Hawgin

I really like, and recommend the X rap as well, but I've also found that when the water really gets cold (40 degrees or below) I have better success with a Husky Jerk. I think when the fish get really sluggish, the X rap might have to much action, and a husky jerk is a little "slower" and more subtle.

I have fished with IMX's and Techna AV's, and I like the Techna's just as well or better. I don't like Fenwicks new price points, but if you can find a used one at an affordable price, don't hesitate to pick it up.

The 8lber I caught earlier this summer was on a: Fenwick Techna AV Shimano Citica 100D Yo-Zuri Hybrid ultra soft #12

For the ponds I fish here in MO, I use jigs in black and blue, senkos in watermelon red flake, and Zoom Mag II worms in black with blue flake.

Oh what I wouldn't give to be young and have no real stress in my life. >

People did these loans in an 80%-10 or 20% split to avoid paying Payment Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Usually they would take the 80% in a regular 30 year fixed loan, and would take a second split in a shorter (10-15yr) ARM. Those that are getting stung right now seem to fit into one of two categories: 1. the regular working joe that lives paycheck to paycheck just to get by. I have a lot of compassion for this person. and 2. The person who outspent their means without thinking of the long term effect. They are the ones who bought a 250K house when in reality they could only afford a 150K house, etc. I have very little compassion for this person.

I've seen L-Rod around on a cigar forum we both frequent. I'll check with him and see what's up.

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you?

I used to bowl alot. When I met my (now) wife we went bowling on one of our first dates. She rolled a 190 something and just destroyed me. I found out afterwards that her grandparents owned a bowling alley, and she grew up working there in the summers. I kinda lost my interest in bowling after that. :'(

Be careful Muddy, I know LBH is your buddy and all, but I don't want to see you get knocked off by the Moderator Mafia also. I love you guys!

Notes from an inexperienced chili taster named Frank: "Recently I was honored to be selected as an Outstanding Famous Celebrity in Texas, to be a judge at a chili cook-off because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted this as being one of those burdens you endure when you're an internet writer and therefore known and adored by all." Here are the scorecards from the event: * Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick. JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor Very mild. FRANK: Holy smokes, what is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These people are crazy. * Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili JUDGE ONE: Smoky (barbecue?) with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang. JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously. FRANK: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. Shoved my way to the front of the beer line. The barmaid looks like a professional wrestler after a bad night. She was so irritated over my gagging sounds that the snake tattoo under her eye started to twitch. She has arms like Popeye and a face like Winston Churchill. I will NOT pick a fight with her. * Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans. JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers. FRANK: This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been sneezing Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now and got out of my way so I could make it to the beer wagon. Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. She said her friends call her "Sally." Probably behind her back they call her "Forklift." * Chili # 4: Bubba's Black Magic JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing. JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili. FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue but was unable to taste it. Sally was standing behind me with fresh refills so I wouldn't have to dash over to see her. When she winked at me her snake sort of coiled and uncoiled ... it's kinda cute. * Chili # 5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground adding considerable kick. Very impressive. JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement. FRANK: My ears are ringing and I can no longer focus my eyes. I belched and four people in front of me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. Sort of irritates me that one of the other judges asked me to stop screaming. * Chili # 6: Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers. JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb. FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except Sally. I asked if she wants to go dancing later. * Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers. JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge Number 3, he appears to be in a bit of distress. FRANK: You could put a hand grenade in my mouth and pull the pin and I wouldn't feel it. I've lost the sight in one eye and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My clothes are covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth at some point. Good, at autopsy they'll know what killed me. Go Sally, save yourself before it's too late. Tell our children I'm sorry I was not there to conceive them. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful and I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air I'll just let it in through the hole in my stomach. Call the X-Files people and tell them I've found a super nova on my tongue. * Chili # 8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili JUDGE ONE: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself. JUDGE TWO: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence. FRANK: Momma??!!

The wascally kind. What's up doc?

Good point Robert, my Techna's are also in the 4-5 year old category, and I think they have undergone some "upgrades" since then. I can't speak to the brand new ones.

FYI...Fenwick Techna AV is my favorite rod, and the best top end rod value.

I would personally recommend a 7' medium heavy rod. Most of the time a medium heavy rod will handle heavy cover and slop, plus it gives you some versatility to use it for other applications. Some guys would recommend you use a 7'6" flipping stick, but I think it would reduce your ability to cast lighter baits, and most rods that long are telescopic and IMHO you lose sensitivity with that type of rod.