Capt.Bob

Big difference between Q, and low and slow,,,,,,, no BBQ on this meat, all done with dry rub and wood, this was a 14 hour smoke at a constant 230* in all that time it never varied 5 degree, heat is heat, keeping it constant is the key, the smoke and flavor is unaffected by this electric, no other heat source can do that!!! It is controlled strictly by the quality of the wood you use, like I said, after 40 years of smoking with wood and charcoal, thinking it was the best, I found having total control of your temperature is most important, charcoal, lighter fluid, propane, and guessing where your wood come are the downfall of most, and why results are never identical, smoke after smoke!!! Trust me, the best $750.00 I ever spent, it allows me use My wood, and in chunks, not chips, pucks and plastic bag wood that I have no idea what where and when it came from!! Go on line and to smoking forums and you will find negatives with all makes, I can't find that on the Cookshack smokers,The only complaints are the price, not one about the quality or the results!! Until you try it,,,,it's just thinking you know, I got tiered of not knowing and invested in one!! now my Binkman and my Charbroiler never get used, except for grilling BBQing, and cooking, for that I prefer charcoal also!! There Is A Big Difference in Cookers,,,and Smokers!!!

If you haven't lost line to amount to anything, this is good advice, even better was to up the game to spinning gear!!

These things are great, stay tied, and 100 will last forever,,,,well at my age forever might not mean much,,,,,but really I have had these for over 5 years and still probably have 1/2 bag left, not worth the time to make your own. I usually use the same one all year on my perch, bluegill crappie rods for live bait, UL rods and 1000 size reels that even if I don't use a bobber I don't know their there!!

I've owned more than one of every Stradic ever made (except the original Ci4, never liked it and still think the standard FH and FI at the time were better reels, the Ci4+ is another story) and in most every size from 1000 to 6000, They are all great reels, The FJ's I currently own are the best Stradics I have ever used, and I am about to add a new 2500 Ci4+ to arsenal. Like I said, every model I ever used was better than the model it replaced! That goes for the MgF also was a great reel, but the spool was way to thin and to easy to damage to be worth the weight savings, the MgFA was better and had a reel spool, then the MgFB with even more upgrades, I still own 2 as they were the best in that series. The original Ci4,,,it's replacement was lighter but never as smooth as the MgFB and why I never owned one and still have the FB's, The 2500 is about to be upgraded though with the new model Ci4+, as I feel this is a significant upgrade. Hooligan was right on this one!!

Only if you know the difference between each one of their models, and what each one is designed to do also,,,,,,Lew's is pretty basic if you can read, and know the difference in components and gear ratio's, they even offer a break system to satisfy everyone, no matter what kind you prefer!! From one model choice to the next, they all hold line, but only when you understand the purpose of each component used to make a certain model, and the advantages of each, can you make an EDUCATED CHOICE!!! regardless who makes it!! As is with Lew's, you can find a reel that is design to do a certain task as good or better than most reels made today, if you can't decide what a particular reel is designed for, man up and ask, plenty here to offer help!! But anyone that wants to imply that Diawa, Shimano, Lew's or any company make's one reel to do everything better than all the others that's ,,,,, ,,,,,, well it just aint so!!

Excellent looking young man!! With a little work it can be 100%, life only gets better when it is, it took me a while to figure that one out, maybe why I am happier 40 years later!!

this should be interesting,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Well she is Home, and taking a nap on a full stomach right now, I think I might just get lucky later,,,,aw I know what your all think'n and your right,,,,,,,,,,I'm already lucky!!! Anyway My deed for the week is done, and I am sure regardless how liucky I get later, she is happy, I surprised here when she walked in with this waiting on the stove,, Pulled Pork, Finishing Sauce, Gourmet Buns, Cole Slaw, and Pit Beans ready and wait'n!! The Sam Adams was for all my hard work,,,, she's a Light Lady!! Yep no matter what after this I got a couple weeks of fish'n and free time doin what I want when I want with her blessing!!!! For all you young guy's out there this is how it's done, anyone can be happily married for the duration, you just need to make a few power plays now and then,,,and this day has been one of those days, the play has been made!!

Electric for heat,,,wood for smoke, 20 years ago I made fun of guy's that used anything but charcoal and wood, tried a gas then and was convinced. Then I have a buddy that smokes a lot, brought name brand electric to the lake one weekend to smoke ribbs and Brisket with me for a party, I made fun if him and said he would make me shine...... The ribb's in the electric turned out as good as the ones I did. a Couple months later the wife and I were at Cabelas, we checked out everything they had, probably 15 or 20 brands. This 025 was there and 3 to 5 times the price of anything else, but built out of real steel, stainless inside, and very heavy, but small. I asked a customer service assistant if they ever had any returned or warranty issues with them, he said no,,,,,,,,BUT,,,,,,I don't know if we ever sold one, nobody will pay that price. So I went home did some research, and when I found nothing but praise for them, well I have always been willing to pay a little more if something is worth it. The following week we back and talked to the manager in that dept. and left with about a $200.00 discount on it. But yes I definitely would pay full retail for one, they hold there value, and they are a lifetime Smoker. I am thinking of selling this one and buying the Amerique, bout same size but taller with 4 racks instead of 2. If you smoke a lot, and do it year round, it is the only choice in my book. If you are only going to use one now and then, well they will all smoke, I still have two hardwoods and charcoal only smokers, but very seldom do I use them. This one I set it and when the meat hit's its internal temp, its done,,,,that easy. If you prepare it properly!!

