Darren.

The Bass Pro near me had both the new and "old" 6'10" cork drop shot Crucial rods and I def preferred the cork feel. I was bummed when Shimano changed out to the EVA grips, but that said I've never fished the new stuff... So it is interesting your take. In fact both of my Compres need tip tops replaced, and I'm gonna pay a local guy to do them for me since I can't get them warranty-replaced with identical models. For one, Shimano doesn't make these lengths anymore...

x2. Love to see 'em hit the James or Chickahominy! I'd attend for sure.

I have no info on float-n-fly model, but I do have a 6' ML ... well, now it's around 5'10'. It is a good rod, not exceedingly sensitive, though. But it is sensitive enough to detect a lot of bites. I don't use it for bass fishing any longer, it's used primarily as a crappie, etc. rig with a sliding float. Still catches bass, though, as my boys can attest. For the price it's a good rod if you don't want to drop a lot of $$.

I need to correct myself. The models of Compre that BPS carries stops at M power. The "Bass" series goes down to M. http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/rods/Compre_Family/Compre_Bass_Spinning_Worm.html But the standard "spinning" drops down to ML. http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/rods/Compre_Family/Compre_Spinning.html Either way, I still say you're good-to-go with a M or ML.

I hands down prefer braid on spinning gear. Line management issues virtually disappear. And I tie a leader on about 99% of the time. Baitcasting is either or. I like both and use both.

Shimano compre, current model stops at M, but the warranty is tops. I finesse with previous gen compres in M/XF and love em for weightless plastics down to a Zoom Tiny Fluke, a #4 Gammy finesse wide gap hook... Works great. Buddy has a 6'6" St. Croix Premier in ML that he absolutely loves. You could go either way and be fine....

According to this report they're proving elusive. Only 21 so far, as of the article posting. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/fla-sponsors-python-hunt-everglades-article-1.1242665

Love my Lexa 100 in 7.1:1. Great reel. Picked up on eBay as well, for $10 more and free shipping.

X2, as well as occasional split shot rig.Although I should say I don't fish the 7" model.... I'm curious to try a bag some day, but the 4" and 5" are quite productive for me.

My order shipped this AM!! How to justify...how to justify....

A box turtle swimming across a reservoir...

Welcome!

Shin Fukae according to his FLW profile ... Believe he uses Shimano reels.

Very bad. Bad. I already bought a bunch pre-Christmas and now you FORCE me to buy more. Bad. What will my wife say? Update: I am $33 poorer this morning.

what about a store with an ebay storefront? that's the only place I could find available 600 yard spools of green hybrid. been super happy with my 10lb test spool. as retiredbosn said "Big Fish Sports" ... that's who I bought my spool from.

Welcome aboard, Matt!

Prayers sent up. For both of y'all.

Awesome fish!

I prefer watermelon goldflake for lizards (Zoom, specifically) When it comes to worms it can be a crap-shoot as to which is the catcher on a given day. Variants of these "standards" work well, too. Watermelon/GP Magic, gold flake, chartreuse tip, etc.

Would have loved to learn from Uncle Homer, rest his soul. Today, current pros, Edwin Evers, Shin Fukae. I like both of these guys for their techniques, Shin would be great teaching Japanese finesse techniques, Edwin, a lot of the other stuff. I think I'd be numb if it were KVD. He's so good, so fast, I don't know how much I could learn, in one day, LOL.

Welcome to the site!

Welcome aboard, Pete!

Welcome to the site!

With my Daiwa Lexa 100, I'll feather only if I need to. First baitcaster I've owned that I could dial in and cast w/o thumbing the spool. My Quantums have to be thumbed upon entry every time.

I went with XPS sunnies but the polycarb lenses were awful with staining from splashed water, etc. Had to return one pair to BPS but the second fared no better. So now I own a pair of Costas. Was scared to drop so much $ on them, but it has been best money I've ever spent on sunglasses. They're authentic, bought on ebay for way less than retail. I still like the XPS for the yellow lens but they don't hold a candle to the Costa quality. Plus, I went with glass this time, the 580g model. I'd suggest you try on a bunch before you buy.