Alpster

Keep your eyes peeled for spinning combo on sale at BPS or Cabela's. You can get a Plfueger President or Shimano Sedona on a store brand rod for cheap and have exactly what you need. Just my suggestion. Ronnie

I thought Quantum was made by the same company that makes "Zebco" products. I guess I assumed they made the lion's share of their $ selling spincasters and such at WallMart. I have an old Quantum Tour edition US300, although it feels tight and stiff when you crank it, it casts like a dream and still fishes great. Ronnie

I fly fish for everything when I get a chance. Ronnie

It kind of looks like your choices are........... A. I will invite a buddy to fish with me and be happy to accept whatever he offers to help with the expenses. OR... B. I will fish alone and pay all of the expenses myself. When I invite a friend to fish with me, they are my guest. I have no expectation that they will pay for anything. If the expenses are high and they offer to help cover it, I will sometimes graciously accept some help and be happy with it, no matter what the amount. If you invite a friend, just to help cover your expenses, you are inviting a conflict. Shucks, if you are furnishing a boat and a tow vehicle, he should pay for everything, right? There is more than one perspective on everything. I would have no expectations and be thankful for any help that is offered. Your friendship will flourish. I hope this helps. Ronnie

Cliff, Flexcoat is what I used on your rod. Go to their website and look at "how we do it" and follow those instructions. Here's the link.......... http://flexcoat.com/measnmix.html Good luck. Ronnie

Nope, same old RM. There was a glitch in the forum software some months back that lost some board names that could not be retrieved. Reelmech was one of the victims. Thankfully, he's OK and still with us. Ronnie

Hey EJ, The Basses are awesome. I hope you are enjoying playing as much as I did. Way to go. Hey Fisher, I led the Worship Team at our church for several years and enjoyed it more than I can tell you. Became an elder and had to get out of the way and let someone else step into that role. I still love to sing and work in the drama ministry. More pulpit teaching than anything else these days. Life is GOOD! Ronnie

Not a band, just my partner and I with a couple of acoustic guitars. We played some college circuits in Louisiana & Mississippi, had a regular gig in our college town. Played at a lot of churches and Christian rallies in the New Orleans area. Mostly contemporary Christian, lots of folk with some light rock & blues. Had a grand time in those days. I miss it! Ronnie

I learned to play the guitar at 16 and was a classical guitar major at Southeastern Louisiana University. Recorded an album in 1979 (yep, vinyl LP) Made my living playing for a while in the 70s. Arthritis has ruined my hands and I can't play anymore, but I have some awesome memories of performing for crowds of thousands and recording in a 24 track studio. Ronnie

Awesome Cliff!!!!!!! Way to Git er Dun!!!! Your in big trouble now. Keith is like a heroin dealer. The first one is free. Another fisherman prisoner to rod building. Good for you man! Ronnie

I'd say that pretty much covers it.

I fish with baitcasters 90% of the time. Ronnie

I still have a Shimano Bantam that's more than 30 years old and It still fishes like new. Not trying to argue or defend, just stating a fact. All of the major reel manufactures make awesome reels nowadays, but for some reason, fans of other brands seem to feel a need to attack and degrade Shimano reels. I honestly don't understand it. Ronnie

Backlash occurs when the line spool turns faster than the line exits the reel on a cast. The line collects around the spool and tangles into it's self. It happens to everyone who uses baitcasters and is nothing to be afraid of. You prevent it by setting up your reel properly, starting out slowly and practicing a lot. Start by following the instructions in this thread. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1151590913 Practice short casts at first until you have learned how to control the line speed with your thumb. Gradually increase the casting distance as your ability improves. Hang in there and work on it. You will be glad you did. Ronnie

For me it's a matter of how often and how critical the the work is. A fancy/expensive pry bar is a waste to me, Harbor Freight is fine. However when I welded up my luggage carrier for the Goldwing (someone could be hurt or killed if it failed). The Lincoln SST welder was well worth the extra cost. As with most things, it's a cost benefit issue. For repaing the lawn mower or garage door, Craftsman tools are great, but if you were working on tiny foreign cars every day and had to reach into very tight places, you would quickly come to realize the value of Snap On tools. JMHO Ronnie

I like the LP reels for most bass fishing. I still have a few round reels for live lining catfishing & hybrid fishing. Most types of reels have a particular application where they really shine. Ronnie

The Revo Premier and Daiwa Sol are at the same price point (within $10) as the Cronarch 50Mg. I don't have any reels on the list, so I'm no help here. Ronnie

I have thrown a Steez on several setups that belong to friends of mine and I am not that impressed. I have 4 50Mgs. I think they are fine and I never change the brakes, regardless of wind direction. Don't assume that others are "lost and looking for an answer" just because they do not agree with you. Some will take offense. JMHO Ronnie

This is a very common comment from those that own or have fished the reel. This is my comment also. I have 4 of them. 8-) Ronnie

It could have been a hybrid striper. They fight like a monster and will destroy any lure they grab. Ronnie

All of the above with a flippin stick and froggin rod. LOL Ronnie

I think that heavy gear will cost some sensitivity as it will absorb some of the transmitted vibrations. I shoot for lighter rods & reels for feeling light bites. JMHO Ronnie

If you are using a circle hook (finesse hook?) you don't have to set the hook. Fish will usually hook themselves, just lift the rod to add a little pressure when you feel a bite & reel them in. It's worth a try. Ronnie

Under the 'expiditor service' Loomis will send you a new rod and keep your old rod, no matter how minor the break. I don't know what they do with them once returned, but you can't get them back under the program. Ronnie

I like the Tungsten bullet weights for more weight in a compact size. This is the biggest advantage in my opinion. Ronnie