We got plenty but you better jump on that personal jet NOW!! But even if you do,,,I think your gonna be late!!

My wife works second shift, and after working 9 hrs. a day the past 3 weeks has to go in 3 hour early @ noon and work 6 hours on Sat. It lets them get off Sat. evening to spend with their families which is nice for most, but at 60 we really don't want the overtime, kids are raised, I'm retiered, we own our house, and don't haqve a lot of desire to exceed the Jones's. At this time in life we would like to just give us our 40 hrs. and be left alone. But we do what we have to. I have great woman and love her to death,,,,, So I am Skoke'n,,,,,,,, yep, I went to the butcher and got the last pork shoulder he had, 10.5# a little larger than I like but,, I seasoned it with my special dry rub, and saran wrapped it when she went to work yesterday. So last night when she came in at 1:30AM after 11 hours marinading in the dry rub, I unwrapped it turned on the Smoker and had some Apple and Red Oak already waiting, threw it in the Cookshack 025, and set it at 230* and let the SMOKE'N begin. for those that don't smoke a lot,,,,,,,"food that is"......I am referring to the best little smoker made, the 025 will hold temps as high as 300* outside in 0* weather. For those that do Smoke a lot, Red Oak was a great find about 5 years ago, it is a mellow velvety smooth flavor mixed with the sweet apple smoked flavor makes a kick but pulled pork naturally BBQ'd smoked "SAMICH". She will have some good vidals for a few days either when she gets off, or to take for lunch, and she thinks I'm great for doin it. WIN WIN, a tip for the young!! So I hit the sack last night about 4am after feeding it a second dose of 4 oz of hardwood, installed the temp probes and let the smoke'n god's work there magic. at 9:30 when I woke up we had 164* internal temp and at 11;30 it was up to 175, for pulling we need 195* internal temp, should happen about 4:00 maybe a little later. Then I will wrap it in foil, surrounding that with a big beach towel and put it in a cooler for about an hour or more, then put it in a big foil pan and pull it!!! I will have her Cole Slaw and pit Beans ready when she get's home with some finishing sauce and sesame rolls. Just to show her how much I appreciate her!!! In reality I love this stuff, been smoke'n Briskets, ribs, Turkey, chicken, venison 1/4'rs, fish, you name it for years. I just get to do what I like, and reap the benefits from her that continue to allow me to do the things every week I love to do also!!! That means great food, great fishing, great hunting, and I get the worlds GREATEST MOST UNDERSTANDING WIFE IN THE WORLD to go with it!!!!! Been that way for 34 years,,,,,,and that my friends is worth it!!!

It is all relevant, some like no more than necessary to catch fish, I have a preference of spending as much as necessary for the best rods available, I have found there is a tremendous difference in performance, my limit is 4-500 dollars for a good rod even if it means Custom to do what I want it to, and some times that is necessary, for reels usually I spend more than $200.00 But the ones I have I can't buy as good for less. But you have to know what your buying, I have spent over $350.00 on reels, and some I have found I could have had better for $200.00, I can't say that for the rods I spend over $300.00 on, I have never found better cheaper! Buying more expensive name brands I have found, you can usually recoup most of your money on higher end gear, usually when you spend over $200 if you change your mind and decide on something else, the more expensive equipment from major Manufacturers are easier to sell, and bring closer to there original price than less expensive gear. JME

I have seen many who have tried these rods and found the same models to run different from one to another, not a premium rod. I used to supply BPS Bionic Blades for my customers and found them better. I personally would by a St Croix Premier and have a better rod, But when I got serious about personal rods, I have found the Avid and the different Legend series to do anything I could ask and do it better than the rest, so why chance it, I won't until I find a reason to, for 20 years that hasn't happened with St. Croix, I have never been disappointed.

