Darren.

Fantastic, Mike! And a hearty congratulations! My wife and I are on 20 years, my folks are over 60 years together now. Always an encouragement to see such awesome numbers!

Specifically at DSG, I'd recommend the Daiwa Samurai combos for seniors, kids, and people who just don't fish much and want an inexpensive, but decent combo.

If a fish is, by my eye, long enough and fat enough, I'll measure and weigh. Just for my own tracking. Now that I'm getting a Boga Grip, I think I'll weigh more since it is rather accurate. Might even send it out for certification. Kayak fishing tourneys around here use bump boards - you have to measure your fish and take a photo.

I've bought "cheap" combos at DSG, and BPS. Don't have any of those combos anymore. This was years ago... I prefer to mix and match gear.

I use 10lb braid on spinning gear, 20lb on casting. I use leaders anywhere from 6-15 lbs on all. No problems. I've caught 6 pounders on 6 & 8lb test line on spinning gear. You learn how to play the fish. I've caught beasties in sticks, stumps, downed trees with all the above mentioned. If I'm really concerned about the sticks, I'll put on 15 pound test. It's all about what you feel comfy with, and we've all got opinions on that.

Rain for me! Stay safe all you I-95 peeps.

Hey Mikey, welcome aboard!

I was dock fishing one day and an officer came by checking licenses. Handed him mine and he said it had just expired. Let me off because I promised to renew it ASAP. I did so and have done so on time ever since. Was an honest error on my part. Where I fish not only do you need a license but also either a shoreline permit and/or a boat permit. So I'm always keeping up on those. Worth the effort because a fine is a LOT of money.

She's a beaut! Congrats!

Nice! I'm a righty for baitcasting. But I do practice the ambidextrous approach often, casting lefty and reeling righty as opposed to swapping hands. But that'll be something I mess with for sake of training my casting motion with my left.

Very cool vid. It feels familiar, like the other guys have said.

I had to cry myself to sleep last night with awful memories of the Pats beating the Bills.... One thing we learned from the Kahn is that "Revenge is a dish best served cold." Unfortunately, Brady has to retire before it can be served.

As a Bills fan... Need I say more?

Though I hate 'em, I respect the heck out of what the Pats can do. They are the team to beat at this stage of the season, IMO. I see Super Bowl written all over this team.

Freakish. Those gloves are pretty sticky, though Sammy Watkins has had some freakish catches in warm ups as well. Amazing receivers these guys.

Excellent catch! Next purchase - a scale!!

Thanks for the link. Fortunately I am not interested in anything there but the grill!!

There is 1 thing I'm interested in at BPS this year, and that's another Carbonlite rod. I plan on buying a M or MH casting rod. Other than that, Spring Classic is where the BPS deals will be mostly. DSG - haven't seen what they're offering yet.

Cool, indeed. Can't recall if I've ever caught such a bass. But good stuff, mate!

Light dusting in my area, if correct. But sub 900 millibars, good low pressure system. Should blow bait into fishes mouth.... Wind from the south. LOL.

As I read your reply, the Monty Python song began going thru my head... "Always look on the briiiiight side of life" LOL But really, good advice, A-Jay. Reminds me of trying to get huge bedding bass to bite. If they ain't in the mood, nothing short of dynamite will bring 'em up.

Sounds good based on your planned usage of each. I'm planning on picking up either an M or MH next week as well, but 6'6" probably the longest for me. Hoping they have some of the new white models in stock so I can compare.

Heck if I know. Based on looks and such, I'd maybe opt for a St. Croix Legend Elite or maybe a JDM rod.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!