ChiCityBasser

Guess that puts an end to the Vicious ads and promos

I like the Bass Pros as well and the Linder shows but WFN has a couple I like as well Facts of Fishing, Extreme Angler and JP Derosa "Getting School'd" are all pretty good and informative as well. I agree that Roland Martin and Shaw Grigsby shows are Infomercials as well. I also like Lost Lake which is very informative and has featured many pros from both BASS and FLW.

Water turned hard here and even though the temps have been higher than normal most of the lakes and small ponds and things are still frozen over.

The new Shimano Sellus is in that price rage of $49-59

Welcome to the site, Calumet City area

The casting reel was grinding and actually needed a good cleaning and both the spinning models were fine. After replacing the bent handle on the one it was good as new. Haven't had the problem of the anti reverse not working.

I purchased my Energy PT casting used off ebay for $35 and it needed $25 worth of repair from quantum. I purchased my Catalyst PTi-b spinning reel off ebay for $60 because it was a display model but the store went out of business and the owner couldn't sell it as new but it was in brand new condition. I purchased a Catalyst Pti-a for $25 because the handle was bent and paid $12 (I believe) for a new handle and other than that the reel was brand new. I've purchased most of my reels off ebay or caught them on sale at cabelas and have saved on all of them with the exception of one which i purchased new.

If you have a Cabelas near you I would check out the sale on the XMLTi casting rod model for $119 in the MH model. I picked up a 6'9" M/F spinning model and also a 7' M/F casting model during the sale. I've used the 6'9" model for senkos, Fat ika and plastics work and the rod is very very sensitive and has plenty of backbone as well. Great rod at $199 but a better bargain at $119. Online they don't have many models listed but in-store they still have a pretty good selection.

As someone stated they are both great reels and at that price they are even better buys. I'd go with the Quantum personally as I have both a number of the casting and spinning models purchased new and used and have never had a problem with them at all. Despite the abuse of a lack of cleaning at tmes they still perform flawlessly and do everything I ask of them without an issue.

I was in Cabelas yesterday and handled the rod but that was about it. I do have a Tec Spec 7' MH rig n jig spinning and it is very very sensitive as I used it for weightless worms this season.

I usually buy a couple of the new lures out during the classic but I have 3 big tackle bags full of tackle so I'll just reload my main bag and boxes from those bags. I tend to get stuff as I run in and out of cabelas so no need to really make too large a purchase to restock my bags.

Great looking rig and sure you will really enjoy your time on the water with her

Yes that is true but if you link with a boater when you sign up it guarantees you a spot or at least first priority on the boater draw.for a spot to fish.

I haven't used any of the reels you asked about either but I can recommend the Prodigy which I do have. I also have a Daiwa Exceler, a Quantum Accurist PT 501, a Quantum Kinetic PT, a Quantum Accurist PT, a Quantum Energy PT and a Quantum Energy PTXM all off ebay for less than $100. I picked the Prodigy up from Cabelas on sale for $60 as well. The Shimano Caenan looks like a pretty good reel and haven't fished or even handled it but saw it put through its paces on an episode of WFN's Getting School'd. The reel is $90 at BPS but I would check ebay as well.

Yeah the episode did become boring as all 10 pros fishing the final day were using the A-rig. I would rather see the different techniques of each angler and how they break down the water and come up with a pattern as that teaches me more than 10 pros lobing the A rig.

I agree with the ban and despite all our debate and reasons for or against the ban it is now or will soon be in place but this has been a healthy conversation of opinions. Sure other leagues like FLW will be looking into the use of the rig even though they have not banned its use at this time.

The Cabelas Prodigy is a good rod as well and they have it with both the regular and micro guides for right at $100

"Rules Committee members believe the rig eliminates some of the skill that should be required in tournament competition at the highest level. “It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.” "A Rules Committee member added, “I don’t have a problem with the use of umbrella rigs or multi-lure rigs to catch bass. If you are out fun fishing, there may be nothing more fun to use. However, our events represent the highest level of professionalism in our sport and I think as participants of these events, we should be held to a higher standard, as well. I like the idea of one rod, one reel, one lure.” Quoted from the article regarding B.A.S.S. banning the A rig

"Cabela's Prodigy is a $100 reel. It is made by Daiwa. I got the previous model for $60. I feel it is another excellent choice. They go on sale occasionally. When funds allow, get it cleaned, Carbontex drag and upgrade the bearings. You will have a reel that feels like a $180 reel. Smooth and solid." I have a couple of the previous models as well that I purchased at the $60 price and they are great reels.

My lean would be towards the EXO but have to put that on hold for a minute. ;)

Congrats on the First of the year bass and looks good to me since my first of the year won't take place til sometime in April.

I like VanDam, Grigsby, Swindle, Evers and Brauer and no they don't have the series in michigan

I like the MGX but I'm a Quantum guy so I would go with the EXO and I did read the posted review as well but would still lean with the EXO. Just my preference as I haven't had problem with my previous Quantum products.

Found this one one ebay : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Okuma-Reflexions-70-1PC-Med-Lt-Spin-Rod-Rx-S-701ML-/170618743788?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b9ab6bec I really don't know anything about the rod but for the price I thought it looked interesting. Does Dick's have a Tec Spec that might work?

Looking for a flipping and pitching rod and I see this one quite often on ebay for roughly $95. It's a 7'1" rod rated for 1/4 - 1.5 oz and Hvy power. Looking for any feedback from anyone using the rod. Thanks