Same here Glenn, problem is those buddies of mine with those same experiences still drink as much today as they did back then,,,,,,,,

Ya right try carrying that anchor around all day, and in a 6" Revolver.The case of the 45/70 negates it to the power available from the 454 and 475 in a short barreled wheel gun. It has to much capacity to burn the faster powders well, and to short a barrel to benefit any real velocity from the the slower powders that make it adequate in a long gun. The Mod. 83 shown w/340grain .45 Cal. loads known as a 454 Casull, about as stout a load as you will find a pakage this small, unless you want to risk your wrist to the 475 Linebaugh, all much better than the anemic 45/70 in a revolver!! Probably why they are so popular as they are. Alonerankin2 you forgot the 2 in front of that $179, you must have meant $2179.00, back then maybe $1790.00

For $150.00 you can find the Lews Tournament Pro New, a better choice than the Citica in any form and better than the Curado E or G. But like said the Citica and Curado E and G are all available much cheaper, around $100.00 or less, with the E being preferred by most. If I was willing to spend a $150.00 and wanted a Shimano, I would add 25 or 30 bucks to it and get the new Curado I, if not the TP is the best bang for $150.00 new. If you want to save some money instead of the Citica I would buy the Lew's Tournament TS1H you can find it readily for around $110.00, and is unbelievably smooth and cast great, with plenty of power, in any speed you want 6.4, 7.1, http://www.lews.com/casting-speedspooltourneyheck check it out ,,

Aluminum side plates instead of graphite, and a much more durable finish, are the main difference, but some parts use a better alloy and make it a little smoother, like some say, giving it an empty feeling. Yes so smooth it feels like your not turning the gears and spool. You will not be sorry. To those who believe the all reels are the same from this factory, do not know how customers order reels. Every Company getting reels from Doyo are telling them the specs, materials, and tolerances they require for each different reel. Those parts to build those reels come from many suppliers. This is like saying a Citca is a Chronarch???? Other than sharing frames, that's about it!

get one of these and go about your business as usual, compact enough to were every day, with enough authority to stop anything that walks or crawls in North America!!! Then you will have another story to tell......

They are sweet aren't they, who woulda thunk it?? Try a Tournament Pro for lighter lures and jig's and rigg'n, or if you really want WOW,,,try the sweet little Team Gold!!! They are unbelievably smoooooth sweet reels! Backed by the best customer service going at the present time!! 2 1/2 years ago they got my attention and proved to me they are as good as any reel maker going rite now!!

X2,,,, Perfect!

The Avid in general is a little faster blank material. The Triumph is the ScII same as a premier, nowhere near the Avid. In a MF will not be wobbly by most users definition and is a very versatile rod. The problem is they don't have a 6'10' Avid, spinning or Casting. If you want 7' they have the MF, 6'8" MXF which would be a faster (stiffer tip) and the 6'9" MLXF which is also a faster tip but less backbone in the but.

Cost my fishing partner $15.00 using St. Croix's discount shipping on the web Sight, but that was an Avid and only 2 months old, so It may have been cheaper,,, and Croix paid the return Shipping. They also offered an upgrade for a real good price, but he declined. I would go on line and call them, they will direct you to your options.

Both days the fish were the same, nothing caught under 10" the first day we had one under 11" the second day all were between 11" and 12 1/2". in two days of fishing it we only threw 3 fish back, and 2 of those were over 7". The smallest Bluegill was 9 1/2" which means I need to do sme searching, cause there has to be a good number of big gills in there also!! But it will have to wait, right now it is getting hot and the river is clearing up so it's time to fun fish, Smallmouth my favorite fun fish!!!!

Casting efficiency with a baitcast reel take more than a few weeks. In the beginning I would stick with 15# mono even 20# mono, it will be less trouble untangling and cast a good distance until you become more acquainted with it. The 10# braid is a no no, and even most experienced casters stay away from it as it is known for digging in. any pressure at all and it will dig into itself. When you are ready for braid remember 30# is hard to get efficient with if you are not a well seasoned caster, and 40# is where I would try to gain confidence if I were a beginning caster. Most seasoned casters will tell you it takes PRACTICE PRACTICE and more PRACTICE, to get good with a casting reel. I would also stress to not try and make real long cast's. This is a mistake many beginning casters make, the harder you try to kill the cast, the more trouble you will have. Instead start by aiming for pinpoint targets 20 to 25 yards maximum, and use 3/8 or more weight. Once you can do that every cast without a backlash then move on to 30 to 35 yards and so on. Only when you can cast trouble free with 3/8 oz and heavier weight would I try using lighter lures,,,,,,,,,Good Luck they are great once you master them,,,,,,but it does take time, and work!!!

1.) Frog (Carolina rig, heavy jig, flipp'n... St. Croix Premier 7' or 7 1/2' MHF about $120.00,,,,,, Lew's Super Duty $130.00 2.)For all round St. Croix MF 7' or 6 1/2' Avid,,,,,, $170.00,,,,,,, Lew's Tournament $110.00 3.) spinning St. Croix Avid I would concentrate on the Drop Shot side and go with a 6'8" MXF or 7' MF may be better suited if you want to use it for small cranks also?? another 170.00. Shimano Symetre 2500FL $85.00 That is below your budget, but those are readily available prices without shopping around, patience and you cut any of those items by 10 or 15%,,,,,plus the Avids are lifetime and even the Premier is 5 year warranted with all rod's from America's largest manufacturer of Premium Graphite blank's.