xcalibur Xr50 rattle baits/One knocker, Original Rat-l trap,

Match the forage and if it is clear water try a clear spook. You'll want the bass to hone in on the action of the bait without getting a good look at the bait

hm...

I think a few of us do. That's what I use primarily, I know Brian (BrianinMD) and Sean (Basser89) use them also. I have my spinning gear, but I rarely use them. I have a few baitcasters in different ratios, but they all work the same pretty much. Few different ways to cast, but i've learned that practice is key. Even if its in your back yard (Which i did for a few days when I got my first baitcaster).

Ive been using the YoZuri on a few of my setups. I always used Spiderwire Stealth Braid for my rigs, but this Hybrid line is AMAZING!

I definitely agree with Pondfreak. Another thing thoug, if you fish a particular spot with reaction baits for a while and stop getting bites, it's not a bad idea to slow down and fish that spot with a plastic or jig. Just my two cents.

Well, it depends. Like you said, I wouldn't change if what you have tied on is working. Usually, If I don't get a bite in an area I know has fish, I'll change after I feel as though I've worked the area thoroughly with one bait and it hasn't produced. It's kinda hard to describe it in terms of time, just go until you feel you've worked the area and haven't gotten hits. Before you change lures, however, make sure there are fish there. You might have the right lure tied on, but the wrong spot. Capt. Dalton

While I take pride in my work and do it to the best of my abilities, I fiercely protect my personal/family time and have passed up multiple jobs that would infringe upon that. The thing I hate most about the lack of job opportunites in the current economy is that it has empowered employers too much. They've got you by the gonads for lack of a better term and too many companies are willing to take advantage. That being said, I am lucky to be very close to my boss and coworkers so we will do what's necessary to cover for each other if the need arises.

OP doesn't have an on call job. His boss was trying to fill a spot. I'd be po'd too. I have an on call job. I have my on call schedule 3 months in advance. I make my plans around my schedule, and if something comes up it is my responsibility to get a replacement. If it's an emergency the boss will get a replacement, but emergencys that prevent people from working don't usually occur at 12:45am. The boss was looking out for his best interest because if no one would fill the position the boss would have to do the work himself. Bassn Blvd, If the phone is off OP will miss the booty calls.

Did ok at Mashpee yesterday, here are a couple pics ..including my PB smallmouth. why? because its the only one ive ever caught

I'd like to nominate the Michigan DNR for a suspension - for making us wait 6 weeks after Ice out to C&R bass. What the heck ! A-Jay

That really sux, but I'll tell what I can do to help you out. Tell me if you'd rather me fish in the morning or afternoon, what presentation and how many bass you would like for me to catch. I will head out and do my best to video my outing so that way you can sit back, relax and enjoy the show. I realize it's not same as being out there in person, but I feel as though it's the least I could do to help a brotha out.

Tonight I was bank fishing at a small golf course pond and while i was fishing a I noticed about a 5 foot gator on the bank. Well I made a cast and as soon as it hit the water the fish hit and I knew it was a good one. Im cranking on my rod and the fish jumps out of the water and I saw it was big, but the gator also noticed it too and decided to follow it. So im reeling as fast as I ever have before trying to get the fish in before the gator could get it, and I figured if i could get it out of the water the gator would turn back but I was wrong. I had to drag the fish on the land and here came the gator on land chasing me for the fish. I didn't give up I picked up the fish and took off for the other side of the pond so I could snap a picture and release it. So I figured I would tell my story and show a picture of the 4 pounder I risked my life for lol.

When i was considering clubs to join, I went to the NH fish and game website and looked at the tournament schedule. I noted the bodies of water close to me, and then researched the clubs holding them. I found this to be the easiest way to find the clubs I wanted to join.

Nice vapredhunter! Here's a little smallie from Friday...

Hey Spencer give northern bass supply a call. There in Brentwood NH, the people their are friendly and very involved in NH clubs. I know they run a tournament schedule but their are other clubs like bubba Bassin. It all depends on what your looking for. Good luck -matt