WdyCrankbait

I'm open, but would think that bank fishing would permit us to roam around the lake/pond and talk with each other.

Let's starting throwing out places to meet and fish at. Echo Lake is a little small and populated by John Q Public so, I am open to elsewhere.

^ X2, exactly what I would have said. Lew's are a nice starter reel, try to find one with the ACB casting system if you can. I think it actually defies gravity. yes, it is that good.

I was thinking like Glen Allen area, Echo Lake. That is fairly close to 295 (Interstate) and they are some really good fish there! But, I am more then open to suggestions.

Well, since you said 8+ reels and not specific brand. I would say go with the slower ratio. I have a Revo Rocket and MAN that thing is fast! I only use it for flipping for T-rigs, I dont think a senko or something like that would get enough look being exposure at the bottom with a higher gear. In fact, my most successful T-rig reel was a Curado 50E with a 6.4 to 1 gear. I did not move the bait as much with each turn of the handle of course. Faster is sexier, but not always the most useful. Good luck!

yeah, you might want to demo a reel, or some through TW first to give you an opinon of what you like and dont like. I like Lew's reels, not in love with them, but for the $$ they are very solid. Meaning, if I was looking at Diawa, Shimano, Lew's, I would definitely go with Lew's (I usually refer to them as the "Toyota Camry, or Honda Accord" of reels, well the $200 and below ones). Look at the Tournament Pro G Lews, that would be my suggestion.

yeah, I did the same thing as well. I have an old 5500 C3 I use every once and awhile and then when I got my Rocket, yeah, noticed that as well. I am sure @Delaware Valley Tackle can explain it more.

@Sam What do you think?

Hey everyone, I wanted to see if there was any interest in meeting at a local lake to beat the banks for meeting the usual Central VA people that post on here and do some fishing? Opinions.....? Wdy

I popped a HUGE quarter lb bass Saturday on a wacky rig! Biggest, fatest, 1/4lb bass that measured less than 12" you every saw! hahah. My wife laughed a lot at me when I pulled him in, my ego took a hit.

Welcome to the Forums, and yes, like 68camaro said, I make the runs to fly fish the South as well. A lot of VA people in here so, you should get plenty of support in here.

Yes, the round Abus do that where our Rocket reels do not.

TyF, are you a Hokie? (Location, Blacksburg, VA) I did well this week, caught a couple nothing much. My wife and I are driving out to Powahtan or Amelia today after she finishes off her OT to fish. Stay tuned!

I'm a Powell rod guy for sure. Not familiar at all with the Diawa rods, but I would say either should be fine, put your reel on both rods and see which one balances better. Personally, if you're on a boat, flipping to trees, I would go with a shorter rod. I know that is against the normal grain, but I have the Powell Endurance 775, flipping stick and the length hurts I feel when pitching to docks and trees,

^ And we have a leader at the Clubhouse! SuperTroopers references ALWAYS go a long way with me! (Come on Meow!)

Yeah, ^ I'm stealing that! Post pictures if you guys catch 'em!

Yes, welcome Rick! Great job of passing fishing on to your kids and nephews. Theres a ton of great info & people here!

^ WOW!!!!

I'm getting that giddy feeling here in VA with the temps in the upper 70's this week, and lows in the high 50's the bass are going to start getting more active! I caught one yesterday at a local pond, first one of the year and best looking fish I ever saw, hahah! Who else is with me? I got my flipping stick, Revo Rocket out, and put 17# fluro on her today, looking purdy! Spring is right around the corner!

I just started using a Powell 3D max 734 for sqaurebills, it does pretty well, on board, a 6.4 to 1 Lew's. I popped a 2.5# yesterday on a Little John 50, spring craw color. Maybe another squarebill you should look at as well. Good luck!

@Sam

I popped one on a Little Johns 50 yesterday, spring craw color.

I finally popped one today! Ugh, stupid green fish!! about 2.5# on a Little Johns squarebill @ Echo Lake

This lure is exactly what I have been looking for. My little John's catches fish for me, but seems to get out of tune after a number of fish. I like the tradition "squarebill," shape, but with a flat characteristic added in. Thanks A-Jay!

I forsee being broke in my future.