HeavyDluxe

I fiddled with those combos on my trip to BPS. They seemed like they would be 'ok'. The rod felt like it's somewhere around the same sensitivity as their Graphite and Tourney series - nothing amazing, but (IMNSHO) more than adequate. The reel felt reasonable, too. I think it would be worth a roll of the dice, especially at the price you'd be paying with your discount.

Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Still, yes. The town pond I fish most often is a panfish factory. The kids and I have pulled them out of there with everything - live worms, snipped bits of old soft plastics, crappie jigs, small spinners, and everything in between. They are aggressive, competitive feeders and when they are turned on you can even catch them on a bare hook.

I can't speak for fishing manufacturers, specifically... But, in my industry (computers) there are single factories in China that are churning out almost identical computers (component-wise) that are getting stuffed in different cases and have different major-company and store labels on them. Same computer, same factory line, different 'brands'. I won't even touch on how the Chinese do (or, more correctly, don't) honor intellectual property laws. So, is it a Shimano reel? Who knows... But, as has been noted, it's increasingly true that a Shimano reel is made for Shimano by another company using Shimano's design and specifications, anyway. Does it meet your price point? Does it feel ok from what you can tell on the sales floor? Do you feel like trying to find a diamond in the rought? After all, what's life without a little experimentation and adventure?

What other plastics are you throwing that produce? What, if any, differences do you notice in how you fish the two? Here's the first thing I read about senko fishing: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/13845-guaranteed-to-catch-bass/

Edit: I hadn't looked at the image when I made my original post. The main problem here is an over-filled spool as others have noted. I'm removing my (off-topic) response.

That means less money in the account for me to spend, though. The secret is to make it so she *wants* to give you a day away to enjoy yourself - a true guy's day. Then, have at it!

Cuts the trip to BPS in half for me, thankfully, and saves on sales tax. However, I discovered the Foxboro store has a Capriottis close to it, and the glories of that cannot be overstated!

Never know what you'll find 'til you wet a line! I would go for it. Beaver ponds up here can be great for fish, though they're usually not great for size.

In a way, flipping a SOT is a better deal. You're right that you might slip over the side a little easier, but SOTs are plenty stable. And, because of their design, SOTs are easier to right than a SINK. If you tip over too far in a sit-in, you'll still turtle the boat *and* it will take on water. The SOT self-bails. Trust me on that.

This thread is full of unicorn magic and awesome. Uh, or something like that.

I'd echo what other posters have said... Most fisherman I've talked to prefer a SOT or hybrid-style kayak. I wouldn't say that's universal, though, so go and test paddle some boats if you can. You'll very quickly get a feel for what you like (at this point). Tastes change/evolve, but you'll know almost as soon as you sit in a boat if you like it or not. I'm starting my first season as a 'yak angler, and I tested a few boats last year. I'm very happy/confident now with the purchase I've made and looking forward to getting her wet in a few weeks.

I wonder what the odds are of seeing something like that... There's a video on youtoobs of an older guy fishing from a boat and coming across two bass locked up the same way. I would think it's a rare thing, even so. Neat!

Couldn't agree more... I bought a Trion reel to put on my ultralight combo. I like it so much that I almost bought an upsized one for another combo I was putting together. In the end, I got another Pflueger President to match one I bought last year. I did buy a Trion for my son's combo for this season. In terms of bang for your buck, I don't think you can go wrong with either of these depending on your budget. There are lots of good options in the $50 range, including from makers like Shimano, etc. Stick with a known manufacturer and spend what you can afford. You won't go far wrong, I think.

I just bought two of the Tourney Specials (7' M & MH) myself. I'd offer you some impressions, but, since everything's still iced over here, I don't have much to say. They look nice... Good luck on your choice!

Do you guys have a recommendation for which scent to buy? I'm willing to give this stuff a try, leaning towards the original 'flavor'. Thoughts?

I'll reply to that... Being in VT, a lot of places I stand to fish are surrounded by woods and growth. In fact, I sometimes try to find these spots as it gives me access to cover/fish that are not being hit by most bank fisherman. Trying to maneuver my rod while bringing a fish in without getting snarled in a tree or bush is bad enough. Add a net to that, and I'm sure I'd be hosed. Perhaps I'm wrong, but handling bigger fish quickly at the water's edge seemed the more humane thing (even when they have teeth). Now, when I'm out in my new kayak this summer, whole different discussion. A net *will* be part of the arsenal, then.

Based on the picture that was posted, I think you'd be wrong... That sure looks like a northern. The back markings, side fins, and head shape seem distinctive to me. Anyway, there are plenty of good replies in this thread re: landing toothy critters. You definitely *do* need a set of pliers when you're out for critters toothy and non-toothy. They are a must-have.

RW can defend himself, but I think his point was that a serious bass fisher is probably going to want to diversify his equipment in order to maximize success. So, in the same way that some of you have 4 spinning setups and 10 baitcasting setups, someone who is really wanting to grow in this support will probably want more than a spincaster. I think that's a fair statement, though clearly someone can be successful without all the varied equipment (s)he could have at their disposal. After all, you have to know how to find the fish before you can catch them....

I may be wrong, but I think the fish is mostly unaware of the reel until it's hooked. Once it is hooked, it's mainly ticked about something pulling at its mouth when it just wants to eat. Admittedly, though, the bass is super embarrassed when he's landed and finds that the angler was using a spincasting reel. Loses all weed cred with his buddies and stuff...

Is dead-sticking a soft plastic considered a finesse tactic? If so, I vote for that. As has been noted in other threads, slowing down is often the most productive thing you can do in any presentation/technique. Dead-sticking really disciplines me to do that.

Thanks for that clarification. re: pigtailing for the original poster - ALL lines will twist on spinning gear, even braid (though braid does handle the twists and tangles better). As far as preventing that while spooling the line onto the reel, I personally found this video very helpful and I am sure there are others:

30 or 35

My impression: Mono - less expensive, a little more refraction in water (a little more visible), stretches Fluoro - more expensive, better refraction in water (a little less visible), no stretch

Working to get confident with flipping/pitching jigs towards heavier cover and fishing the drop-shot rig. Also want to work on knot-tying, which is a weak spot. I can tie the palomar well, and a lame improved clinch. Want to nail those down while adding the uni-knot and some other loop.

I think your question is difficult to answer because there are features and aspects of a reel's performance that some of 'us' may value more or less than 'you'. Based on my admittedly limited observation, the main benefit you get as you increase in price is an modest increase in the components used in the reel's construction, a more rigid frame (the prevention of flex improves performance and longevity of function, I would bet), and decreased overall weight. What point is 'good enough'? I've always heard, and would confirm based on my own experience, that Pflueger's President series of spinning reels is an amazing deal at ~$50 (bang for buck). I would think any number of reels in the $50-100 range would be more than adequate and sufficient bargains for their price.