MPM IV

I own these same three reels and a high end unmentionable. I picked them up on various sales and really like all of them. To date, none of them have had mechanical issues. I just like trying different things.

I have an ALX Zolo and would absolutely buy another. I have only held an Avid in the store, never fished with one, so I really can't compare.

I have a Zolo Deputy and would absolutely buy another. As stated, it's a great rod.

I saw you were planning to call, glad it worked out for you. I've never fished a Kistler before, so I'm pretty excited to check them out.

I just want to say thanks to those contributing to this thread. I picked up a couple of Kistler rods yesterday that I otherwise wouldn't have known were on sale.

I recently lost my glasses at the beach and had to get a new pair. After looking around I ended up with two. I got the Oakley shallow water prizm for fishing, and a pair of Suncloud made by Smith just for wearing around. I agree with going somewhere that you can try on a variety before you buy. I like that I can swap lenses in the Oakley's, and they do stay on well. The Suncloud are also nice and cost significantly less, so my next poor decision won't hurt as much. I'd recommend them if budget is a concern.

ALX uses Hydra blanks. I copied this from the FAQ on their website: Q: Are your rod blanks really made here in the USA? A: Our NG Series rod blanks are 100% made in the USA. We source a US made prepeg and then build them to specs here in the USA

ALX rods and their blanks are made in the USA. I believe Hammer Rods are as well.

I got a pack to try and really like them. I just throw them weightless and hop them slowly along the bottom.

Usually two rods, occasionally three, one with a soft plastic and one with a top water tied on. I put a frog, a spinnerbait, and a variety of soft plastics into one worm bag and put it in my pocket. That's it. If I travel, then I'll throw my tackle box in the truck and walk back if I need something that isn't in my pocket.

I have two of the Team Lew's HM85 rods and I liked the first one enough to buy the second. I also have a Tournament Pro that I think is a great reel.

I have two Lews HM85 rods. I bought one and liked it enough to buy a second. I've never used a Falcon rod, so I can't compare.

Congrats on the eight years. I caught my personal best on that same color Super Spook JR. It draws some violent strikes, so you have to wait until the fish has it or you'll jerk it out of it's mouth. Good luck with them.

Zoom trick worms or something similar. My son started fishing at 4 years old and catching bass with them. He can't cast well enough to use spinner baits or anything with a treble hook as mentioned above. Also something Texas rigged is far less likely to end up embedded in them when they stop paying attention.

I agree with doing what's comfortable. Oddly, I cast left handed and reel right handed for baitcasters, the opposite for spinning. If your wrist is interfering with your fishing you may look into the elastic wrist wraps made for weight lifting. They just provide support for your wrist if you get to that point.

I picked up a Daiwa Tatula for about $95 and it's been a great reel. I also owned a Quantum smoke for about a day before sending it back. There wasn't anything wrong with it, I just wasn't crazy about it.

Congrats man. I hope you enjoy it.

I don't know about the hooks, but I watched a couple of youtube videos and just started trying different speeds of reeling and twitching until it started walking. It's my favorite way to catch fish now. Good luck with it.

I just ordered a few. Thanks OP.

There are some fish management areas around that are open to the public. I haven't had great success at the couple I've been to, but I usually have kids and dogs with me, which isn't helping. The link below is old, but with google I've been able to find every lake mentioned. Good luck. N Florida Mike, if you have other suggestions, I'd love to hear them if you don't mind sharing. http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/040702/spo_9072201.html#.VreOaI-cFPZ

The only two reels I own are a standard Tatula and a Tournament pro. I'm happy using either one, but I prefer the TP. You won't go wrong either way.

I'd also like to know if you don't mind sharing.

I have used ebay and American Legacy. Both worked out fine, but my preferance would be American Legacy. I've called them a couple of times with questions and they were very helpful.

I currently own a Tatula and a Tournament Pro. I'm happy with both, but I prefer the Lew's. You won't go wrong either way.

Honestly, I'm new to the area and never heard of any of these, so thanks for posting. They're all about an hour from my house as I live further south, but I'm going to take two of my kids to St. Augustine Rd. FMA this afternoon.