G3 Fan

I think the theory behind it is to keep the line from contacting the blank when the rod has a load on it. idlov2fish is right once you use it you'll like it. I love my custom (thanks Flechero)

If you are going to have technique specific rigs you might want to have technique specific lines. I usually only carry a few rods and I have a MH casting outfit with 12# Trilene which is my spinnerbait, buzzbait, senko, tube, etc rod and then I have another casting rod with 30# PP and I use that for frogs, jigs and heavier worming. Also take into consideration what kind of cover you will be fishing. I can't really comment on flourocarbon, I tried it on a spinning rod when it was new and I thought it was too fussy. The stuff on the market is much better I just haven't messed with it.

You might want to check out All Star's Team All Star line. I think they are a lot of rod for the money(less than $100.00). They have two different 7' Medium actions. I have the 6'8" MH it is a custom by Flechero and that is my all round rod. I can throw just about anything with it, I haven't thrown many crank baits though. I too fish mostly from the bank and when I had this rod built I was using a 6'6" M action rod and as a bank fisher I had troubles landing fish. If you fish the outside edge of a weedbed from the bank you have to get the fish THROUGH the weedbed not away from it as a boater does. Just my .02 worth

I wipe mine down after each use, especially if I am fishing in water that has a lot of floating debris that collects around the line guide and drops down onto the reel seat. As for a full blown cleaning I'd say monthly, I sell and trade my gear quite often and I try to keep things looking like new. So to answer your question, no you are not weird. By the way, I ordered an STX today because of your glowing reviews.

If you are looking for an inexpensive reel with the flipping switch the Quantum Code has it, at least the BPS KVD version does. And I think the Daiwa Rojo has a switch on it that acts like the Castaic when the switch is depressed it engages the spool. I don't think the Daiwa versionis quite as handy as the Shimano version though. And for $150.00 you can get the Ardent flipping reel but I think by doing that you will end up with a very technique specific rig.

I have used Castaics and I really like them. I don't have any now because I am always selling and trying out new stuff. Before I bought my Castaic I posted a question on here and some people complained that they would accidently hit the instagage when they were casting (conventionally not flipping or pictching) After owning one I don't see how someone could get their hand that high on the reel, even when I was flipping and pitching I had plenty of room. Typical Shimano quality with a reliable braking system. I really liked it for frog fishing, with a conventional reel I will sometimes drag the frog a little bit when I turn the handle to engage the reel. With the instagage that wasn't a problem. I hope Shimano updates it someday since it is looking pretty dated. I'll end up with another one by the end of the summer.

I agree with Burley, also I think the intended use needs to be considered. I do a lot of bank fishing and I like longer rods for the added leverage and longer casting.

Hey Flechero, You know I want a matching set! PM sent

DW, you should get a commission from ABU, you are doing a good job of selling me on the Revo's. As for the Carrot Stix posse, has anyone had one long enough to know how well they will hold up? When I looked at them in the store I was kind of put off by the guides, I'm sure they selected those for weight reduction but I was concerned about their durability. The things are light though.

I am looking for a heavy cover rod I want something for Frogs, C rigs, jigs etc. I would like something light in the hand in the 7' to 7'6" range. It can be telescopic as long as it doesn't weigh a ton. I know this is a loaded question but I would like some suggestions, the budget is no more than $400.00 for the rod and reel Thanks again for the input.

I want to thank you all for the great feedback. Of course I was hoping for a landslide decision one way or another. Actually I am glad that it is such a personal opion it just shows that the mfgs are turning out good equipment. I did fish all weekend with a borrowed Black Max which I know is a different mag brake than the Revos and I was pretty impressed with it. For the most part I prefer centrifugal brakes. If I buy the Reese I couldn't afford a second reel and I am on the fence about a low gear ratio but it sounds like maybe I should get an SX or STX and a winch (or other mfg with a CB) and see which one I ends up being my "go to" Thanks again for all the great feedback.

I have spent the weekend trying to decide which reels to buy. I am about 90% sure I have it narrowed down to the Revo line but I need advice from some members that have experience with the products. I am getting two reels and I will probably get the two different gear ratios. My first question: is the STX worth the extra $30.00 over the SX? My second question is in regards to the brake systems, It seems like ABU has gone to a centrifugal braking on their newer releases (Winch, Skeet Reese, Toro) is this a better system? Any issues with the linear braking? Thanks for your help. Steve

I think it goes both ways and depends on the price point of the "signature" series. If you look at the Quantum PT series signature rods you will see the Quantum Pro's fishing them. But the BPS Quantum KVD rods and reels are consumer grade. I think Skeet Reese fishes with the Skeet Reese Lamiglass signature rod. And the Skeet Reese reel from Abu Garcia is a high end reel and I think Skeet uses them. So my $.02 would be the price point dictates if it is a pro grade signature series or if it is just a marketing ploy.

I have the 7'6"MH flipping stick in the IM7 series. I am pretty impressed with it. I think I paid $60.00 for it. It has Fuji guides and an ECS reel seat. I have only been using it with frogs so I don't know how sensitive it is. I am not impressed with the IM6 series the guides are cheap looking and there isn't enough of them. But I guess for $29.00 it would work. My brother in law has one (IM6) because they had a deal if you bought a reel over $40.00 you got a free rod. He hasn't fished with it yet though.

