K_Mac

NYBASSIN36 I use spinning rods for those light line applications, so I don't have any experience with ML baitcasting rods. I agree with DVT that actually handling the rod is the real test of whether it fits your needs. With that said a ML/XF 6'6"-7' would be where I would start. I like the soft fast action of an XF rod in M and MH. There are many fine rods available in the same price range as the Villian. Good luck.

I would find the exact rod I was looking for and not worry too much about manufacturer. The slower ML/M rod will certainly work, and if I had to have a Villian for that purpose that is what I would get, but if Abu doesn't make the rod you want in the Villian line why sweat it? There are too many other choices IMO.

I think it is interesting. I would like to know what the deal is/was also. It is hard to imagine getting four bad bibs unless they were all part of the same lot? I have worn mine for all sorts of physical activities over maybe 10 years without a failure of any kind. I do like the ability to add a liner to the BPS gear, though as an old fat guy being too cold is rarely an issue.

The first rule of writing is write what you know. Do you have the grammar and story telling skills needed to do that? Can you write what you know in a way that other folks want read it? Who is your audience? What do you offer that hasn't already been done a hundred times by people with much more impressive resumes? Why would I buy your book on spinnerbait fishing when I can buy spinnerbait instructional material from KVD? Or finesse fishing from Mike Iaconelli? I think if writing is what you want to do, then you absolutely should do it. Writers write. Whether it sells or not is a very different thing. Good luck.

I think you will be happy with the Guidewear, esp with that deal. If not Cabelas has great customer service...

They must be discontinuing this line for something new. I have a set of of the uninsulated gear that I've worn for years. It is great stuff for all but the hottest weather IMO. For really cold weather the insulated version might be a little better, but I just add an extra layer or two underneath and I'm good to go. It is just a bit much for most summer use, although it is great in a thunderstorm. At full price it is a great deal. At that price it is a no brainer. EDIT: I just read the above review. I have worn mine in all weather and have never had one leaking seam.

There are some who use one or the other exclusively. Like most, I use both. Before super lines, line diameter was a limiting factor for spinning gear. Now with braid that no longer is the case. I still use spinning only for light weight/line presentations. That would include a shakyhead, drop shot, #5 Shad Rap or a floating Rapala among others, which makes spinning an important part of my bass fishing. I prefer baitcast for most baits. I am not a fan of braid and baitcast allows heavier line and just suits me better. It really comes down to preference. Use a baitcast rod and reel made for light line/lures and you can throw anything I normally throw using spinning. Use a heavy rod and braid, and you can punch heavy mats just fine with spinning gear.

I don't think it makes any difference to the fish. For me it really depends who I'm with, mood, weather, and who knows what else. My wife and I fish together often. Some days we talk about everything from fishing to grandkids to politics; other days we just fish. There is a comfortable ease that doesn't require conversation or quiet. I fish with a couple of good friends where this also seems to be true. I also fish with folks who seem to be constantly talking while paying little attention to fishing. This is particularly frustrating to me when I'm trying to help them catch fish. I like helping and teaching, I just expect the same effort from them as me. That is not a realistic expectation. When you find a fishing partner that you're comfortable with, count your blessings.

Yep, I'm guessing "Senkos" in the generic sense. GY Senkos may get a little soft in the heat, but I have some that are several years old that are exactly the same as when the were purchased.

tdz105h you just can't let it go can you? You make an assumption based on the picture in North Ga's avatar. Maybe he lives on the lake on which it was caught and released it after the picture was taken. Maybe he filleted it and served the family. Maybe he keeps one in hundred. Maybe he keeps everything he catches, though I doubt it. My point is you don't know, and it really is not your business. Most of us take catch and release very seriously and support it whenever we can. Taking a judgmental attitude toward those who keep fish for food does not help our cause. Educating people is a far better option. There are many bass fishermen who started keeping bass that now support catch and release, including me. I came around because I came to understand it was a better option most of the time. It was not because some self-righteous bass fisherman told me how wrong I was.

Over the last few years I've learned to slow down and I'm not nearly as driven to catch fish as I once was. What is interesting is that my numbers are at least as good as ever, and I'm catching much better fish. There are a couple of reasons for this I believe. I am more willing to patiently work a spot. Once I've identified a spot as one that meets the criteria that I'm looking for, I have the confidence to pick that spot apart. Secondly, I know what my strengths are, and concentrate on those. I can, and do catch fish on a variety of baits and techniques, but I know what I'm good at and use those techniques as much as possible. Having said that, I now fish often with a friend who is a really good shallow water bass fisherman. I am a much better deep water, structure fisherman so fishing with him has made both of us better. It seems you really can teach an old dog new tricks techniques. One thing is certain: The guys catching the biggest fish in all seasons and conditions are not doing it because of luck. Guys like Big-O, Catt, Dwight Hottle, and many others on this site know what it takes to catch big fish. Put them on any lake in the country and it would not be long before they would be consistently catching bass considered big in that lake.

