Darren.

Interesting. I've read there really isn't much difference between the FK and FJ other than a few things, and that it wasn't necessarily worth the upgrade unless you prefer the new coloration. I just upgraded my FI reels to FJ (still have the FI models) and wow, what a huge difference the X-Ship makes. Love it! Won't be upgrading reels any time in the near future that I can foresee.

Curious as to what you like better in the FJ than FK?

I used a few different brands, and really liked the little Zebcos that I bought, but ended up buying a couple Abu 276UI reels that worked extremely well.

Started my 4 sons off with simple underspin reels. They worked great. But I added long poles (10-13') from Walmart along with simple slip floats and the boys had an absolute blast catching pannies one after another. They graduated on to spinning reels, and two like to mess with bait casters, but mostly use spinning gear. Helped using night crawlers and very simple techniques that were fun and virtually guaran- teed results.

Strap on your boots and move on.

I remember going out at night after the baseball and soccer fields, or golf courses were watered armed only with a flashlight and coffee can. Man there were some big crawlers there. Also in NY, we'd venture into a local graveyard that was always full of crawlers at night, and tons of garter snakes by day!

Wow! Keep up the awesome work!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Adam!

So sorry for your loss, Tom.

Stradic x2 For me, I put my hands on a lot of different spinning reels at Bass Pro, etc. I went in to a BPS fully expecting to buy a Pflueger (based on research online, no hands- on), and walked out with my first Stradic. The Pfluegers are no doubt, excellent reels, they just didn't "feel right" in my hands. In fact, no reel felt as good as the Stradic. i've got 4 Stradics now. Love 'em.

LOL. Niiiiiice P-shop! Beautiful fish, if real.

Welcome aboard!

I was about done for the evening, sun was going down. Threw out a small rattle trap, red/craw colors, let it flutter down to the bottom. I lifted it a tad, thought I caught a log. Then the log started moving...and moving...and moving. Took me about 75-80 yards before I ever saw what was on my line... Most fun freshwater catch of my life, I'd say. Right next to my PB.

14# Striper, freshwater.

Welcome aboard!

Matching BPS's full retail pricing. Will have to check our local DSG to see if the bad news is true.

I'm inclined to agree. Two $90 rods for under $10?

Welcome aboard, Snake! DSG has a lot of great sales, depending on which store you go to...

Glass, amber lenses.

Use whatever size rod is comfortable to you. As a kayak fisherman, I don't like rods longer than 6'6". I prefer rods in the 5'9" to 6'3" range as they work better for me and my style. I do a lot of close- up casting in areas with overhangs, etc., that I feel a longer rod would be unruly for. It is a personal thing as I know plenty here swear by rods 6'10" and longer. As well, I usually lay my rods down in front of me, but will sometimes stick them in a crate (with DIY PVC rod holders) behind me.

LOL. We love to eat the meat, but cannot handle where it comes from!

I'm not there yet, but when I'm ready to add some protection, I'll be looking at KeelEazy.com's products. Have read good things on other forums from yakkers who've used it them.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!