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I didn't ask if you had the funds amigo. I'm paying for it.

21farms asked about this reel after I posted a pic of it in another thread. Here it is: Reel: Shimano Citica 201E. Modifications: Replaced stock Dartanium drag washers with carbontex washers Replaced stock 6:1 gears with 7:1 gears from Chronarch E Replaced stock plastic brake case with metal brake case from Chronarch E (then polished the new brake race) Replaced stock handle with 102mm Hawgtech swept carbon-fiber handle, w/ Shimano Power Grip II knobs (not stock knobs) Replaced stock graphite drag star with aluminum star from Core 101MG Replaced stock silver spool-tension knob with black knob from Chronarch E Replaced stock crankshaft bushing with ball bearing Drilled holes in thumb rest for weight savings and looks (mainly looks—I was going for something similar to Daiwa's Type R reels) Drilled holes in crankshaft for weight savings Polished spool shaft ends Polished key washer & anti-reverse ratchet surfaces for smoother drag (haven't polished the drive gear—it's brand-new and doesn't really need it) Polished clutch bar for smoother clutch engagement and disengagement Polished crankshaft just for the heck of it—I like shiny brass Flushed and lubricated all non-handle bearings The paint is Calfish's work and is the only modification I outsourced. The difference in how this reel handled before and how it handles now is night and day. The retrieve is silky smooth and at the same time feels very connected. So far I've only been able to test it out in the yard. Next year is gonna be a lot of fun. Still haven't decided on a rod for this reel, but I'm thinking a *** Black might be the ticket. Speaking of which, here's my next project reel: Still gathering funds for the upgrades I have planned. Going to give it basically the same treatment as my first reel, though this one isn't going to have the same Darth Vader theme. Not quite sure what I'll do just yet, though I've got a couple ideas. Tight lines, Ben

What! Sell you on it. Don't you know it's the greatest reel ever made. It's assembled in japan by Budah himself. On a serious note though. They've been around for a long time and have a huge fan base. They've proven themselves as a quality reel but I do a also feel there's a bit too much hype around some of their offerings. That's my .02

I take a dump before I leave the house and that's about it lol

Here's mine build back in 2011 on a G3 1654. One 80 lb bow mount motor, two 80 lb transom mount motors, HB 898 and a few other toys. Recently I replaced the cloth hatch pulls with the flush plastic pulls. I friggin' love this thing. And some more details on the build (which I did NOT do myself ), including more pics. http://shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,739,00.html

I'm not just here to fish...I'm here for your fish! My ritual is to prepare every day like the Bassmaster Classic is on the line. Just because I aint in a tournament doesn't mean I'll back off the throttle one tiny bit. Why? Because the waters I fish are quite capable of producing a 10+ on any cast. If y'all come fishing me you will only make the mistake of underestimating me one time. Oh yea if all y'all got is putting a banana in my boat you just donated your entry fee!

Jack wakes up with a huge hangover after attending his company's Christmas Party. Jack is not normally a drinker, but the drinks didn't taste like alcohol at all. He didn't even remember how he got home from the party. As bad as he was feeling, he wondered if he did something wrong. Jack had to force himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!! Jack sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed. He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins, cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. Then he notices a note hanging on the corner of the mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick: "Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! Love, Jillian" He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast, steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper. His 16 year old son is also at the table, eating. Jack asks, "Son... What happened last night?" "Well, you came home after 3 a.m., drunk and out of your mind. You fell over the coffee table and broke it, and then you puked in the hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door." Confused, he asked his son, "So, why is everything in such perfect order and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me??" His son replies, "Oh THAT... Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed.... "Leave me alone, I'm married!!" Broken Coffee Table $439.99 Hot Breakfast $6.20 Two Aspirins $.38 Saying the right thing, at the right time - PRICELESS

Spend a little more and you won't be sorry, especially if you ever decide to try tying hair jigs. I have a Griffin Odyssey Sider Vise, it is a true rotary vise meaning you don't have to take you jig out and turn it around to get at the bottom ot top of the jig depending on how you had it in the vise in the first place. It has a lifetime warranty and is made in the U.S.A. and the best part is it only cost $85 bucks. I know it sounds like a lot compared to $15 but trust me, I tied on a cheap AA vise for a long time, had I known what a difference it was to tie on a better quality vise with a rotary function I would have got one in a heart beat.

Never had a boat until after I retired and moved from California to Tennessee. Finally got a canoe as my first boat at age 57. After studying all small watercraft from float tubes up to bass boats I decided that the best solution for me was a heavily-accessorized canoe. I only fish my local, small (1.5 to 201 acres), no-wake lakes. Some of these lakes don't have boat ramps. I needed something car-topable without a special rack, modular, very light weight, with as much capability as possible. I wanted stability so I could stand and fish all day, lots of inboard storage, motorized, and little to no maintenance. I didn't want to have to buy a truck or other tow vehicle, I didn't want to consume a garage bay or driveway space with a boat and trailer, didn't want high recurring expense and maintenance, and didn't want to use gasoline. Taking everything into account, I ended up with my funky canoe. Trolling motor, outriggers, DI/SI sonar, anchor system, rod racks, etc.; it's not really a traditional canoe...it's a bass boat that you can car top... This boat just finished it's 4th season and has scored over 2,300 bass. This boat, or something like it, may be the only watercraft that I ever own. I still can't think of a better solution to fish my particular water.