There are plenty of women out there that would make an ejector seat a welcome addition. My brother was killed in an accident years ago. His widow never could figure out why he would rather fish with me than her. The woman had to be talking all the time when on the boat- a few hours of that and I would have to eject her or kill myself...

My wife of 35+ years is my primary fishing partner. She doesn't like to run the motors but other than that she more than carries her weight. A few years ago she got tired of the slow speed of spincast reels and she made the change to baitcasters. She does a fine job with them , but hasn't quite mastered pitching yet. She catches her share of fish, including bigger ones. She is hard to get off the water at times; I am ready to leave and she wants to hit another spot or two. One of the many side benefits of a fishing wife is it is easier to justify additional tackle...

I have that exact combo spooled with 15# CXX. I use it for pitching most of the time. It also works great for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and frogs in my experience. Edit: I just re-read the original post. I have that rod with a 6.4:1 PQ reel. I don't think that changes anything...I have also used this combo for C-rigs and it worked well.

This topic comes up often, and always stirs emotion. Catch and release is as much a part of bass fishing for most of us as buying more tackle than we need. I agree that I am not happy when people keep bigger bass. They have beaten the odds, and should be released in my opinion. I don't let it ruin my day though. The folks that keep fish, big bass included, pay their fees and buy their licenses just like I do. If they want to keep them they have every right to as the law allows. I am always talking to folks about releasing bass, esp big fish, but at the end of the day it is their decision. There are many lakes where keeping some smaller bass will improve the fishery, and in those places I will sometimes keep a few smaller fish. SirSnook is right. Fishing is a blood sport whether we like it or not. Fish are sometimes injured and not all fish survive the trauma of being caught. The fishing community generates millions to keep our waters healthy, and to preserve and improve fishing. I can live with that.

Interpretive dance. There just aren't enough old, fat, white men represented in this art form.

New2 your daughter has better fishing equipment than my wife-or me for that matter. It is a blessing that my wife enjoys bass fishing. She is a good fishing partner. We have spent many quality hours together fishing. My daughter used to go with me once in a while. It was more to humor me than for her love of fishing though. Enjoy the time with your daughter. She will grow up way too quickly. Now I have to go before I break into "Sunrise, Sunset"

When I was a kid the only kind of "rubber" worm I knew about was the pre-rigged variety. I caught many fish on those things. While there are many other rigging methods that you might consider, if 2 hooks in a Senko works for you I see no reason for not using them, unless the collateral damage is too high. I think the advice of crushing the barbs is very good. I do that on wacky rigged Senkos at times.

I agree with Catt. I used to swear by blacklights, and believe in the beginning they helped me catch fish I would have otherwise missed. Now with better equipment, skills, and awareness I prefer to fish without them. It is amazing what you can see and hear in the dark...

New2BC4bass you beat me to it. Spool start up energy and speed is the reason for a different release point between spinning and BC. My wife hates using spinning combos. Her tendency is to throw a "pop up." She releases too early in the cast and struggles to make the required change. I have used both enough that the change happens without having to think much about it. The issue with sidearm casting V overhand is how the rod is loaded for the most part. Watch someone who doesn't cast well throw side arm. It is often a waving motion. Now look at an overhand cast. The weight of the lure, effected by gravity, causes the rod begin to to load immediately. As the rod comes over the top, the wrist releases causing the tip speed to increase dramatically and the rod to load. That speed, and stored energy is where distance comes from. It takes practice and confidence to generate the energy needed to make longer sidearm casts, roll casts, or pitches with a baitcaster. That challenge is part of the fun of fishing in my view. Making that perfect cast/pitch and being rewarded with the bite you knew was coming is a joyful thing.

I would also recommend starting with a better reel. It will save you headaches and money in the long run. As far as the rod, I say if that is what you can afford, go for it. An inexpensive 7' MF rod will work fine for 1/4 to 3/8 oz spinnerbaits, and shallow to med cranks IMHO. It may not perfectly cover all those, but it will do until you get enough experience to know exactly what you want. Good luck.

I suppose you are technically correct. Without a rounded bottom they may just be a standup jig. I have used a variety of jigs for "shaking" and always come back to Spot Removers. They do not come through grass and algae as good as some, but they just seem to catch fish. Zoom Trickworms are my favorite for "shakyhead" fishing. When the bite is really slow I will go to Zoom Finesse worms.

DVT is the guy to help answer this question. I will simply say a properly cleaned and lubed reel is often better than that same reel right out of the box. Good luck.

I saw a portion of this clip a few minutes ago on CNN. My guess is there will be some serious crap flowing down the chain of command. Would the drivers of those trucks have driven them into water over the hood if they were responsible for damages? I don't think so. SirSnook is right about the good old days of cars. Many remember them through a nostalgic filter that alters reality. Todays vehicles are far better in every respect, except for one; the complexities of newer cars do make them more difficult to work on. This is more than balanced by the less frequent need. Keeping a car tuned used to be a continuous process, esp. a high performance one. I do not miss carburetors, ignition points, glass belted radials, or countless other relics of the past.

John I have a couple of old spinners. Can you make them into Curados?