CWB

Actually sliced my thumb open on a 30 lb carp that hit a power worm on 10 lb line. Like a dummy I put my thumb on the reel to try and slow him down and the next thing I know I'm dripping blood from my thumb. Too excited to feel any pain I guess. Got the beast in though.

Not on spinning reels. First thing I do is check and set the drag on all my outfits before leaving the dock. I've hit freespool on my crankin rod when I see a big pike or musky with my expensive crankbait in his mouth and let him run around a bit before bringing him in. Keep your thumb on the spool though.

I use double bladed buzzbaits like the Persuader most of the time and this is not an issue.

To get a good squeak, make sure the rivet is flat and 90 degrees to the shaft and the tab at the back of the blade is perfectly flush with the rivet. This will give you the most squeal and not risk losing one out the window. The tab must make full contact with the rivet. Hanging it on your antenna may work but will wear it out pretty quick.

Quantum Smoke 150 7.1:1.

Lews BB1 Pro.

X3

Not sure reeling up a weight (which I do not do) or a swivel (which I do not use) would have the same shock or impact that dropping a rod 4 feet onto a hard floor would but I could be wrong. Abu went above and beyond. The tip was replaced and the rod was given to my son as I have too many already.

If you buy the combo off the rack with the reel mounted to the rod, it is usually a totally different reel only sold as a combo. If you buy the combo's listed in the catalog or sale paper and they list the reel model and rod choice, you will be getting the reel you want, along with the rod you want.

P.Q. I do have a extreme that is probably pushing 10 years old that my son now uses and it still works flawlessly. Almost have to try to backlash it. My brother just bought a new extreme and .i didn't like it. Felt kind of cheaply made.

Veritas 7'0" Med. Winch. Landed bass over 6 and a few surprise pike and musky up to 15-18. Paired with my BB1 Pro and 10 lb. Hybrid, its like launching a missile when you cast.

Gotta go with the BPS Pro Qualifier, which you can get on sale for $79.99. Have had one for 6 years with no issues and just got one for my son and he loves it. I hate to say it but I usually go to BPS to actually pick up and feel the reels (and rods) and actually put them on a rod and usually buy elsewhere due to price but this is one I have bought and like. They used to have competitive pricing on brands other than their own but now it seems you have to wait for a sale.

Got a lightly used Smoke 150 for $100.00 off another forum which is now my frog reel casts a mile, even into the wind. Been using a Curado 200E7 for flipping for years and don't see a need to change. Kind of 2 different animals though. Casting a frog vs. flipping. Not sure I would choose same reel for both.

Bought a Veritas Gen 1 on clearance and when checking out the cashier dropped it and chipped the tip guide. It was the last 7'0 med they had and on clearance so I took a chance and contacted Abu. They said to email pix and a few days later a brand new 2.0 was sitting on my porch. One of the best rods I've used at any price and action is more like medium vs Gen 1's. They retail for around $100.00 but watch ebay as the Gen 1's were available for $79.99 so I'm gonna assume these will be soon also. Absolutely love it.

Works for me. Although I've never found a need to condition a lure.

In response to the title question, Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson.

Ron is right. Got a BB1 Pro from him for less than I've ever seen it anywhere else and he even shipped it Free!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Same here. When I feel the grass, I stop it, it backs up and I start again. Sometimes this works and then sometimes ripping it free works. Either way, if you are around grass, you're probably around fish.

Log in to their website and create an account. They will send you emails of upcoming sales. Usually short notice though so be ready to pull the trigger.

Not as old as you Tom but been at it around 40 years. I don't think worms are a problem with either style hook but pretty sure with a straight shank they will act as a cam as described also. I think the straight shank hooks shine with thicker body baits like Beavers etc. The only baits I use straight shank hooks on are the baits I use for flipping and I snell them on. Everything else gets an EWG. Rigs easier, keeps bait from sliding down shank, and as I've said, I have no problems at all with hooksets. Shakey Heads are a good example of straight shank hooks. A bit harder to rig worm straight and after several casts, the point will not stay skin hooked and pokes through the worm making it pick up more debris. But as always, everyone will have their own preference so by all means use what you feel works best for you. Maybe a study will be done on % strike to hook set, which might shed some light on this. Right now just opinion, but a valued one. Tough to argue with that monster in Toms picture. Must be doing something right.

Veritas are all I use. Almost. Got a gen one 7.0 med. at Dick's for $69.99 on clearance plus 30% off of that. During checkout, the cashier dropped it and the tip guide chipped. He offered to refund my money but I really wanted this rod, especially at that price. I emailed Abu and they said to take a picture of the rod, and mail a copy of the receipt. To my surprise, They shipped me a version 2.0 medium, which is much more like a medium. I absolutely love it and you cannot beat that kind of customer service. I think they have a 3 year warranty. In the several years I've owned them, never had one break.

I rig them straight up like a real Bluegill on a Damiki D-Hold 3/0 1/8 oz. hook. These things are killer. Dip the tail in JJ's chartreuse and you can't miss. I like Honey Candy color.

I like Shimee Sticks also. Tiki Sticks Super Soft Pro are every bit as good as Senkos IMO. Google the youtube video. Havoc Flat Dawgs probably have the best wiggle on the fall but are one fish, or even one hookset baits. Tried them for the first time last weekend and caught five bass on five casts around a dock but had to put on a new bait each cast. Choices, choices. BPS Sticko's aren't bad but I only buy them when they are on sale and from the store so I can actually take out a bait and feel the softness and consistency as some of these feel like bubble gum cigars and some are super soft. Seems to vary color to color. The softer ones work just fine and are a good value.

Baby Bass Caffeine Shad.

I use EWG hooks for Worms, Senko's etc with no problems at all. It is not really a true statement that EWG hooks have the hook point in line with the hook eye. There are a couple that do but most hook points are parallel to the hook eye but slightly above it to allow for better hooksets. You can even bend the point up a smidge if you please. Never found the need. I've been using Ikes VMC EWG hooks lately and cant remember the last swing and miss I've had. The point is on a very slight angle to the shank which seems to help. But again, as others have said, use what you feel confident with. Make sure your hook is sharp. I'm sure either style will work for you.