Dypsis

Scott - that is one sweet looking rod. Those grips are simply awesome.

The 2500 - I ALMOST went with the 2500S but decided against it.

John you are correct you first turned me to the Rarenium. I was so mad that entire day fishing (I remeber thinking that !#&^%#@ John from BR). But it really is a great reel and would recommend anyone looking in that price range to give it some serious thought.

I have this reel (purchased it over the Stradic because of the color scheme mostly). Bought over the winter and the first time I took it out was in late march this year and air temps were high 20's low 30's and the drag didn't work. Got it home, looked at it and nothing was wrong and the drag was fine. Have used it for hours and hours since then and never a problem. Maybe some water got in it and froze? I'm not sure, but never another problem. Really love the reel.

I think the thought process on that is shad or bait fish have gotten larger in late summer fall time. But they both should work year round. Matt

I was looking around to buy some popping frogs and came across this bad boy. I don't mind spending a little more money on topwater baits as the odds of losing them are far less than others. But this is at least 2x more than most frogs. I think I'll stick to the 8-10 dollar range. Curious - a lot of reviews on TW and others say it fills up with water all the time - anyone have one and have you had this problem? Also, how do you like it? Matt

Thought the exact same thing - 27 holy cow!

Honestly I use GP and B&B 80% of the time. I have a few white/pearl in there as well. I may have few other mixed in but mostly stick to the basic's.

IMO the stock hooks need replaced for sure. There are a bunch of replacement trebles - Owner, Gamakatsu, Mustad, etc. All depends on your alliance if you have one and price. Since in this instance we are talking topwate I wouldn't worry too much about getting better hooks since the odds of losing it are slim.

I have red/green as well - blue is very rare. I think that most men are this type of colorblind. I think less than 1% of colorblind people see no color at all. I too was born with it. Haven't noticed it getting any worse.

One thing I tell people cause all color blind people know when someone finds out that you are colorblind the first question is - "What color is this?" Yes it does get old but I'll play along. I can't speak for others but when I try to describe to people what I see it a HARD question to answer. I tell people that if someone told you a grape was an apple your whole life you would learn what a grape looked like to you and vice versa. I feel I have kind of learned over the years what I see red as or whatever color and do pretty well at ID-ing them. With that being said I am talking mostly about solid single colors, where I am really bad is when a bunch of colors are together ie. rug, sweater, etc. That's why the dot test is so hard. Hope this makes sense.

Funny you mentioned this - I used braid for a while when I first started and never watched my line. As I became a better fisherman and watching my line, I switched over to mostly FC. Then put then put braid back on my spinning reel with a leader and holy crap I can't see that thing to save my life. When I respool I'm putting yellow on for sure.

I also am colorblind and read that same article the other night. I have polarized sunglasses but would be interested in trying copper lenses like Casey to see if there is an actual difference. I also keep my soft plastics in their original package for color names, but honestly for the most part I just fish what I want. I try and stick to GP, B&B, for most of my plastic needs. Funny you mention asking your wife - mine always knows when I'm on TW, I have to call her over and ask what color things are.

Looks like a Trokar tube hook to me.

I don't know where you are seeing them for $170, but I bought them from Amazon last fall for $65 (which I thought was alot). I actually don't like them very much. They are HUGE - like way to big to ware around your belt all day fishing. I have a Boomerang snip like Jeff said and wouldn't trade it for another pair of these. The Splizzors do come in handy and I keep them in my tackle bag, but they only get pulled out occasionally. So yes do yourself a favor and buy the Boomerangs. Hope this helps. Matt

No I let her go, maybe some day I'll catch her again.

Wow, sorry the pic is so big.

Caught my first Crappie today. Got her on a 1/8oz slider head with a Roboworm zipper grub. By my estimates it was 12-13" long. Nothing special but still neat. Matt

Curious as to what everyone's favorite combo is and why? Did you catch your PB on it? Is it your confidence presentation? Did a family member pass it along to you? Matt

Info like price range, techniques you want to use it for would help.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll take a look and grab a few and see where it takes me. Any help on what situations are better from throwing swimbaits? I'll start looking around on here, google, and youtube but any tips would be great.

I have an 852 and it a GREAT rod. I use it mostly for Shakey, Drop, weightless senkos, and occasionally wacky. I've only had it from late fall last year, but its treated me well so far.

I'd prefer to start slow and get a few to try, learn how/where to use them before buying a dedicated setup for them.

Yes, sorry - looking for lure recommendations.

I want to start and toy with hard body swimbaits. My heaviest rod is an IMX 844 rated to 1oz, so I know that certainly limits my options. Looking for recomendations on a few to start with. Also, any other info you want to share. Thanks