Revo_Carrot Stix

They look cool, but there are days during the summer when I can't even pick up my Revo SX.

Those are awesome!!! So how much more effective is a 7.9:1 gear ratio for Japan's finesse-driven-over-pressured waters? Burners used to be 6.4:1. Ha!!

I feel your pain. As mental as we make this sport, get rid of them for something you love. Not worth the pain and agony. I'm sure there are plenty of diehard BPS Extreme guys out there who'd buy 'em.

Unfortunately, I've only caught bass on Shadilicious and Berkley hollow-bellies; however, I have Spro BBZ's and Tru-Tungsten hard bodied baits with no takers. I should make myself throw them every outing in 2011 so I can catch something or lose them. Either way, I will not buy anymore soft or hard bodied swim baits.

In no particular order... Kurt Russell - "Jack Burton" Big Trouble in Little China Michael Madsen - "Mr. Blonde" Reservoir Dogs John Travolta - "Vincent Vega" Pulp Fiction Christopher Walken - "Frank White" King of New York

Welcome from Kansas City.

When all else fails...[getting ready to duck], SENKO.

Welcome from Olathe, KS!

Any of the Revos on sale at http://www.americanbassoutlet.com/ based on your limit. I use SX, STX, and Premiers. You cannot beat >20# drag on these reels. If you're just starting out, I'd go with the 6.4:1 SX.

Revo STX or SX paired with $99 7 MH Carrot Stix Wild.

I like to try and swim jigs in water willows or thick-stalked shallow cover where spinnerbaits normally get hung up. A lot of the time, my "swim" jigs get hit on entry and not while I'm swimming it...so I guess I was pitching it? LOL! And I'll throw them 6'6" MHF with 17#mono.

Single hook techniques - buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, 3/8+ oz soft plastics.

If you're throwing 1/2+ oz frogs, it will preform well for you. I use my 7'6" for flippin.

I own 4 with no problems over the past 3 years. It looks like you found a 2009 clearanced LTX that sold for $149.99, so yeah you got a good deal.

X2. Got them off clearance last year. Tried a few times and threw them in the trash. Too flat and thin for my tastes.

Mono - Viscious or BPS Excel Fluoro - BPS XPS Braid - Suffix Elite

That is awesome...and the original poster hasn't been on in two years.

I had great luck pre-spawn last year with my SK Zeros.

...speaking of Cabela's excellent customer service... A buddy of mine was there last weekend to purchase another spinning rod/reel. To my surprise, the counter guys told him that if he buys a reel, he can get a Cabela's-branded rod 1/2 off. Had anyone heard this before? I know they advertise TONS of combo prices but I think that's pretty cool they allow the customer to make the choice. Especially for anglers like my buddy who probably has 50+ combos already.

Revos...SX, STX, and Premier.

BB86 I haven't, but some friends of mine did that last year in early summer and had a blast. They were using light spinning tackle and hammered the smallies. I'll check with him to find out more details...not sure about Feb tho brrrrrrrrrr!

You're going to get 10 different answers from 10 different members. I would go with 7'6"H Carrot Stix Wild for $99. I have been very pleased with the performance of the pro-models with no problems. I just bought 7'MH Wild, but have not fished it since there is 18" snow on the ground. Quality components at this price range. If you're looking for sensitivity, look somewhere else.

what great new features are on the new xps stalker? I hate the new color scheme, I wish that I bought one when they were still gray. I have the khaki version from the year before the gray. The rain cover is built in (mine is separate), water bottle holder (mine doesn't have one), and ext tool storage (again, mine doesn't have this). The blue isn't that bad. If you don't like the color, just wait a year...BPS will change it.

I probably use spinning tackle 20% of the time and I didn't want to break the bank either. I went with BPS Carbonlite with Johnny Morris Elite spinning reel. I am very happy with this combo. I'm guessing these rods will go on sale in the next month or so. I'd go with 6'8" MXF. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-CarbonLite-Spinning-Rods/product/10205013/-1751644

I've had BPS XPS Stalker for 2 years. It has served me well. The 2011 model has evolved with some great features. Mine is loaded up and it is very comfortable with both shoulder straps. I can't imagine carrying anything else to be honest. http://www.basspro.com/XPS-Stalker-Tackle-Bag/product/10221672/-1763635