Thanks for all the great advice. Even though the Ohio website was messed up I looked at some other states and it seems that at will employment states are pretty much the same and my option is to take the cut or quit. I worked for a family owned business for 18 years and in April they sold out to a national company. All of our time/seniority was supposed to come with us. Yesterday I found out I was classified as an entry level manager and thus the paycut. I don't know who to vote for in November but whomever ends up in the Whitehouse better make it a priority to get jobs back in the USA. Thanks again for all of the input.

I know this is a weird topic but I am tired of searching the web. Today my boss came into my office and told me that the company was going to reduce my pay by 17%. I asked him what would happen if I didn't accept the wage reduction. He told me I could resign if I don't like it. I don't make a lot of money and I don't know if I can survive on the reduction. I think he wanted me to thank him because he "fought" for the 17% because corporate told him to do 20%. And he was nice enough to get it moved to an effective date of the 12th instead of Friday. If they would have laid me off at least I would have some money coming in while I looked for something else. This way makes me feel trapped. The Ohio website is meesed up and when you click on the wage and hour tab it goes to the prevailing wage page. I know all states are different but does anyone know if employees have any rights or do we have to bend over and take it? Thanks for any help. Keep an eye on the Flea Market I may be having to do some serious liquidation!

If you are comfortable taking things apart (this is pretty easy, no major surgerory) Take the handle and drag star off. The one way bearing sleeve should slide out if you tip the reel on its side and tap it on your palm. It should be a one piece sleeve with prongs on the end which engage to provide the anti-reverse. I wouldn't be too surprised if it comes out in a few pieces. I have had a bunch of Accurists and I have had that break on two different reels. I don't recall if it kept the reel from engaging but it did create some slop and grind.

I have or have had both. The one thing I will say is if you plan on throwing a wide variety of weight the Citica's brake is easier to adjust on the fly. The Revo requires loosening a thumbscrew and removing the side plate. The Citica has a quick release and the sideplate stays attached to the reel. Also, I think the Citica has better spool access if your hands are on the bigger side it can make a big difference. I am going to use my Revo on either my pitching rod (the brake will always be "off") or on my frog rod (baits are always 1/2oz). I think you should go somewhere that you can do a side by side comparison and she which feels better.

I haven't owned an Escalade, it is kind of a Code clone with a magnetic brake. I personally don't like the Code because I think the drag star is too sharp. I also think that for learning on a baitcaster a reel with a good brake makes all the difference. Cabela's has the Accurist 2 on sale for $60.00 and I think the ACSII brake system is pretty good. Reed's sporting goods has the Accurist PT on sale for $90.00 and there is a $30.00 rebate from Quantum. IMO those would be much better than the Escalade. http://www.reedssports.com/Product/product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=9102

I'm pretty sure the Escalade is another one of those Dick's exclusive items. I haven't seen one out of the package. I get a little sceptical with the Dick's exclusive items. They always seem to be on sale for about half of the "regular" price. With the Quantums for instance would you pay the $120.00 for one of those when you can get an Accurist PT for $10.00 more? I'm sorry Hydrilla I am not trying to bust your bubble and I am sure those reels are worth the $60.00, I just get steamed when it comes to the advertising practices of these big retailers.

I have spent some time considering the same idea. I think the benefits are flats boats don't require as much motor due to their size and weight. I think one of the drawbacks is the ride comfort, most hulls are designed for skinny water and poling. I have read some articles that say the ride in open water is wet and rough. So that may be the price for straight tracking and no hull slap while poling. I think for the money a bass rig provides a little more "bang for the buck" If I was going to buy a skiff I would get the Beavertail. http://www.beavertailskiffs.com/

Welcome to the site, I am not sure which boat you have but if you are asking if the boat has a bilge pump on it there should be a switch on the dash and the pump will be located in the stern close to the transom. You should be able to access it from your battery compartment. It will be sitting low to the floor and have a hose running from it going through the hull. The boat should also be equipped with a drain plug. Which again would be through the transom or just under the transom on the bottom of the hull. I wasn't too sure what you question was so I hope this helped somewhat.

Wow, thanks for all of the great feedback. First to clear the air with the Roadwarrior senile1: senile1 is right on both counts (I am impressed) I am a huge guitar fan and I like G3 boats. Ironically I can't play guitar to save my life and I can't afford a G3 yet. Sorry I digress. Thanks again for all of the good feedback I think all of the positive feedback in regards to St Croix may have pushed me in that direction.

I am thinking about getting a new spinning rod and I am looking for some help with the decision. I want a rod that will handle weightless softplastics (Flukes Senko's etc.), small spinnerbaits (3/16oz), etc. Most of the waters I fish have moderate to heavy cover (mostly weedbeds) I am looking for a rod with enough tip to cast the lighter stuff well and enough butt to turn the fish. At the same time I am trying to avoid ending up with too much rod. I am considering at the Avid series 6'6" and I don't know if the M or MH is the right way to go. Same story with the Loomis I am considering the IMX but don't know if the 782 or 783 is the right rod. There is no retailer close by with these rods in stock and I really don't feel like driving 2 hrs to BPS if I can avoid it. I am interested in input in regards to rod action and sensitivity, at this point I haven't decided how much I am willing to spend. Thanks for your input.

If they won't give rainchecks I would be surprised. I looked at the ad on the web and the print ad I received in the mail. I couldn't find where it says "Limited to onhand quantities" like some of the other items in the ad does. Every time they have had some sort of in store sale they never have any left and they are always willing to give me a raincheck. The closest BPS is two hours away so I dan't care too much abour rain checks. I agree with Sam call the store you are going to and get a name and a commitment.