FishTank

I have a 7' M Johnny Morris Signature Series casting rod, it is a fine rod and a good value but it pales in comparison to my G. Loomis rods. Yes, it does have an excelent reel seat and maybe the best guides out there but it is no were near close to the sensitivity of a Loomis GLX or IMX. The action is totally different. It is more of a moderate-fast rod. I find that this rod does well with lighter crank baits but not so well with jigs and senko type baits. I have tried buddy's extreme and tourney special and I thought they were also good rods for the money. It would be hard to find a rod of the same quality at the same price but I would not compare them to higher dollar rods. Bottom line, I guess, is one needs to fish both and find what fits that persons fishing style, comfort level, and wallet.

I have taken several sniffs of Berkley Powerbaits and the odor is nonexistant compared to Chompers and Gambler baits. Remember it's ok to sniff, just don't inhale. ;D

I am a big Shimano fan but I think I am going to jump the fence and buy a Zillion tomorrow. Of course I may change my mind and get a Curado, again. Overall, hands down, Shimano is the best.

The 5' senko has to be my favorite. I yet to find a color that I can't catch a fish with.

My best deals last year were: 1. Shimano Calcutta 251 $35 2. Shimano Curado 201 BSF $45 3. Quantum Energy PTi-20 $80 4. Zoom 6in lizards, any color, $1 per pack BaitMonkey was happy :) I also forgot to mention that my reels were brand new and not displays. They just happened to be on clearence.

I almost purchased a capricorn baitcaster last year at Dick's when it was on clearence but it fell apart when the salesman was spooling the reel. I had never seen a reel have the handle and side plate fall off when it was being spooled and this is after I had looked at it and turned the crank several times. After that experience, I don't think I would recommend the baitcaster capricorn but the spinning reels have worked well for the people whom I know that own them. It may have something to do with the baitcaster being a Dicks exclusive. Is the spinning version an exclusive branded reel or is it widely available?

Power Pro has been awesome line for me, especially in the 50lb test. I never have had issue, other than the 20lb tieing into a spool on a spinning reel. This was easily fixed with a little bit of mono backing on the next refill.

Would it be safe to say, I need a 7' heavy, fast action rod? I have been wanting to fish a pond that is infested with lilly pads. So l'll need something that will be able to pull some big fish out of some thick cover. Any other ideas would be great but I think Redlinerobert may have picked a good winner. Thanks again.

I tend to lose one about every other trip. I think I have purchased about 10 Silver Rapala DT 6's last year. On a good note I only lost 2 Lucky Craft lures last year. I don't know why, but I tend to snag less LC's than anything else. Maybe something in the back of my mind is saying, "Are you crazy,that's a $15 lure you're fishing with!!! Pay attention to what you're doing!"

I made up my mind to get the high speed Daiwa Zillion. I will be using it for topwater (frogs, buzzbaits,etc.), jerkbaits and lipless cranks. Any suggestions on a rod (length and power)? I am kind of partial to St. Croix and Loomis but would like to here opinions on whatever?

Congrats Colts. Is there any doubt about Manning? He is simply the greatest.

Pizza, beer and Plasma. Go Colts

Zoom finesse worm for me as well.

Thanks for the suggestion Raul and RW but I have a Sustain 2500 and believe it or not, it has an IPT of 33". ;D I am really looking for a baitcaster. I have been using the Sustain for this purpose but I have become more comfortable with a baitcaster and besides the Baitmonkey keeps hounding me. I have been considering a Daiwa Zillion, Quantum Tour Edition Pt and (of course) the Shimano Curado but I am intersted in reading opinions on whatever reel that you guys suggest.

I have tried both and each seem to be about equal in number of fish caught. If had to go on looks and quality, I'd say the Booyah.

The Pointer is one of my favorite lures, especially the American Shad in the 100 size. Just wanted to see what everyones favorite color/size was in this lure.

I have been thinking of buying a "burner" reel and wanted to see if anybody had a favorite or any opinions on what to look for. I will be using it to fish spinner baits, buzz baits and frogs. I have not decided which rod to go with yet. I am going to wait until I can put the set together before I decide. Thanks for any info.

I have a BCR 803 with the recoil guides and it is the most sensitive rod I have ever used. The guides have not been a factor except with braid (sufix and powerpro). Braid causes a lot of noise. So personally, I would stay with mono. Anyway, enjoy your new rod.

I have a 251 and so far it has been a excellent reel.

Just in case, I saw that P-Line is offering a $6 mail in rebate if you buy two spools. Thought this might come in handy for those who had mentioned they were wanting to try the new Halo and Evolution. http://www.p-line.com/home.php

The Kreature has become one of my favorite baits. I fish it like a craw or a lizard, T-Rigged with an 3/16 bullet weight and a 4/0 EWG hook.

Early last year I looked at both of these reels and could not make up my mind. I ended up buying both with the intention of returning one, this was with the salesman's advice and permission. I fished both on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday for about 8 hours each day. I ended up returning the Stradic. The Quantum just was a better feeling reel. It handled the bigger fish better, it was smoother and seemed to be a better made reel. The only complaint I have of the Energy Pti is the drag. There is not much a setting difference between tight and loose. Just in case, this is not to say that the Stradic is not a fine reel, I just like the Quantum Energy Pti better. I now have two of them in the 20 size and I would I highly recommend it.

Wow!!!!! Awesome rod and reel set up. Enjoy your new combo and I hope your shoulder gets better soon.

I have both Shimano and Quantum reels but Shimano is my favorite,

I had one and it was excellent rod until it broke when I was setting the hook on a monster catfish. I then had a bad experience with their customer service when I tried to get the rod repaired under their warranty. If it had not been for the bad customer service, I would have rushed out to buy another one. It was a fine rod for the money. I have talked to several others who have owned an All-Star and they have no complaints about quality or customer service. My experience seems to be an isolated one.