Darren.

I'm with you. I paid attention to them pretty regularly for a few years only to come away disappointed that the bass weren't reading the charts on the web like I was, LOL. I know @WRB had his chart. Maybe he can give some more insight.

A dink is not a skunk, therefore it was a good day!

I get it, I really do. I wasn't trying to paint a pic that put all baitcaster users in a "trying to be cool" frame. It might've come across that way... I put lots of time trying to go baitcaster-only, and it still has a certain "hook" in me which is why I still use one. Yeah, down to one simply cuz I felt I got more enjoyment (being able to do more stuff that I like to do) with spinning gear.... My boys do show that "I want to do it cuz it's cool" factor. And their friends do, too. i hear them talk the "dude, you use a spinning reel?" stuff too often. I just chuckle when I hear it.

Sad about your g'pa. I agree with @deaknh03 to spend quality time with him with whatever time he has left. And I like the engraving idea.

Yes, I KNOW, and I'm NOT LISTENING!!! <fingers in ears> LA LA LA LA LA!! Edit: I should actually put in here that I did upgrade two 50e reels with the Core 7.1:1 gearing... Bait Monkey bit me back then. No more.

I sometimes do the same for my mojo rigs.

Very nice. Glad the BaitMonkey stopped bothering me about baitcasters. Phew. Like the added 8.1:1 ratio. Wish my 50e had that... speeeeeed is good.

Heh, there's something to be said for that, James. There's a coolness-factor to baitcasting which makes one look more "pro" and all that. Some of my sons are in that phase now and despite my explaining the afore mentioned cool factor is just that and using a BC does not make them a better angler Again, I'm not against using them, just being realistic.

I believe so, but in years past certain brands (Shimano comes to mind) did not participate in the event. Might have been sales only, and not trade-ins, come to think of it.

Harambe!! Another good one, Hootie. Keep em comin'!

Boy did I practice with my Chronarch 50e reels and a ML Carbonlite rod, loaded with a 5" Senko (and other baits). Was able to skip it pretty well and 9 out of 10 times w/o backlash. My 50e was upgraded with Hawgtech bearings and a 7.1:1 gearset. She can sing beautiful music for many a technique. Anyhoo, after months of practicing on my waters I came to the conclusion that for all the awesomeness of the reel, I preferred the simplicity, (less thinking about it, less worry of conditions, bait weight, rod load and all that to make sure everything would work properly) -- that I decided my spinning setups were more fun and simpler to get what I wanted where I wanted it.

Pfft. Why let details get in the way.

Posted on this the other day in another thread with a link to the Motley Fool article on the topic. Will be good if it falls thru IMO so long as Cabela's can stay in business... Here ya go, for reference (same article)

Don't know squiddly as far as fishing one, but they are some nice looking rods. I haven't bought Shimano rods since they dropped the lifetime warranty...but moreso, the rods I like were no longer offered in lengths like 5'9", 6'3", etc. Now the Crucial spinning rods (older cork) I've handled them, the drop shot models, specifically, and they are sweet.

I can't speak for Florida, but I live in the Tidewater area of Virginia, surrounded by salt and brackish water. My boys fish salt more often than I do, and all our gear gets rinsed in freshwater after their outings. So far, no issues. So when I look for gear, I look for fresh/salt capable, which is one of the reasons I use Shimano. One of my boys uses Daiwa Lexa spinning and Lexa casting reels in both fresh/salt all the time (has a friend who lives on the water). Those are holding up great, too. I'd think your gear is fully capable for salt.

Well, 3 beats a skunk any day of the week! Except for your son ... hope he has better luck on the next trip.

Well...workout, not really. More that I show the boys how to punch properly. I really really should use it to work out. Need to drop pounds.

All good points and true to Gander Mtns I've visited. My sons much rather BPS and Cabelas for the aquarium.

While I don't punch much other than our punching bag at home, I do use bobber stops for various techniques. Normally get the ones you slip your line into and thread the rubber stop on.

Welcome aboard, Kevin! Sounds like you're well on your way to setting up a fine fishing machine. As for trolling motor, you may enjoy a bow mount (front) especially if you get one with foot control. Would keep your hands relatively free to fish and guide the boat with full view of the territory in front of you. As for rudders, you may be able to buy one for a kayak and DIY mount it. But I'm not aware of any specifically for Bass Raiders.

Fair enough. As to the OP question, yeah, I know. I did provide a specific answer to that, too, the other was in response to @fishnkamp Since I have no idea of the "Daiwa claims that it is related to", with respect to T-Wing, your Daiwa question, to me, came out of nowhere and left me scratching my head. All good. Carry on and catch big bass. Leader or not!

Welcome aboard, David! Kudos on the Zebco!

What does the OP question have to do with a Daiwa T-Wing? Never used a Daiwa reel with that feature, and I specifically mentioned my spinning rod and MY experience. Bull for no measurable gain to you? But no bull in my comments. I was relating my experience and I stand by it. I also qualified the braid and leader sizes I'm using. All small diameter.

Welcome aboard! Unfortunately I am stuck with a plain and simple Garmin unit. I don't even use it much. But I've eyed those HDI and side imaging units with envy. I suppose if I had the opportunity I'd pick the Lowrance since I prefer a larger screen though the side imaging is a nice feature in the Humminbird.

Wow! Great view, awesome spot! If I had the wherewithal, I'd certainly put in a dock, launch. And assuming it is permissible. And welcome aboard!