FishTank

I picked up a package of these last weekend. They looked good but when I got them out of the package, I could tell that quality was not as good as I expected. I need to fish them before I saw that they're junk. At a first glance though, I would say that there are better alternatives out there at the same price.

IMHO, Loomis makes a more sensitive rod and there customer service is may be a bit better. But with that said I have 5 St. Croix Avid spinning rods and 3 Loomis casting rods. If it where me and I had the cash to get some new equipment. I would go with the Loomis rods and Shimano reels. Specifically, I would get a Loomis MBR844 GLX with a Shimano Calais, a MBR 783 GLX with a Shimano Core, a BCR 803 or 804 GLX with a Shimano Core, and for a spinning setup, a BSR852 GLX and a Shimano Stradic 2500. It's nice to spend other people's money. ;D

Those are some nice reels. That Zillion sort of looks like the red headed step child of the family. ;D

My pick for a Jig and Worm rod would be the Loomis BCR803GLX. I love this rod. It is the most sensitive and best casting rod I own. It handles small to medium jigs easily and it cast a weightless senko a country mile.

I am not a big fan of Tom Petty but I thought he did a great job. I was very impressed.

To me, a good rod is one that fits my needs. It must balance well with my reel and be apropriate for the type of lure and line I'm using. In general, I like a 6'6" or 7' rod MH with a fast, but a little soft, tip on a casting rod and on spinning rod I like a 6'6'' M fast to x-fast. What exactly are going to use it for and how much do you want to spend? More info is needed............

+1

If you can find the old version on clearnce, absolutely.

If you're going for distance and heavy cover the Yo Zuri Ultra Soft in 10lb may do the the trick. But if heavy cover is a bigger concern 30lb Power Pro would be my choice. If have an extra spool you can get both and you would be all set.

Sounds like a good setup to me......

My other hobbies include... Photography Fishtanks- I have discus and another tank of African Cichlids Hiking I also used to be a health and exercise nut. I worked out 6 days a week, 2 hours each time. I got into powerlifting for about 2 years and decided I was getting to old for all the abuse my body went through plus I need to be home with my family. I used to weigh in at 194-197. I could bench around 375-400lbs, squat 500-600lbs and deadlift around 500-600lbs. The sad thing was, I would get smoked all the time in meets. Just in case, I was natural (steroid free) and so were most of the people I competed against. They had strict testing. I always get a kick out of people who took them. You either got it or you don't. What it takes is patience, genetics, knowledge about your own body, and lots and lots of good food.

This thing is far from over.... They're going to tear the house down. It may take all of the off season but I am going to take a guess that the New England Patriots are done as we know it. I've said it before "They didn't need to cheat. They're just that good of a team and also very well coached. It would have made no difference."

My best was a 8lb largemouth two years ago on a XCalibur lipless crank. My favorite though was a 4lb 3oz smallmouth that I cought on a senko.

I attended IU and got see and experience this guy first hand. He is a genius in general. It didn't matter what it was, Knight was an obsessive. But the one thing he loved more than anything else was basketball followed by golf. He was also, I heared, an excellent teacher. I wish him well. As a side note, I always wanted to see this guy commentate a game (uncensored). I would be a riot. This is how I will always remember him.

It's one thing to buy all those hooks, it's another to take the time to replace the ones that need to be replaced. Looks like you'll be busy.

The weirdest fish was a paddle fish. I thought I caught a shark in fresh water. Just a weird fish. I also hooked into a bag of used medical supplies labled BIO HAZARD. It was filled with needles, blood bags, and OTHER STUFF that had blood on it.

.... you take your family out every weekend for a Sunday drive that consist of looking for new places to fish.....

1/2oz Booyah jig with a Zoom Chunk trailer

In the early morning I like using softplastic, worms, senkos, lizards, etc,. Then I go into jerkbaits and cranks. By end of the day I'm back to softplastic again. But normally when the fish are hungry in early spring it doesn't matter what you through, they will eat anything.

Sounds like you got a great deal on a very nice truck.

Very cool. How did you get to meet these guys? Several years ago I got meet and have a brief meal with Bill Clinton and his followers. He was not what I expected. He seemed human and down to earth. He loved to talk about sports and fishing. When I asked him a political question he smiled and sayed, "Ask me later, I'm on break."

Cheaters do win in this modern world.......But they get to go into hiding when they are required to attend a congressional hearing or a Pro Bowl. ;D

The oldest functioning reel I have is a Ryobi big surf spinning reel from the early 80's. It has plastic spools and don't think it has a single ball bearing in it. I also have the orginal Zebco Bullet and an original Zebco 33. At one time I thought I had some state of the art equipment.

If your on a budget of $50, I would hunt for a good deal, save your money or maybe pick up a used one. As far as bargains go, I was able to pick a Shimano Curado 201 BSF for $40 and a Shimano Calcutta 251 for $35. Both were new. Just keep your eyes open.

If you're going to look at the Loomis rods, I would consider getting the MBR783 IMX. This rod could handle both small to medium cranks and just about any soft plastic. Which ever one you pick, take your reel with you and mount to the rods your thinking of. That way you can pick which one feels best.