K_Mac

Another vote for the Pflueger President. They are solid reels for the money.

I fished for years from a 14' V Polar Craft. I used it on some of the biggest lakes in the region, including Lake of the Ozarks and Bull Shoals. As others have said, it really depends on you. If you're careful and pay attention you will be fine. Since it is your first boat, there will be a learning curve. The trouble starts when you push the limits. This can happen very quickly. I was lucky a couple of times in situations that I should not have been in. Heavy boat traffic can be as dangerous as a thunderstorm to a small boat. Good luck. BTW I have fished Smith Mountain Lake a couple of times. It is one of my favorites.

Sorry to here it. We lost our dog a few months ago. I still look for him when I come in the door. I have been through it a few times over the years. Last one for me.

Anything but braid should definitely be re-spooled. Fresh line will behave much better, and you will not take the chance that is has been damaged by sun or temp. I am assuming the line is something other than braid. Braid is a different animal. I don't have enough experience with it to comment.

That's your opinion of course. I don't think its shallow at all. I wouldn't by a car if I didn't like the color. I wouldn't paint my house a color I didn't like. Reels aren't any different, if I don't like the color I ain't buying it. Therefor I will not be buying an XT. When it comes to cars or houses color may be important. I look at reels as tools to help me catch fish. How they perform is important; color is no more important to me than the color of my drill motor or power saw. Just my opinion.

A trailer. So many lakes: So little time. 8-)

Nice post Capn. Welcome aboard. I haven't read the book, but will do so. Thanks.

I think anyone interested in getting their wife into fishing should read A-Jay and his wife Lynn's post a couple of times. His patience in getting her involved, inviting her input, and preparing her to be successful is a fine example for all of us IMHO. A-Jay you are the man. My wife and I have fished together regularly for years. She is a better fishing partner than most of the guys I fish with. If bottom-bouncing plastics are the order of the day, I better bring my A-game or she will out-fish me. She often does. Fishing is a chance for us to spend time together doing something we both love. It has helped us to grow together as a couple. I understand the need to have alone time, and time with the guys. Fishing allows me to do that. It also allows me to spend time with my wife away from the challenges and distractions of daily life. It's all good. 8-)

Depends... I think we have a winner!

I will pray for you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss.

Over all I enjoyed the race. The 2+ hours of delay were unfortunate. Maybe there was no way of predicting/avoiding it, I don't know. It made for a very long race. I'm not sure allowing three attempts to finish without doing it under caution is a good idea. Maybe after three attempts you put the names of all the drivers on the lead lap in a hat, and draw for finishing position?

Back in a former life I was in one. I learned a couple of very valuable lessons. 1. Bouncers don't care who started it. 2. Bouncers have no sense of humor. This can manifest itself in a number of ways. You will not like any of them.

The big red cone would make for an exciting finish. I was liking the race until the track fell apart. Maybe they should just make it an endurance match. The last car able to cross the line wins. :

RW you could run over to Bass Pro and check out the 2010 line-up of reels. I really like the Pro Qualifier baitcaster. ;D

I'm a casual fan, but the changes in the new cars and rules allow for more exciting racing IMO. Many of you follow the sport more closely than I do. What do you think? FWIW I hope Mark Martin wins today. We old guys have to stick together. ;D

Based on your feelings for Jimmy Johnson this might work. We minimalists believe that less is better... Good luck. Let us know what you decide. No pictures please.

I am with cart7t on this one. 8-) Unless there is money on the line, muddy 40 degree water is just not worth the effort. When I was younger I would go regardless of conditions. Now I'm a little more choosy...

I really like the Norton 360. It has some nice features and is much more user friendly than it used to be. It does use more resources than some, but it is not a problem for any newer computer.

Congratulations. May God bless you both.

Being over confident or trying to get just little more distance has caused many a backlash. I don't know what your other reels are, but the mg50 casts like a dream. Most reels will take a little more energy to cast and that is where your trouble starts I think. Don't be afraid to set an extra brake or two on those other reels until you get comfortable with them. Having the tension control set properly is another key. As everyone else has said an educated thumb final part of the equation and it just takes practice. Good luck. One other thing: : Line is a major factor as well. Stiffer lines require more attention than limp ones.

+1 I fished for many years using cheap rain gear. I didn't know what I was missing. Good rain gear is an absolute must in my humble opinion. Buy it large enough to wear a couple of layers underneath and you will use it all four seasons. I'm not saying you don't need a musky set-up, I would just buy rain gear first. Cabelas sells a variety of good rain gear, including Guide Wear which will probaby last you forever. I've had mine for years. 8-)

My wife has about as much patience with throwing a crankbait as do. She likes to work a soft plastic or jig though, and will fish it all day. Since that is my style as well it works out fine. Making sure she has everything she needs is important and mostly my job. She does enjoy going to Bass Pro about as much as I do. You know the more I think about it the more I think I'll keep her. ;D After 33 years it is a wonder she's kept me, but that is another thread. :

dick that is a great explanation of the science. It is exactly what J Franco was saying. I was too loud to hear it. Thanks for the link. J Franco I've always said that I would rather hit the wrong note full voiced occasionally than not add anything to the chorus. It is an uncomfortable way of learning, but very effective. Thanks for the lesson. 8-)

It seems I am wrong. I hate when that happens. :-[ Thanks guys.

Since the Pro Qualifier has been mentioned, I also think it is a great rod for the money.