I got that 15 dollar one from Bass Pro. http://www.basspro.com/White-River-Fly-Shop-Classic-Vise/product/98228/ The brass head is perfect length to lay the skirt tabs up against it to make an even skirt. Its sturdy as hell and easy to put up and take down. I have mine on my bench in the garage. It comes with a heavy film of oil to prevent it from rusting. Even comes with a nice cardboard box for it. For 15 bucks it was a steal. I can see myself tying my own jigs for the rest of my life and honestly never needing a new vise.

If you're an angler who fishes in a multi-species environment - Do Not use an over hand knot to connect your backing. If & when your get a big trout, salmon, pike or musky on, that over hand knot will cause some serious duress during your attempt to land that fish. Meaning you'll break that fish off every time. A-Jay

I just read through this entire thread. Nothing surprised me. I watched this show once when it first came on. I was not a fan and did not watch it again. To agree or disagree with the beliefs and principles of the cast of the show is clearly a matter of choice. This Great Country if chock full of great thinkers, believers and people who take action. The recent barrage of reality TV shows has spawned a voice to many who are not any of those. The most realistic portion of this particular program seems to be that the events we are discussing here have in the past happened before. The greatest feature regarding a remote control is that it allows us a choice. IBTL A-Jay

I do many things but only one is a ritual. I pray & thank God for another day of fishing. It always puts things into perspective for me. Catching fish is icing on the cake. The real blessing is to be able to fish & have the time to do it.

Get some mend it and fix your plastics when the day is done. It'll save you some cash.

Nice man! I throw them weightless most of the time T-Rigged.

Well the Tracker was everything the man said about it, it was really hard to tell it wasnt a new boat (a real find), got a lot of extras too, the boat also has a $335 stainless steel prop. Now I just cant wait to get it on a lake! best Christmas ever for Me and my Wife is also pleased.

That sounds pretty good. I found a recipe on Wild Turkey's website for a drink called Chasing Tail and its Wild Turkey, cherry Coke, and amaretto. I made it but I used regular Coke and grenadine (didn't have cherry Coke), it was really strong (following their recipe) and not very good. I think it would be better with cherry Coke.

Terry Oldham's Eye Max & Rage Tail Lobster!

Aged meat is awesome.

Whatcha drinkin?

First off my boat ownership experience is extremely limited. Bought my first one an haven't gotten it wet since the river is iced over. I've been around boats for quite awhile not bass boats but jons and pleasure and with boats something will inevitably go wrong at sometime. The question I would ask myself is how prepared am I to handle a malfunction or problem. Both financially and mechanically. Like others have said servicing and engine can be an expensive proposition. If you have engine problems on the water how capable are you of diagnosing that problem and making it home? I remember one time being on a pleasure boat and the electric start died the guy I was with was able to get it started with a rope. Things like this you need to take into consideration. I look at boats like every other major purchase or decision I make wether it be cars, animals or housing. Can I afford it? Is it right for me? Is this something I will use/like/appreciate down the road. I waited almost three years to buy a boat because most of the ones I looked at weren't exactly what I wanted or had issues that I didn't want to deal with plus people around here want crazy money for pos boats. All I can say is be deliberate and don't just buy one bcause you have money burning a hole in your pocket.

Is that the best you've got ? That's weak. A-Jay

What is that ~ ? A-Jay

I use cheap line mono, but not crappy mono for backing. I picked up a spool of 900 yards of 12 lb Big Game for ~$8 so I'll get a lot of backing out of that spool. And if I find myself in a situation where I'm close to or in the backing, I still have confidence that the backing won't fail.

I use cheap mono like the most of you. Of course I have to try it though. Lol

personally i just use a cheap mono backing for all lines especially braid and fc due to them being expencive and to me just using a mono backing is easier than mono then braid and then your fluro.

In my opinion the new Calcutta D is a big step up from even a "tuned" Cardiff. I plan on picking one up myself fairly soon to use for the same type techniques you're asking about. I currently use a Curado 301E for all my umbrella rig and swimbait fishing and couldn't be happier with it's performance. I just really like the new D series Calcutta's and can't resist picking one up. I've only played around with them in a shop but they feel great. I'm going with the 300 size, just not sure which rod to go with it yet.

I like how he put his name at the end too

I like the add on at the very end..

Never heard that one. I've always used an economically friendly mono as backing for everything. There's plenty of "could be used as backing" braid lying around the hobby shop. I'll try it - what's the worst thing that can happen ? A-Jay

And it's still going nowhere. Time to wrap it up boys.

Jacob you are right about the whole fishing for sport thing, but losing a big one is tough regardless of this competition. I haven't been submitting any fish for this comp but its suppose to me a good week weather wise and I have from now til New Years Day free to fish whenever. That being said I think I will see what I can do this week! I will do like fstr use to do and put the date on a paper in my photos so people know these are current catches BUT I will only submit my fish if someone overtakes Joe... I have been secretly rooting for him this whole time even over my fishing buddy DS! Congrats Joe future BassMasters Angler of the Year!

