SoFlaBassAddict

I'm sure he'll be back around. They just got done unveiling a bunch of stuff at ICAST. Could still be a bit busy getting finished up and out of Vegas from the show.

It's a nice little store. The problem with it though is that it's tucked inside of that strip mall. If you don't know it's there, you'll never see it. It's also far too close to BPS (5 minutes away). I hate seeing the little shops going under, but I can honestly understand the reasons why. I'll have to keep my eyes out for a clearance sale there.

Pick me up some of those rage tails. I'll get you some cash in the mail or something

So I decided to ditch my Carbonlites. I really liked the rods, but I was just finally done with looking at the rusted hook keepers. I know eventually they were going to rust down through the threads and probably crack the epoxy that was coating the threads. I really didn't want to deal with that in the future. Took both of them back to BPS earlier today to swap them out. Customer service gave me absolutely no problems whatsoever. I figured what the heck, let me upgrade a little bit while I was there. Most of my saltwater gear is Shimano, so needless to say I went ahead with a company I'm very comfortable with. Can't beat the warranty either. Picked up a pair of Crucials: CRCX76MH - 7'6" MH XFast Casting CRSDX72M - 7'2" M XFast Spinning (Drop Shot/Shaking) I realize the casting rod is considered a flipping rod, but I'll primarily be using it for t-rigs and jigs. We'll see how it works out, should be fine though. I need to play around with them some more once the rain goes away. Doesn't seem quite as sensitive as the Carbonlite for worming, that could be because I've only used it for a few minutes though. Need to acclimate to the rod. Overall though, I'm very happy with them so far. Very nice quality rods. I wanted to grab some Cumara's, but I just couldn't justify spending the extra cash them. Messed around with a Stradic C14 while I was there. That reel is definitely on my Christmas list. Man that thing is light.

Rofl. Never looked at it like that before.

I'll do similar things with them when I'm t-rigging it. I'll just burn them back across the surface on occasion. I've stuck a few nice fish doing it. Makes a decent amount of noise and commotion. "Rage craws...being versatile day in and day out."

Man, that Koppers Shiner looks sexy. I really need to get my hands on one of those.

I use the BPS branded ones. Looks exactly like those Eagle Claw stops. Cheap and work great. My only complaint is that I wish they came in all black. Not red, black, and yellow...

You know, seeing this thread is giving me the itch to build another Jon....Maybe I should start with doing a few small things to the one I've already got though....

Those sure are purdy lookin.... My wallet isn't happy at the thought of them.

Best for the money? Pro Qualifier. Are there better reels? Sure. For 100 bucks though, it's extremely hard to beat.

4/0 Gammy G-lock fits the standard craw beautifully. Weight is all dependent on the depth and wind.

If you've got a buddy with the same unit, you may try plugging yours into his boat, or vise versa. From what it sounds like though, you may need to ship it on in.

Hard to get better advice than whats already been posted. Every once in a while somebody will post a link here about a great closeout deal also. A while back somebody had a link to Bass Assassin on bulk closeout soft plastics at some ridiculous prices. Just need to keep your eyes out and share anything you find that looks good.

Your posts can be comprehended at least.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=pinnacle+fishing+rods

If it's matted, I like to punch through with an appropriate sized tungsten weight and a small plastic. Something like a BB Cricket or an Ugly Otter. Rage craws and baby rage craws are really effective as well. If I'm working the edges of a mat, I'll use a frog in the mornings on the sparser grass then switch over to something like a swim jig as the day progresses. As far as line and gear goes, I use 30lb to 40lb braid, other guys use heavier. If the fish are being finicky, I'll tie on a fluoro leader. When I'm punching, I'll use a decent flippin stick no leader. On the outside edges you can get away with almost any rod, as long as it's got some backbone to stop the fish from turning into the grass. Reels are personal preference. I've got a 6.4 and a 7.1 that I use around grass.

By the way, whats the fishing been like out there lately? Any specific patterns? What techniques and all are working, I need to check my gear out to make sure I'm decently equipped with colors and lures.

List is updated as of 4:30 pm today. Looks like out of the confirmed people that are going, I'm the only person that still needs a spot with somebody. Right now I've got a standing offer from Glades, but he's not sure if he's able to go at all, or what time he'll be able to make it. Best case scenario he's able to adjust his schedule and get in early, then South FLA and Piscicidal can ride on whichever boat they decide on. Worst case he can't come and then we'll have to figure out something else. I'm open to suggestions here if it comes down to that. I'm not sure what size boat either South FLA or Piscicidal have, but I'd be willing to ride as a third person if theres space. Just leave me enough room for a few rods and a bag and I'm good.

Can we have Glenn Rice back as well? Riley is looking like a genius right now. Just needs to pick up some bit players and Miami should be in good shape. Come on Riles...get it finished up!

Got them but havent really used them to much. How do you usually fish them? Topwater? Weighted deep? Thanks Can use them as a topwater. Work fairly well. The tail pops a good amount of water. Sometimes I'll peg the sinker and just swim them back to the boat. Other than that, a normal texas rig.

You and me both, South FLA.

Hydrate yourself before practice. Run in your free time. Do all the extra things you can for yourself if you really want to succeed.

Your rods have all these funny letters and numbers in them! It scares me that I actually recognize some of them.....

I think in that example, Raul, I'd probably use something like a Rage Lobster. Tungsten weight with the glass or brass bead. Or if I'm really sticking to worms, something like a Zoom Ultravibe speed worm would fit the bill.