HoosierHawgs

I would probably buy one of those Lew's and stick it on an All Star Rod.... Some people don't think they are quality rods anymore, but for the price they are still great rods. You can get a good deal on one at Academy I'm sure.

Not a fan of combo rods. The reels are fine, but the rods are not generally very good. That reel is good, but I'm not a fan of the knobs, this is a personal preference. I would look into Berkley rods. They are a great value. The used market is good too

Thanks for the advice! Will definitely be taking precautions in the future. Luckily he did not tear any of the muscles or nerves up in his hand. He did have to get a tetnes shot.

Funny post above. Local reservoirs can definitely be a jackpot. The one by me is 10 acres, so I can cover the whole thing in one trip, rarely anyone else fishes it, and access from the bank is very good if you are willing to hike through some grass, cat tails, and a little bit of mud. We've regularly been catching 5 and 6 pounders. Dad even caught one that was 7#, then it hurried a hook in his hand.... Hook remover and fishing gloves were the first things on his Christmas list...

I'm gonna say basically the same things the others have said. I have not a lot of experience tournament fishing, as I just don't have the time and means to do it, but I certainly will try to get into when I do, hopefully joining a fulltime BASS or FLW club when I get into college. But don't let your age hinder you! If you are in good health, do it! Your age will only stop you if you let it get into your head.

I was looking into this also for price and handling reasons. Co Poly will be very abrasion resistant, sometimes even more than fluorocarbon, but it will not be as sensitive. At many times it will have better handling. There are some good inexpensive Fluorocarbon lines, Seagaur makes really good lines, and they are inexpensive and they are all on sale on Tackle Warehouse for the 25 Days of Christmas sale. Red Label is very inexpensive, there are mixed opinions on it. Invizx is also fairly inexpensive, not so much as Red Label, but it has better opinions in terms of use as a mainline. It is soft and supple, which is why it's a good option if you are worried about handling (I also like Berkley Trilene Professional Grade 100% Fluorocarbon XL if you are worried about handling, but it cost slightly more). Abrazx is also on sale, and is stiffer than Invizx, but it is also more sensitive and abrasion resistant. There are plenty of quality choices that are fairly economical when it comes to fluorocarbon line.

I had a thread about this below. AJ posted some articles that are a good starting point. There are some other good points others have made. * have some really good videos on throwing swimbaits that I have been watching, they make some good points as well.

Good show! I really like the concept of a 'Dual Tournament Format' so to speak. There is a reason it's been on for over a decade. Great show!

Hello fellow Hoosier! Welcome to the forums!

Thanks! What is the ration on your Curado?

What Hootie said above is true. I would rather have the Cardiff myself because of price range. I'm sure they are both good little reels. Shimano makes some really good round reels. I'm still using my dad's old Corsair and it is smooth as butter. Die Cast Reel frames are also a lot better these days compared to 10 years ago or so, so I have no problem buying Die Cast Frame reels. Good read, thanks for posting.

Nice fish! Looks like you have had some good days on the water! What set up are you throwing it on if you don't mind me asking?

A lot of people like the Abu Garcia Veritas Cranking rods. The 2.0 model is $100, and they original model from last year is on sale at Tackle Warehouse for $59. I also like Berkley rods a lot, and they have a new model called the E-Motion Performance Series that has technique specific models, including a few different crankbait rods for $80. The Field and Stream Tech Specks are nice also. They don't have a cranking specific model, but the soft plastic model is a 7' Medium Fast, and I felt it at the store and it seems like it would be a great cranking rod for $60. There are lots of good options

I have bought many different styles of baits in the past, but I'm starting to move to one brand thing, I'm mostly buying big bite plastics these days. I use the same bread of reels, rods, spinnerbaits.... It's just started clicking for me like that

Were leeches or gobies the predominant forage?

Thanks for the help guys! Really enjoyed the articles. Thanks!

Soft paddle tail baits (the big 5 in ones with the holographic prints, not the trailer style ones, hard glid baits, and the sebile magic swimmer, which really interest me)

I know nothing-and I mean nothing- about swimbaits, so I figured why not turn to you guys for help! Please post any tips, articles, and past threads that would help a newbie out! Both hard and soft swimbait info would be appreciated! Happy Holidays

Rod- 6'6" Medium Heavy Berkley Lightning Rod Reel- Lew's Super Duty 8.0:1 Lures- 1/2 Oz Green Pumpkin Football Jig Rage Craws (I'm assuming hooks and weights w/this, I'd also use them as trailers) Square Bill Crank (Silent) 1/2 Oz Colorado Blade Spinnerbait in a Dark Color Savage Fear Finesse Dog Walker I'd fish it on 12-14# Berkley Trilene Fluoro XL I'd fish it at a small local reservoir, bank access only, It's where I caught my Personal Best, the one in my profile pic

Those are some nice fish! I remember catching some decent fish in the Jacksonville area when visiting family!

Saw an add for the one they use on Reel Time called Deeper. Looked interesting, but you have to tie it on, and if you only have one rod, you will have to take it on and off, or have a dedicated rod for it.

Good luck! Great to see another fellow Hoosier in the forum!

One around here known as Heroes on Water. They do Kayak Fishing Rehabilitation for wounded vets. Check out Central Indiana Kayak Anglers for more info. All of their tournament fees are donated to them

Thank you! I will be doing this soon. I'll take some pictures, and write some stuff down in my notebooks. Thanks again!

Question, what is the length of the boat, horsepower of the motor? I'm thinking about buying a similar used boat myself.