Hawgin

Jigs, jigs, jigs, and maybe the occasional t-rigged plastics. Well, unless of course I could also move to Cali, and then it would be swimbaits.

Well, I'm almost embarrassed to post these now, but here goes. From left to right: 6'6" MF St. Croix Premier - BPS Enticer 10BB reel 6'10" XHF TAS Flippin Stick - Shimano Citica 200D 7' MH Fenwick Techna AV - Shimano Citica 100DSV 7' MH Fenwick Techna AV - Shimano Citica 200D 7' MH BPS Crankin Stick - BSP Extreme 5.4:1

I also feel that the rod is more important than the reels. I started with some cheap combos, and then I focused on upgrading my rods. Now I'm in the process of upgrading my reels. The best, most sensitive rod I can recommend in your price range is the Fenwick Eagle GT. They run right at $50, and they are the most sensitive low end rod I have ever used. They are also very light, and well made. It's money that you won't be disappointed you spent.

While I agree that his rant was out of line considering the age of the child, I also hate the fact that we have gotten to the point that everyone feels the need to come down on parents for disciplining their children. We've reached the point where parents are so hands off with their children that there is no longer any discipline in the child or respect towards the parents (or most authority figures for that matter.) The old saying of "spare the rod, and spoil the child" has proven itself to be very wise in today's society. I can't tell you the number of times I have been out and seen a parent try to discipline a child only to see that child blow their parent off, yell at their parent, or hit their parent. I've also seen countless times that 10-16 year old kids are out with no parents, and they are just flat out rude to the adults around them. Don't get me wrong, I'm against child abuse, but at the same time I'm against people giving me "that look" when I give my boy a swat on the bottom or get on him when he acts up. I hated the discipline my father imparted on me at the time that I was a kid, but looking back now I turned out a heck of alot better than many of my childhood friends who were allowed to do whatever they wanted with no parental control. I learned to respect people, especially those older and wiser than me. Okay, that's the end of my rant but all the public backlash at Baldwin has gotten my ire up.

So are you trying to sound southern, or are you trying out for Forrest Gump part 2? I guess there really isn't much difference.

Whenever I use a braided line like Power Pro, or Suffix I will put about 50-70 yds of eight to ten pound mono on my reel first thing, and then I will tie my braid to that and spool the braided line on it. I do this for two reasons. One I can use less braid, which is more expensive, and two it keeps the braid from slipping on the spool. I wouldn't use the cobra as backing because I found that line to be extremely slick, and I had a hard time keeping it tight on the spool. The last thing you want is to have your backing slip under your braid.

I was given a spool of x-tex cobra, and I think it was meant to be a joke. I used it for about a week and then peeled it off my reel. I wouldn't even use it as backing for braid. I think the original hybrid is good line, but it is a little stiff in cold weather, and in heavier size lines (15# +). During summer I've never had a problem with it. RW and I were both referring to Hybrid Ultra Soft which is an entirely different line completely.

Johnny Cash - Sunday Morning Comin Down David Allen Coe - The Ride Ray Scott (not that one, the country singer) - My Kind of Music

Well RW, last year I decided to switch to ultra soft on my spinning rod, and I love it. Now you've convinced me to give up my suffix elite in favor of #12 ultra soft for baitcasting. I'm not giving up my fenwicks for loomis' so don't even start.

Gonzaga knew exactly what he was doing, and he executed it perfectly. In listening to the broadcast they said he followed the exact same game plan that Fedor did to defeat Cro Cop, and I went back and watched that fight, and they were dead on about it. He didn't need to follow through with the kick. It served it's purpose, and I think he will be your next heavy weight champ. I don't think he's the best HW in the division, but I think he's the right type of fighter to beat Randy.

It seems to be a pattern with Cro Cop. He can get right on the verge of a title shot and he drops the ball. He lost to Fedor fairly easily, and he knocked out by Randleman. I'm starting to think the "legend" of Cro Cop is more like a myth. Bisping looked pretty good. I'm not sure his style will work against the top guys, but he sure is fun to watch.

My wife just bought a cabinet that was distressed. That thing cost and arm and a leg, and it looks all beat up like something in my folks barn. A little beat up, and valuable. I would say that Muddy is very distressed. ;D Now Muddy, you have to laugh at that........it sounds just like something you would post.

Those bluegill that you painted are amazing looking. If you ever wanted to sell those, or it you wanted to paint up some more in that pattern and sell them I would definitely be interested in them.

If/when those hit the market I would be interested to see how sales of those compare to the bluegill. I think a Mattshad line would definetly challenge for his top seller.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure if I caught a 14+ I probably wouldn't BS about it either.

This sounds like a man who has spent some time in the doghouse. I've used the "working in the garage" excuse to get away from the wife and kid before, but never have I thought about turning my garage into a guest house. ;D

Not being sure what you consider cheap Wal-Mart offers up some low end combo's that could work for you, or better yet if you have a Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas around you might want to watch their adds because they often have rod/reel combos on sale for excellent value. BPS store brand combos are usually pretty solid for a good price. Even better is a combination of a BPS rod with a name brand reel (Daiwa, Shimano, Pflueger).

Hey Ceph, thanks for that. Now would you be so kind as to get me some ointment for my burns.

I use a Shimano Citica 100 DSV with 50# power pro. No problems for me so far.

Yes please. Thanks, Brent

Raul, you're right you didn't indicate that. My apologies.

Mike90- I'm in a similar situation to you, as in there are no Cali giants in the waters I fish, but I am wanting to try swimbaits. I think I am going to start with a Mattlures baby bass, because it is 1) slightly smaller profile and 2) it's cheaper. When/if I start catching fish on the baby bass I will then probably consider buying the blugill. Also, I have heard some rumors of there maybe being a Mattlures bait in the works that will be even better for some of us fishing in the midwest. Possibly something resembling a shad, but so far that's just an unconfirmed rumor.

Rod ***? Who cares if you have a 5'6" pistol grip, or an 8' flippin stick as long as it gets the job done? :

Okay, I didn't mean to iritate you and Raul, because I will admit that both of you know more about quality equiptment than I do. I was just stating my personal preference. I'm sorry that my tastes are different. Now I'm off to lick my cows a$$ or something.

I hate to disagree with you Raul, but I want my flippin stick to be my most sensitive rod. Granted I flip/pitch more than any other technique, but with either a jig or plastics tied on, I want that rod to have the most feel to it.