Ray K

Maybe I can add something constructive here. I've towed my last two boats with a 2014 Escape Titanium 2WD with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine and currently a 2018 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost with 4WD. First boat was a Nitro Z7 Sport and now my current Z7 Tournament boat. Both weighed about 3200 loaded. I've been totally happy with the Escape as a tow vehicle. Power is plenty sufficient and mileage when not towing is close to 30 MPG on the highway. I don't feel that the boat held the Escape back in any way but, would have preferred that the trailers have surge brakes which neither has. But, the braking feels very adequate. I do agree that this rig is approaching the maximum rating of 3500 lbs for the factory towing package but I feel very safe trailering all over the state with it. The longest trip I've made was almost 600 miles from Guntersville, Alabama where I bought the Z7 Sport about 3 years ago back to Orlando. I put over 76000 miles on the 2014 Escape and never had a warranty issue except for a radio problem.

Kind of reminds me of the old Dalton Special.

+++1

Looks like that lure made the cover of the 2017 Cabela's Fishing catalog. Neat pic. Looks like the original Live Target version.

Does this mean you want me to re-post in another thread? I actually have lots of baitcasters (about 15) and my budget is up to $150. Just want to get suggestions on one rod for both uses.

I don't do a lot of flipping/pitching/frogging and I don't do a lot of inshore fishing for Reds, Snook, etc. But, I do enough of both so that I'd like to come up with a rod that will serve both purposes reasonably well. The reel will be a Garcia REVO Inshore baitcaster with 30 or 50 lb braid. Please give me some suggestions for strength/action etc. and best brands to consider. I'd like to stay in the $100 to $150 range for a new or slightly used pre-owned rod. Thanks.

Appreciate that feedback. I've sent some questions relating to things you mentioned as well as some others and asked one of the captains to respond so we can be as familiar with what to expect as possible. By the way, we are considering Big Dog Charters out of Lafitte. Have you heard of them? Thanks again.

While you're right that it's the worst month for heat and humidity, we're coming from Central Florida so, it's a piece of cake for us. Our captain also goes out at first light during the hot months and comes in about 1 PM before the hottest part of the day. By about 1:30 we'll be sitting on the porch having a brew and fishing for snapper.

Is it really that good in August?

I've been hearing about the fantastic red fishing in the lower delta of Louisiana. My best fishing buddy and I will be going up there the middle of August to check it out. I need suggestions of places to go and the best guides to use. We'll want guided trips for 3 to 4 days for reds and trout inshore only. My research so far indicates that the Venice area in the lower delta is a hot spot but, the guides there are also the most expensive. Please throw me some suggestions.

I've also got two of these mid 80s Berkley Lightning rods that I still fish with. I've got two Ryobi AD4000V reels on them and don't hesitate to fish top water or, crank deep with them.

Once I buy a rod that I like, I usually keep it as long as doesn't break or stops feeling good. Come to think of it, I still have fiberglass and graphite rods I bought back in the 80s and 90s. They are shorter than today's 7+ footers but are great for top water and cranking.

Here's another vote for 7" Fat Max Culprit. My favorite colors are crawdad and fire and ice. I also use the regular 7" Culprits.

Than why did you say "cocked and locked"? That's a common term for the readiness status of a 1911 style pistol.

Looks like you are properly protected. Just want to correct something you said in your post, though. That Colt 1911 in the holster is neither cocked nor locked. Is this the way you leave it in? Is there a round in the chamber?

True, but back then, there was no limit and not much concern about the preservation of the sport. We've learned a lot over the past 60 years or so.

I came across this amazing picture the other day while researching the history of the famous Dalton Special lure. It was taken in the early 50s and P. Dalton is the creator of the original Dalton Special. Even though it was posed with the fishermen in the background, it has to be at least 100+ pounds of bass! Notice the fish hanging by the lures attached to the hooks on the bar. The picture was used to help promote his Dalton Special. I still use mine on occasion for top water action.

I like the heat shrink tubing idea. That's what I'll do.

I don't mind doing that. Just wondered if it's a fairly common occurrence with all these ultra light casting reels?

Good thought. My modern reels are all Lew's and I tried a Tournament Pro G, a Tourney MB and a Tournament LIte. All wobble side to side and are almost OK front to back but, I can feel a bit of play. The only reels that will tighten down are my vintage Ryobis, Daiwa PL1000 and Original Lew Childre BB1N. And, I didn't buy this rod for any of them.

I just received my new AETOS casting rod and find that my Lew's Tournament MB reel won't tighten down completely when the top reel clamp is turned all the way down. The reel still wobbles a bit. Is it common to have to sleeve the reel seats with tape or something or, should I expect the rod to be able to clamp it down tight? I also have a Fenwick AETOS spinnig rod an no problem with that one. I really like these AETOS rods and they have a good price/reputation but, I don't know that I like it with the above situation. What do you think?

As the title says, how many of you use snap clips to tie on crank baits and if you do, what do you do with the split rings the lure comes with? See the poll and comments welcome.

Just ordered a casting rod. Holiday15 code still working.

I'll answer with two favorites. I still fish with several of my combos from back in the 1970s/80s and I also have lots of modern combos. So, my favorite vintage combo is my Ryobi AD4000V on a Berkley 5'6" Lightning Rod with a pistol grip handle. I have two just the same, one with 14 lb Trilene XL and the second with 30 lb. Power Pro. I use them for top water and crank baits. My favorite modern rig is a Lew's Tournament Pro G with 50 lb Sufix 832 braid on a Quantum Escalade HD 7 foot Medium Heavy rod with micro guides. This is my Texas worm combo. Believe it or not, considering the difference in technologies, both of these rigs weigh almost exactly the same - 11oz. (6oz reels and 5 oz rods). That surprised me.