Yes Also Yes and Yes. I use it for every texas rig appliation with the exception of a T-rigged Swimbait. I haven't noticed any negatives with it and I have a ton of confidence in it. I really like it on Offset Worm hooks, the geometry of the eye and the hook point make it work really well and provide a very positive hook up.

I've thought about calling Olesky's but I just "assumed" he would tell me how great everything is just to get more people down there for business. I really hope that lake is ready, I really want to try it out soon!

Posts are coming few and far between. Looks like everyone is getting ready for x-mas. People will start travelling starting this weekend I am sure. I want to wish all of you a Merry X-mas. I know its early, but some of you will be leaving soon to visit and be with loved ones. May you have safe travels, and enjoy the holidays with your families. Monday I will post standings, the good news for me is I am off next week, so maybe I can move up some slots before the New Year. I want to wrap up my time with you guys strong. Take Care.

Very nice, how many strands and weight of the jig?

Second one I like a lot more also.

Looks good man.

I like the second ones better as well.

I personally back Phil 100%

or just looking at some aluminum boats with smaller motors. Deep V, or modified V...You can get into a nicer aluminum boat for a lower price. I bought an aluminum boat 5 yrs ago and glad I did. It is my first boat and have learned a lot things to do and not do. Had I had a glass boat not sure how I would have fared. My 70 hp motor is plenty hp for me. I admire that you are paying cash for something and not getting into a loan for 30 years. My brother-in-law just lost his 21ft glass boat, 225hp motor, and all the bells and whistles to the repo man because he couldn't afford it. If I were looking for a new boat in your price range I would be looking for aluminum with somewhere around a 50-70hp motor on it. It will get you to where you need to go and give you time to learn the in's and out's of being on the water.

Did you guys know about his personal history as an athlete. Interesting read. College and football[edit] Quarterback Phil Robertson throws against Southeastern Louisiana University's Lions. As an athlete in high school, Robertson was all-state in football, baseball, and track, which afforded him the opportunity to attend Louisiana Tech University in Ruston on a football scholarship in the late 1960s.[3] There he played first-string quarterback for the Bulldogs, ahead of Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw,[4][5] the first overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft. When he arrived at Tech in 1966, Bradshaw caused a media frenzy on account of his reputation of being a football sensation from nearby Shreveport.[6][7] Robertson was a year ahead of Bradshaw, and was the starter for two seasons in 1966 and 1967, and chose not to play in 1968.[8] It was thought he had the potential for a pro career, but his mind was elsewhere.[3] In an interview with ESPN, Robertson stated that: "One time a bunch of geese came over and I was over there with the coach and talking about techniques or whatever, a big skull session on the practice field. I heard these geese. Remember we were practicing in the fall of the year — and the grand passage as we call it — the ducks and geese were coming from Canada. I heard these blues and snow geese coming over and I sort of fell into a trance. Of course I had my headgear next to my chest and I'm looking toward the sky and finally one of them coaches looked around, and he started cursing at me, "What are you doing son? Get over here! What are you looking up at?" I said, "A bunch of them geese, Coach. Boy they pretty, ain't they?" He said, "Get your butt over here." [ 3 ] And this was most certainly not a secret; even Bradshaw claimed that: "The quarterback playing ahead of me, Phil Robertson, loved hunting more than he loved football. He'd come to practice directly from the woods, squirrel tails hanging out of his pockets, duck feathers on his clothes. Clearly he was a fine shot, so no one complained too much." [ 9 ] When Paul Harvey confronted Robertson with a recruitment to play professionally for the Washington Redskins, he declined because football conflicted with his hunting. Besides, football was only about holding up his scholarship to him, while Bradshaw practically lived and breathed the sport.[7] Robertson put it in this way: "Terry went for the bucks, and I chased after the ducks."[3] Degrees and first jobs[edit]After receiving his bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's in education, Robertson spent several years teaching. He said while his students claim he was an excellent teacher, spending time in a classroom brought him to the conclusion that his time and talents would be better spent in the woods.[10]

I may not agree with what someone says but I stand behind their right to say it.

that's a helluva van.

1. Hp restrictions instead of speed limits 2. I need 5 state licenses 4 non residents to fish a 50 mile radius. 3. Migratory birds and their nps guardians.

A 25 year old boat that is built and designed around a wooden frame - is a heart ache waiting to happen. Unless this vessel has been stored inside by a collector (one owner) I would not even consider it. Wood & water and that much time - is rarely a good thing. You came here looking for advice - Here's mine - run away. There are PLENTY of good buys - keep looking. A-Jay

If you were as old as me you would know it was Helins flatfish. You spelled it the feminine way. I use to catch largemouth, crappie & walleye on those flatfish when I was just a kid fishing out a rowboat.

Money no object, I'd have several boats, lol.

Homeowner associations who compell lake "managers" to dump chemicals in a lake and kill all the plant life. The excessive number of geese around which attack you in the spring and then crap EVERYWHERE. Crowded lakes and crowded boat ramps.

Almost every single company