lmbfisherman

I live in Ontario and I would suggest the same thing, hit the rivers. That is where I catch a lot of my smallmouths from shore. If you're going through PA to get to DC not sure what route you're taking, but the Susquehana River is one place I always wanted to try (I drive by there every year when I visit family in NYC). I'm sure some of the PA guys could comment there.

x2 - Last year was my first full season and noticed how tired I'd be after being out on the water for half the day. So during the off season I started a cardio and strength training...I run 3 days a week up to 45 minutes now (goal is 1 hour jog/runs) and 3 days a week walking for 20 minutes in between the runs. 3 times a week I work on core muscles (crunches), push ups, curls and work on my shoulder and triceps. This should also make it easier to unload/load my canoe off my minivan, as I struggled sometimes at the end of the day,. Not to mention it is best for me and my overall health. When I have time I practice flipping and pitching in my yard, study maps and try to identify where fish may hold, read the boards, watch the WFN and cuddle with my rods and reels..oh I mean with my wife.

I can't see why anyone would be too harsh, you are on a budget and you stuck with it. (Believe me I only was able to splurge because I sold some old solar panels that I couldn't use.) Still have some available if anyone is interested! I like the 2nd setup more than the 1st, it should serve you well! The 1st is still serviceable and should be able to perform what you want to do.

Welcome to the forums and I'm just as anxious as you all to get on the water!

Howdy, welcome to the forums.

x2 I would recommend the same thing, get a 6 gear ratio.

Yeah I was expecting a math question too when I first saw the subject. I probably would've followed suit like others have stated to a reaction bait if your brother was beating you. Why would you not give them what they wanted?

HAHA that is why I've been resisting on touching/holding any Loomis brands. Just holding them (GLX) in store SOLD me, I've tried to resist touching a NRX, but to no avail. This thread is making my mind up to buy the NRX 893 as my next rod.

From my personal experience, I own one a 7'3" MH/F it is my favorite shore fishing rod. Not that I don't take care of it, but it takes a decent beating when I walk through bushes...etc. I do not have one issue with it, I used it for everything basically..frogging, flipping and pitching, jig and worm, spinnerbaits and never had an issue with it performance wise. None of the listed complaints have started and I agree, this is a popular rod and possibly you see so many complaints because there are so many out there. As for other 100 dollar rods, I own a Triumph, even though it's an ok rod I'd probably say go up to at least a Mojo. I do however favor my Compre and would recommend that over the Veritas. To me it is a tad bit better and more true to it's power...I also find it a little more sensitive. However, overall I recommend that if you can save a few more bucks to go for an Avid, Fenwick Aetos or Crucial. Crucial can be found around 150 and an Avid about 170. However, if you don't mind buying used you can buy either of them usually around your budget. Right now locally listed I can buy a used Crucial for 70-90 bucks, granted these are the older version corked, but they are also decent sticks. I'm only recommending from my own experience, the *** and Fenwick Smallmouth Elite Tech get rave reviews. I did hold an Elite Tech in store, boy are they light! However, I didn't like the short handles.

Hey, here's a tip back to you after you informed me of the Dobyns dealer online. Fishing World in Hamilton Ontario is a Dobyns dealer and they have better deals than the site you sent me. I didn't pull a trigger on the Dobyns there, instead I went for the Cumara and GLXs. They are also great guys to speak with to boot and have given me good deals on the 4 rods I bought from them. Should check it out. I still might go for a Dobyns Crankbait rod, still up in the air about it though. I might just go for a Mojo..still debating, but I'm in no hurry.

Dude no matter what happens, IT IS ALWAYS OUR FAULT.

These are first rods I used to get me to make the leap from Spinning to BC. - St. Croix Avid, Abu Garcia Veritas and Shimano Compre. The latter two can be found for 80-100. I bought my first Avid for 170 and the other I bought used at 100 a piece (also bought a spinning rod). So if you are patient you could probably find a deal on an Avid. I guess since you stated "inexpensive" I would pick a Compre or Veritas. These two rods are still in my arsenal after doing some upgrading during the winter, so they would still be useful even after you upgrade (compliment your arsenal down the road). I would also recommend getting a MH/F 7' for an all purpose stick.

My Ex was from NC, and when she said Ya'lls it was the cutest thing! Of course I have a thing for a Southern accent too, probably wouldn't be as cute if they didn't have one.

My wife uses my Avid Spinning combo 6'6" MH/F for everything (one of my combos), I'd suggest you stick with a spinning combo. I'd buy a BC combo later down the road if she is ready to take the leap. (Let her practice on yours). I remember BPS having lady specific combos, take a look at the Lady Trion spinning combo, the model name eludes me at the moment. The spinning reel is a solid reel, (GX-7 I think it was, starting to remember). I'd get one of those for her use.

The way I do it, is similar to what webertime says. I will use my iPod or any mp3 player and only use the right earbud (keep my left clear so I can hear my surroundings) and play music. I find this helps keeps my mind occupied while I fish. Heck you can time the songs too, like on the next chorus I will do a slow drag..or whatever. Try that!

Man love it when you track dog crap everywhere. It's the best smelling thing ever! Really love it, I hope the dog owners continue to not take care of their responsibility as a dog owner. I really love it more when they let their dog crap in my front yard, it makes me enjoy mowing my lawn more!

x2 lol

I would definitely go for a baitcaster combo first. I agree you should spend on one combo..... get one of the following reels: BPS Pro Qualifier and Shimano Citica. As for the rod in my experience you can get any 7' M or MH/F. They would be the most versatile all purpose rod for length/power/action. These are the rods you could buy: Avid (you can find used for 100, if you get this one I'd recommend getting a M), Crucial (MH/F..depending if you like cork or not, the cork version can be found in local shops as clearance items, but newer one is around 150). Although I haven't fished it yet, I'd recommend a Fenwick Aetos. I bought a 7'6" H/F one this year over a Cumara, it has very good components and can be found for 150. I bought mine for 135, Just the components alone it feels like it should be a 200+ priced rod.

You can also find the older version of the Symetre on clearance too, so you can stay under your budget further.

I bought the GLX 853, 854 and 894 this year, my first Loomis. I was sold once I picked up one of these guys. (853) It was like it was an extension of your arm. Everyone states that I've seen everywhere the two best models are the 893 and 894. That is not to say the other suck though. I decided to spend the money on jig rods as I like to fish jigs and worms a lot, my favorite way of fishing. I got them all below retail price, 1 of them used. You should be able to find a deal if you look around, (The 853 and 894 were bought on sale 10% and 25% off.) The next one I'm going for is either the 893 or 895/855. I did think about getting the NRX version of the 893, but I hear also the newer GLX 893 is no slouch against the NRX as it has been overhauled recently. Still the NRX beats it with sensitivity and I hear crispness.

I'd second that, a very awesome deal.

I hear the 893C is the best in the series, sounds like it might be the case.

You're lucky wish I can do those...right now I go on trips, but it's with the family and I don't normally get the time to do a full day of fishing. Usually early morning and after dinner for a couple of hours. Can't take those kind of trips yet, I have two youngin's my wife would be overrun by them. lol I'm trying to get my boy (youngest 3) into fishing, so far so good guy takes his Cars rod and flips senkos/stick baits into the water, hasn't caught anything yet, but he's very "into it". Just have to watch him not to hit anyone. My end game is to have a fishing partner, who better than my own son! That way we can take trips together without the girls (Wife and Daughter).

Sorry to hear, here's mine.

They are regularly 79.99 now at Sail (Outdoor Store up here in Canada).