Darren.

Farmville area got pounded tonight. Many trees down. (Son in college out that way) We're seeing heavy rains and moderate winds between Williamsburg and Newport News. Tornado warning expired at 9pm, so that's good. Seems to be winding down somewhat, though won't take eyes off the phone for a few more hours.

Welcome aboard!

^^^ This

I was riveted to the live feed of The Weather Channel as Michael made landfall. Although some of the storm chaser feeds were far more telling than TWC's. The videos of the Apalachicola river rising over the hours was fascinating. The damage/destruction is devastating and my heart goes out to all those who, for what ever reason, stayed behind. Mexico Beach is a disaster area. I hope we hear good news as to the lives of those who stayed behind there. I cannot imagine the horror of those who endured. As for my area of Virginia, yes, we expect far more from Michael than we ever did from Florence. Hopefully those already suffering down in NC will be spared more flood waters, though that's unknown because lots of rain will be dumped.

Your last two sentences say it all. Lost everything but his life. Glad he's alive to tell the story.

Yeah. I noticed that...will have to bring extra heart meds with me, LOL.

Now that looks seriously good ... I'm hungry now.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Steve!

Well done to the lads!

My brother sent me this earlier today. Absolutely crazy. My guess is someone let it loose. Hard to imagine one surviving years of Lake Michigan winters...though if there are warm water discharges, def possible.

A simple trick puts the speed in Speed Clips. You can do it, John! Tell you what, next time I'm in The Rochester area I'll look you up. We can gorge on some of those awesome hot dogs at your family restaurant, and I can show you how fast the clips can work .

Welcome aboard, Darrell! My favorite are Norman Speed clips...but they're an acquired taste, just ask @J Francho ... anyhow, there's a trick to them that makes them super easy to get on and off. However, for sake of peace on the forum, go with a good duo lock. I also use these and have no problems with 'em.

Welcome aboard, Brandon!

Interesting first post. Welcome aboard!

They come right up the Chesapeake Bay and into the rivers like York, all in the small creek areas. Lighted docks at night are a sure bet, and the Amoco pier is home to striper year around.

Haven't in over 20 years! Since I fish from a yak, and a hybrid at that (no scuppers), I stay in smaller waters, or close to shore along the York River. Stripers are biting here, one of my sons caught his PB last night. Can't wait to get out and do some fishing soon.

Welcome aboard!

Good setup, nice fish I use 5'9" and 6' rods for Ned, both M/F and MLF with 1000 size Stradics.

I can safely say my CI4+ 1000 is my favorite among all my Stradic models (FI, FJ, FK). So IMHO, yes, it's a worth the extra cabbage.

Welcome aboard!

People chum for catfish, too. No big deal, IMO. Some use scent to attract...which is part of the chumming experience, creating a multi level attraction for the bass.

Welcome aboard!

Shane, if you've read any of my posts on spinning reels, you know I rock 1000 Stradics from FI to FJ to FK and CI4+. All of them are more than enough for freshwater bass, and have even proven quite adequate for striper fishing here in VA. So to your question of 2500 and 3000, take your pick. You'll be plenty happy with either, the only diff being, as mentioned, line capacity. They are still plenty small (for my tastes) but super solid (as based on my experience with the 1000). I know there are huge striper and reds (among other species) here in my area and I realize 1000 line capacity *could* be an issue, but so far I have not hooked in to any "large" species. My sons have landed rays on 2500s and been fine. The added line capacity is simply a peace of mind cushion for those just-in-case scenarios. Fresh-only, I have never had one ounce of worry with 1000 size, and have caught dozens of bass over 6 pounds in all kinds of muck, bridge pylons, docks, downed trees, etc. FWIW.

Welcome aboard, John!