K_Mac

Most of the line on those combos is as cheap as it gets. If you have some good, soft 8# (Trilene XL or something like it) that would make it much nicer to use.

Yep, he's got skills. Must have quite a bit of time too!

Well said Speed! Dumb is something that seems to have no limits. Just when you think you've seen it all, some knot-head proves you wrong.

My fishing partner has a Rocket on a Loomis NRX803, and it is the sweetest pitching combo I have ever used. I would have a couple if my budget allowed!The revo casts great, with good control of the spool provided by the braking system. Sounds like yours just needs a little TLC. Good luck.

As a long time Blues fan, I have not entered this discussion because of my sensitivity to accusations and questioning of my masculinity from my friends in the Chicagoland area! ​ Having been to more than a few Blues/Blackhawk games over the years, such discussions can get a little...er...heated. Comparing soccer to hockey...well, they are both team sports As far as the series is concerned, I have enjoyed both games. They have been exciting and hard fought with a lot of hard hitting and more than a little rough stuff away from the puck. I would expect nothing else from these two teams. Seabrook's illegal and stupid hit (IMO) on Backes and the resulting penalties ultimately cost his team game two, and his loss for three more games could cost the Hawks another chance at the Cup. It still remains to be seen if Backes will be back tonight. Having been in this spot before, without a Championship to show for it, I will not talk any smack just yet! Go Blues!

I agree with SirSnook. Arguing with a fool will only make you act like one, and casting a rattle trap or anything else at someone because they somehow offended you may get you locked up or worse. Internet bravado is fine-we all like to think we are the baddest guys out there-we aren't and life is too short... I also agree with Fishes in trees that sometimes the act you think is directed at you is simply not. I am careful not to interfere with bank fishermen, but like he said sometimes it is simply being focused elsewhere.

I think you celebrating his life is a great thing. Most of us are fortunate if we have just a couple of real friends over the course of our lives, and we are blessed to have them. You have my condolences my friend.

Flyfisher it has been a couple of years since I've taken any classes. As an old guy, it seems that most teachers are too concerned about looking good based on class grades and student reviews, and not concerned enough about making sure the students have a real understanding of the material covered. What that does, in my opinion, is make the teachers who really care stand out. Be one of those and don't worry too much about the rest of the $#@! that goes with the job. Of course that may not get you promoted, but it will let you sleep well at night knowing you are making a difference. Good luck!

Great post. Congratulations and thanks for the reminder. Enjoy!

I can accept the passion of the youngsters even if I disagree with them on this topic. Your response, whether you understand it or not, is completely self-serving. Do you honestly think that because someone challenges the status quo or questions authority that they are somehow less American than you?? There are many things I disagree with in our system of government, taxation being one of the most abused powers in my opinion. Many have fought and died for our right to say and think what we want. If you do not like that free exchange of ideas, maybe it is you who needs to find somewhere else to go where speech is more tightly regulated.

0119 your superior attitude does nothing to make your point. Real men can, and will challenge your beliefs about obligations and authority. Get over it.

It is always fascinating to see how any discussion of this nature always swings quickly to the extremes. I too wish there were more DNR agents out there to enforce the law, and do not mind being stopped and having a thorough check done of my boat to assure compliance with the law. I would also agree that those who protect and serve are worthy of our respect. That is not to say that we don't need to be vigilant that in our efforts to protect the "greater good" we don't allow individual freedoms to be infringed. There are many of us who don't have a bag of weed in our vehicles that have a healthy fear of too much government involvement in our personal lives. How "too much" is defined is worthy of discussion, whether it is in fishing regulation and enforcement or what kind of fat is allowed in our food.

Back in a former life, I welded pipe for a living. The butt weld will not be the weakest link-if done right. If there's any question about it being done right a sleeve may be a better choice.

Done properly the welded butt joint will be fine. Doing it right is the key. There are many who think they can weld; far less who really know what they are doing. Have it done by a pro and go fishing!

