ChiCityBasser

Cabelas and I believe BPS make a couple of models of 2 pc casting rods that work well. I have a couple of XML and XMLTI models that are 2 pc that I use on a regular basis.

Glad you found a rod you enjoy as well and I feel the same about my Cabelas rods. They have all performed well for me from the Mag Tough to the XMLTi rods that I own. They are not technique specific but are very sensitive and I prefer split grip rods and in that respect I can get or have rods that I'm comfortable with at a price point I feel good about as well.

I've never heard of anyone not fishing once they are at an event but once you sign up online you will receive notice that you are on a waiting list or either your confirmation that you are in the event. One note is that your boater has to sign up with you when you register as a co-angler or you will be on the waiting list til your boater is confirmed.

I have a one of the Chevy S-10 Blazers and during the summer I usually leave 2-3 combos in the truck with the rear seat down and the rods laying extended from the back to the front along the passenger side of the truck. I also have a rod rack that extends across the top of the vehicle that I'll put the rods into at times or when someone else is riding in the truck with me. I usually stop on the way home from work at a lake or two and it's very convenient. I also keep a small bag with 4 storage boxes as well and I'm only had an issue with some Z man products melting from the heat here in IL over the hot plus 100 days we had over the summer.

It's a draw but it's a priority draw and co-anglers the sign up with a boater get first priority and pretty much avoid the waiting list and get your confirmation on entry much sooner.

I fish the ABA and FLW here in IL and have to say both have been great for my first year. The FLW can be or will be a little more expensive or at least it was for me because you have to be at the meeting the day before the event which in most cases requires getting a room. You also have to try to find a boater to link with to guarantee your spot in each event and you can do that by posting on the FLW site. You strictly fish from the back of the boat in the FLW also. The purses are smaller on the co-angler side but the boaters have usually pre fished before the event so you will be fishing their spots for the event. Sure you can check the FLW site for the division you plan to fish to see what previous co-anglers winning weights were and gain info that way as well.

On the lower end of your price rage would be the Dick's Field & Stream Tec Spec 7'6" Telescopic Pitching and Flipping rod for $59.99. I have one and thinking of adding another and I know it doesn't have the price tag of some of the other offerings that will follow but the rod will handle weight from 1/4oz to 1oz without a problem. Very sensitive as well and has worked with jigs and even some frog duty.

I fished with one FLW touring pro during a BFL and we talked about the cost involved and basically he stated that just after the 1st of the year he has to come up with roughly a $24k deposit to fish the FLW tour and not to mention some of the other cost involved. That's alot of out of pocket expense in itself and he has some sponsors but as mentioned they are for discounts off merchandise or something of that nature. The FLW I believe also doesn't allow the same type of sponsor representation on the jerseys either but not exactly sure on this one. That would/could limit someone sponsored by say a major reel company or bait company from participating as far as the money goes as well.

Of the three you mentioned I only have experience with one as well and that's the Quantum Energy and it has worked flawless for me for the past couple of years with a good cleaning. It would be considered heavy by todays standards as well but again its a matter of your personal preference.

Done it this way with all my spinning reels and tried a right handed casting reel and didn't feel comfortable with it. I ended up selling that reel here on the board. I then began to purchase left handed casting reels as more of them are coming onto the market and glad I have gone that route.

I have one and only had it out a couple times this year as it is my deep cranking reel but it performed well.

The FLW site has past events on it as well.

I'm going to be fishing another year as a co-angler with the BFL's and hope to finish better or at least boat a couple of keepers this coming season.

The Cabelas Prodigy in both regular and micro guides is a great rod and right at $99 but can be had on sale for $70

I hope they air the whole weekend as well but a tough time at Shelbyville usually doesn't make it to TV. The grind it out type of tourney is really interesting to me as well and shows that even the guys at the top of the sport have those days they wish they could take back as well.

I've been keeping track and reading the "Live Blog" and following the leader board and they have caught more other species that keeper bass it seems.

The changing weather and temp drops with the cold front should make it very interesting for this weekends events.

Congrats on placing for the regionals and good luck there as well and sure someone will chime in with some tips.

I have the E761 PT which is the reel from the TT review and its a great all around reel. I believe the E750 is a little different but not by much it seems from reading both reviews. As some0ne else mentioned it is heavier than todays reels at 9.5oz for the E760 and 10.1oz for the E750 but it will get the job done.

Wow, got tendonitis in both my elbow and wrist on my casting arm and was told to take two weeks off as well and given a script to relieve the inflammation also. It does hurt like heck and took a week off and the wrist felt better and the elbow is ok except on some hook sets. Since its getting cooler in my neck of the woods I can rest the elbow and wrist over the winter as my doc also suggested physical therapy if the pain persisted.

That's what I'm looking forward to as well as I really like Shelbyville but it has fished very tough each time I have gone there for an event. Sure they will expose some things and that will give me a better experience next season on the lake.

Looking forward to seeing how the event on Lake Shelbyville turns out as I have fished a couple of events there and there was just a BFL there over the weekend and fishing was reported as "tough" by the winning boater.

Thanks and just printed the form so I can get the reel to you and also to have the drag upgraded.

Not to hijack the treat but DVT is that what I would be looking at to have my Quantum Accurist PT 501 cleaned and upgraded for example?

The Quantum Superlite 7'11" telescopic rod at 6.2 oz. and $88 including shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/QUANTUM-SUPERLITE-PT-QTC7117F-711-HEAVY-BAITCAST-ROD-/310410592915?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4845e9c293