Al Wolbach

If you are looking for a dedicated reel for pitching/flipping I recommend at least look at Ardent. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10200550_175003000_175000000_175003000_175-3-0 You need a reel with a lot of drag if fishing really heavy cover and this reel has that covered.........Al

This is where I get mine...They are very helpful, give them a call...............Al http://www.ufpnet.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

Clear Water, check this for info: http://www.easttennesseefishing.com/ Good Luck.................Al

Ditto

Dan, thanks for sharing your insight. I have recovered from the initial shock of the announcement and will probably still purchase G loomis products. However, I will look at other rod companies a little harder than in the past. I further believe you will see a significant increase in warranty claims which you will have to disapprove which will lead to unhappy customers, etc. Many of these customers would have used the expeditor service prior to the change. Ripple effect. I still don't understand how you folks or even myself are going to keep track of which of my three GLX MBR844c's have been sent in using the Expeditor program. I truly hope after the dust settles these changes work well for all..........................Al

I have several, you will be pleased...............Al

Check out St Croix magnum cranker 7' 10" . Great deep cranking rod, sensitive and light..........Al

Go to the G Loomis wed site and look for the Xpeditor program. You can get a replacement for $100. Your timing sucks. Last weeks replacement cost was $50........Al

You would have to lie to get either to take it back without a receipt. The BPS where I work part time will not take it back. Even with a receipt they are skeptical of returned reels................Al

I own three of them and very pleased..............Al

I currently have 10 G Loomis rods(I had not counted before). I just e-mailed Loomis to let them know I would not purchase or recommend their rods any longer. I also work part time in the fishing department at the local BPS. I had always used the replacement policy to justify the cost in my mind. That statement is no longer true. I would recommend you e-mail G Loomis at their website. Just click on contact us...........Al

sage- you can take apart some Motorguides and make the correction being talked about(adjusting gears) but I'm not sure about MKs'. I would suggest following K_Mac's advice and contact MK or one of their repair facilities...............Al

Loosen the knurled knob on the mount and rotate the shaft/head until it is where you want it and tighten the knob.........Al

Interesting. It and the trim gauge to me are pretty much worthless.That being said, the only thing I know to check is the wiring at the gauge and at the sending unit at the tank, broken connection, corrosion, etc................

Shad Raps are hard to beat and Bandits are good as well. Really a lot of good crankbaits for that depth range..............Al

I am the exception to the rule with Vanish. I have used Berkley Vanish for at least 10 years and never had a problem with it. I buy bulk spools and have for years. I am also a part time employee at BPS which allows a large discount on XPS line. I had read on this website positive reviews on the XPS line so I tried it. I removed 17lb Vanish and replaced it with 17lb XPS fluro. I use it on a dedicated flipping stick. The digging problem exist with XPS not with Vanish, before or after. However, possibility I adjusted the knob, not sure. I also tried using Trilene 100% fluorocarbon without issue(except price). Your theory is interesting and may apply to someone switching from mono, particularly if they are making long cast, but does not apply in my case. However I do not totally rule out a cockpit error. Loose line on the spool may be part of the problem in my case but it still does not occur with Berkley fluorocarbons. Far to many unknowns to make an honest evaluation but, for me, XPS digs in, Vanish and Trilene 100% does not and I was curious if anyone else had the same experience with the XPS................................Al

I thought the $34 I am spending on Amsoil was high. I too am on the 4th gallon for the bass boat. The pontoon boat has a 115hp Yamaha four stroke. Changed the oil/filter/lower unit last weekend= $45...........................Al

I really like the floro for jigs and soft plastics regardless of technique. One problem I have had is seeing floro in certain bright light conditions. When the sun hits the floro from a certain direction I loose it, not good when flipping/pitching. I even tried Vanish Transition and it was just as bad. But to me the good points out weight the bad.............Al

I agree Wayne, but if the drag is slipping you can't horse with the rod. That's why I recommend a reel with a high drag capability. Most Shimano low profile reels are only about 5 lbs, Revo winch about 25lb, not sure about Abu round reels or the salt water reels. The Ardent flipping reel has a great deal of drag also. Anyway you need a lot of drag and normally a low retrieve rate to horse with, as well as a very stiff rod. Not sure which Shimanos you're referring to, but the last 2 generations of Shimano low profiles have had significantly more drag power than 5 lbs. Check out TackleTour's review of the new Citica: [ftp]http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200epg4.html[/ftp] Now, I don't take their word for gospel, but I figure they probably know better than me. Obviously, I'm a little biased towards Shimano. But, my best fishing buddy fishes Daiwas and Shimanos, and he'll tell you without a doubt the Shimanos have more drag power. The Revos are a different matter - everything I've read says they have incredible stopping power. You are correct. My Shimano training was 4 or 5 years ago and they have increased their drag. Sorry, I stand corrected................Al

If you want a worm that will lift the weight of the hook also the SK 3x is the only one that I know off. And I would still use a light wire hook..........Al

I agree Wayne, but if the drag is slipping you can't horse with the rod. That's why I recommend a reel with a high drag capability. Most Shimano low profile reels are only about 5 lbs, Revo winch about 25lb, not sure about Abu round reels or the salt water reels. The Ardent flipping reel has a great deal of drag also. Anyway you need a lot of drag and normally a low retrieve rate to horse with, as well as a very stiff rod.

No I did not have any digging issues. The line is a little more stiff than the Yo Zuri Hybrid that I also use but it is manageable. I feel like I lose a little casting distance with the Flouro because of the stiffness but other than that I have no complaints. I pitch t-rigged plastics with it with no backlash trouble. As Fathom stated "this is the reason I quit theXPS floro." I went back to Berkley because of the digging issue but I thought it was just me. I use it 17-20 lb for flipping/pitching and line is sometimes a little loose on the spool.............Al

My favorite on a Carolina rig..............Al

Did you have any problems with the line biting into the spool after a hook set? ...............Al

After cleaning as suggested, coat the connections with dielectric grease. You can purchase at any auto parts store for a few dollars. This will prevent it from happening again.................Al