Brian it is sometimes hard to convey meaning on the interweb. I was just trying to agree with you. FWIW I also agree that having some legally caught fish in the freezer should not be illegal. The problem is trying to protect fisheries from those who would abuse the privilege.

Brian that is the way it works. Possession limits are exactly that, and the number of fishing days is not relevant. That is an area of the law that can get many who pan fish in trouble, because stockpiling fillets is not legal.

Raul at 57, natural refrigeration or not, I am looking more than a little weathered. I am so white at this point that if I were naked in the snow you would have a tough time seeing me!

iabass8 I think you're correct sir. This topic may not interest everyone-so what! This is a discussion forum don't ya know. I do not consider myself to be in the lunatic fringe when it comes to personal freedom, and there are times when Law Enforcement officers cross the line. Just because a lawman thinks he has reason to stop or search someone doesn't necessarily mean he does, and just because he stops someone doesn't mean they are guilty of anything. When they cross the line they are subject to legal and civil penalties. It is a system that works pretty well most of the time.

That is exactly right Scott. MB I completely agree with the idea that our rights as free men need to be honored by Law Enforcement. My experience with DNR agents make it clear to me that the ones I have dealt with here in Illinois feel the same way. An agent with reasonable cause will not wait five hours to search your property. If you refuse to comply he will put you in cuffs, and do it anyway. You will then have access to the legal system to make your case. My point is if your rights are violated by any Law Enforcement there is a right way of dealing with it. Use the system. Refusing to comply will not end well...

Hootie I would guess that somewhere along the way you have done a thing or two that bring good sense into question. I once gave several of my friends a lot of grief for their reaction to cold water on a sand and gravel beach early in the year. With the now infamous words, "let me show you how it's done you bunch of sissies" I ran, and dove into what I l then learned was only a few inches of water. I came up bleeding in a dozen or more places, looking much like my face and chest had been hit with a belt sander! I have also eaten bugs and worms just for the experience, without any compensation...

It wasn't too long ago there was a post on this site talking about how easy and unfair it was to use all of the new sonar technology to catch more and better bass. The argument was that it took away from the "sport" of fishing, giving an unfair advantage to those who could afford all of the new bells and whistles. That argument is much the same as the one being made here. In either case whether it is fair or not doesn't really matter IMO. The technology is now available to find and identify fish more clearly than ever before, and it is here to stay. If the technology is available to produce monster bass that will shatter the old records then shattered they will be.

You will be fine. The 6.4:1 is what I use for all my cranking. If it turns out to be too fast for you, you now have an excuse for another...

I completely agree. That favorite rod may or may not be one designed and marketed for that specific bait. I don't own one rod that is marketed as technique specific, because most of them start at a price above my budget. Having the "perfect" rod for a favorite technique does makes the experience more enjoyable IMO. Sure you can get by with the 3 rods RW always recommends or maybe you can do it all with only one combo, but why would you? Some seem to be offended that tackle companies market rods that don't appeal to them for a variety of reasons, including a technique specific designation or price. Does not make sense to me. I buy what I like that fits my budget. The market is what determines what the manufacturers will offer. I'm good with that.

That is very well said, without being even the least bit "douchey". More than can be said of the post you responded to. I love music, and have been involved in it to some degree for many years. I would rather be slathered in honey and buried in an ant hill than have it on my boat though. With that said, I respect the right of others to listen to whatever they choose. It does show a lack of respect to inflict your music on the rest of the lake IMO. What is unbelievable to me is the notion that I can do whatever I want on my boat without regard for anyone other than myself. That self-serving and self-righteous attitude shows itself in many ways on the water. Loud music is only one of them.

Bavass good is a relative term. I have used many entry level combos over the years, although not this one. I have come to understand that spending a little more is a better value long-term. Short-term this combo will likely work good enough as long as you understand that the reel will not stay smooth with much use, and the rod will be heavier and less sensitive than you may find acceptable in the future. Good luck, and welcome to bass fishing!