NorcalBassin

That is incredible... awesome job. You giving discounted guided trips to BR members?

Thanks guys... the reassurance is quite comforting and I'll definitely try the number!

I respooled my 50e last night and felt something "weird" as I was tightening the reel back into place on my 893. I didn't think much of it at the time since it tightened down fine, but then I was shocked to see the cork above the reel seat with a giant crack through it. This is obviously not good and I sure as heck hope I don't have to waste my Wild Card on this. What do you guys think?

Also a fan of st 36

Very nice. So true that the more of those categories present in someone's life, the more miserable they're likely to be.

I use 6# Yozuri Hybrid (breaking strength well beyond that). I haven't had any problems, but I would be interested in checking out the Sunline mono next time I respool to see how it compares.

I do more horizontal than vertical drop shotting and have been very pleased with my NRX 822 SYR with 4 pound Tatsu (gin clear water around here... have to keep a pretty light drag).

Probably not going to beat the Okuma Guide Select at that price point. I love my Dobyns 795 but will readily admit it was quite a bit of money for a swimbait rod.

Senkos, tubes, grubs

Almost every time I go out in clear water... some of the biggest bass I've ever caught were on finesse jigs/lures.

765 glass is an awesome deep cranking rod... couldn't be happier

Gamakatsu fan here (nose hooking) but Owners are slowly growing on me and VMC's are knocking at the door for me to give them a try...

UPDATE: I put the reel back in its box and "forgot about" it for a few months figuring I'd just order the replacement part once I needed the reel again next year. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago and I was cleaning out my fishing cabinets in the garage and came across the reel, so I figured I'd quit being lazy and just call Abu since email got me nowhere (as previously mentioned). The guy on the phone was pretty straight forward and nice enough. He told me to just send the reel in with a brief letter detailing my story and the service department would take a look at it. I sent the reel in 10 days ago and was pleasantly surprised to already have a package from Pure Fishing waiting for me today. I opened it up thinking it was cool I never received a call requesting payment of some sort and that they replaced the stem without charge... and then I was shocked that they sent be a brand spankin new reel despite the one I sent in being out of warranty and in good shape overall. 10 days from CA to Iowa and back... that's incredible customer service. I'm definitely not getting rid of my Shimanos and Daiwas by any means, but Abu has definitely won me over with their customer service and will have me as a fan for years to come. I figured the least I could do was pass this story along to let you guys know they went above and beyond.

Chronarch 50e. Just wait three more weeks and TW will have them for 20% off.

OKC!

Definitely in again... this is always fun.

I love Spros in the clear waters I tend to fish with LC's being a close second.

Dude, that's a sweet birthday order right there. Nice job!

I have a number of items from both compainies that I'm happy with (plus Simms), but if I'm going for "higher end" gear that I absolutely need to perform I'll pay the extra for North Face.

Have to agree with the PQ. Definitely an amazing reel for that price (I've bought 3 for $64.99 during their reel trade in).

Rico - Fry pattern

x2 for Dirty Jigs

Unbelievable the mom's boyfriend did that to a 2 year old. Hopefully he never sees "the outside" again. Thoughts and prayers to the family. I can only imagine...

Another vote for palomar. I don't fish braid (at least yet) and that's about the only knot I tie (except for improved clinch on small dry flies).

Definitely agree with all the above. Good choice that should provide you with plenty of action.