RF813

To accompany my reel question, (and thank you to all who have chimed in). I was wondering what you look for when choosing a rod? How much does length impact it's performance? My current rod is 6', is there an advantage to going 6.5 - 7? I've read a medium to medium heavy action rod is best when Bass fishing. Is this correct? And as always, and product recommendations would really be appreciated. Thanks! Rich I should add.....This would be coupled with a spinning reel, if that matters. (does it?)

This is definitely an option, but the difference I feel between my current ugly stik combo and the reel my friend has was night and day. That's what spurred this question.

A few people have mentioned Pflueger, and researching the Pflueger President specifically, I notice there are several sub models of this. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Pflueger-President-Spinning-Reel/1254609.uts?productVariantId=3042964&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03318170&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=5EFDA238-34EA-E011-9A77-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=34214264711&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=57965888111&gclid=CL3FssbbrboCFRGi4AodID4ACQ If I am fishing for Bass in local lakes up here in CT, what's the difference between the different sub models? Apologies if this is very apparent, i'm new to this, and am looking to learn what I can before making a purchase.

Thanks to everyone for the replies! They've definitely helped me get going in a good direction.

For the last year and a half i've been using a 6' Ugly Stik Rod / Reel combo. It's been great for me, but I think it may be time to get something a bit better. I checked out a buddy who was using a Daiwa (I forget which model) reel, and it was SUPER smooth, and felt great. This is a hobby for me, and mainly to spend time with my son, fishing from shore around western CT. I don't want to break the bank, but wouldn't mind upgrading to something a bit better. If anyone has any suggestions, or advice for someone who is pretty new to all of this, i'd love to hear suggestions or any advice you all may have on reels or even rods to look into. Brands, what to look for, etc. Thanks! Rich

CT & MA.

Thanks everyone!!

Cool, thanks for the heads up!

Heading up to MA for a wedding this weekend, and am looking to head out with a friend of mine. Can anyone recommend some good spots in the Berkley / Taunton area? I need to keep it close by to be able to make it out and back over a few hours, travelling less than 30 mins is best. Shore Access is a must, since I won't have a boat. Can anyone recommend a decent spot to catch some LMB? Thanks! Rich

Caught 2 nice Bass on white flukes this weekend. I'll definitely be going back to them.

Thanks for all the replies.... You all have been really helpful!

Pic isn't coming up for me. But i'd def be interested in checking it out.

Yea, it's about $50.

Thank you for all the replies......I think I have narrowed it down to two. The Boga and This Rapala: http://www.***.com/Rapala_Touch_Screen_Tournament_Scale_15lb/descpage-RTDS.html Keep in mind, 3 kids, bills etc, price is a small concern, but don't a complete deterrent. The Boga seems nice, and everyone who has one likes it. Will this Grip on the Rapala reliably hold the fish? Catch and release, I want to as little harm as possible. So if you have the Rapala, could you please let me know what your thoughts on it are?

First off, please excuse anything in this post that may seem obvious. I'm pretty new to Fishing, and learning from what I can pick up on the internet. I catch and release, and take as many measures to do as little harm to the fish I catch as I can. That being said, I caught a good size bass the other day, and have no idea how much it weighed, so I'd like to know from now on! I've seen the Bogas out there, and the Grip aspect of it makes sense to me. It swivels (from what i've seen) and it seems like it won't hurt the fish if it jerks around. My question is on a lot of the digitals, the hook on the bottom. How do you weigh the fish from one of those? A video I saw showed the guy gently putting it under the fish's lower Jaw, and balanced it while taking the reading.....Now, if the fish had moved at all, it would have fallen to the ground. Bad, right? In my local tackle shop, they said just to put it into the gill....Also bad, i'm assuming, since I want to send these things back with little to no damage..... Maybe someone here can point me into the right direction? Is it possible to use these without piercing the fish, or suspending it in a bag? Lastly, is there a digital grip / and if so, one that's reliable? thanks. Rich

Hey everyone, new to the site. I'm originally from MA, but currently live in Western CT, fishing a few lakes in the area. I started fishing this past spring because my Son wanted to try it out (he was 6 at the time). I figured it was something we could do together, and as a hobby it has really taken off for us (me especially). For most of the summer quantity was important for keeping my son's interest and we had been catching sunnies and yellow perch. Once we hooked a LMB, his interests switched over to landing bigger fish (woo!) I've just been learning as much as I can, and we've had some good luck last couple times out, and it's turned into a really enjoyable (obsessive) passtime for us. (me) Thanks! Rich