FishTank

It is supposed to be around 50 degrees tomorrow so I was thinking of hitting the water. Do you guys have any favorite baits or setup for cold water? I usually pack everything up for the season the day after Thanksgiving so any info would be great. Thanks.

I have had one lure from Lucky Craft that was bad. It was a shell white pointer. I was setting up my reel and dipped it in the water for the first time. Before I make a cast, I always check the knot and that's when I noticed that the paint was all gone and was floating in the water. I tried to contact LC but got no response. I then called BPS where I purchased it and they exchanged it with no problems. The new has been fished numerous times without any issues. I would hope that a company that charges $15+ for lure would have better customer service.

I saw a show with him as a guest on ESPN. No mention of any of his products but you could tell that this guy is obsessed with fishing. He had a totally different personality. He was nothing like the TV game show host I have been used to all these years. In fact I did not even know it was him until his name appeared on the screen. I don't think I would ever buy one of his lures but I have purchased a lot of other stuff that only caught trees and stumps.

Is the DC feature on Shimano reels a realistic upgrade or an expensive gimmick? I had the chance to cast a Calcutta 201DC at a BPS a couple of times and it does cast a long way but it did not seem outstanding. The bad thing was I was casting with a light rapala shad rap on a BPS Extreme 6'6'' M. This was not a good set up IMHO but this was just what the sales guy was playing with.

Without a doubt, the Stella is the best.

Like Ronnie, my best and favorite, is my loomis mbr843c and a shimano calais 201a.

I have become a big shimano fan so my favorite at that price range is the Sahara. I found a 4000 on clearance at Dicks for $25.

I am right handed and I have used spinning gear for years. Late last year I tried to learn how to use a right handed baitcaster. I had no luck. I tried again at the begining of this year and still no luck. I borrowed a left handed baitcaster from a fishing buddy and the problem was solved. I now would have it no other way. It has to be a left handed baitcaster. It just feels natural, so why fight it.

I have looked at a Steez rod and they are very nice but after rigging a reel on it, I still like my Loomis GLX. It is just a personal feel thing. As far as the TackleTour Reviews, I do recall a review on a MegaBass rod, I think, that broke at the tip. They gave it a poor rating, explained in detail what they did and did not like about it, and then all of sudden the review was gone. I have searched their website and found nothing. If someone can recall this review or maybe fill in the blanks, please list some more details.

I have had a bad year or two with the bait monkey. I have purchased quite a bit so far to replace my old stuff that I have had for 10-15 years and I just want to show my wife that I am not the only one. If anyone wants to list what they have and what they use it for, maybe we could all gain some insight. For me I have 4 baitcasters and 3 spinning reels. 2 Shimano Curado 201 BSF (05 model) both on 7' M BPS Johnny Morris rods=Crankbaits Shimano Calais 201 on a 6' 6''G. Loomis GLX MBR783C= Everything Shimano Calcutta 251 on a 6' 8''G. Loomis BCR803= Plastic Shimano Sustain 2500 on a 6' 3'' G. Loomis Bronzeback SMR753S-SP= Crankbaits and plastic Quantum 20 EnergyPT on a 6'6'' St. Croix M Avid= Smaller Light weight stuff Quantum ? combo reel on a 6' St. Croix Truimph ML= wifes poll (NOT USED) Thanks for any info and some one tell me how to make the bait monkey stop.

X-Raps

Shimano is the way to go. You won't regret it.

I just started using LC last year and yes once you buy more will follow. It is just a good quality bait.

Awesome reel. My wife saw this picture and said, "Nice mug shoot of that !@#$ Baitmonkey. If I ever catch him, I'll feed him to the fish." ;D ;D ;D I hope that monkey delivers one of those to my house.

I just purchased a Calais 201A and it now has permanent home on my MBR783C. It is just amazing. I could not be happier. If money is no object then the Calais might be a perfect fit. My second choice would be a Curado. In any case, I would take your rod to the place where you plan to purchase your reel and take a couple for a test drive. See what feels right to you and go from there.

I noticed BPS has some XPS lure kits on sale for $9.99. Are there lures any good? I have looked at them before but I don't know anyone who has tried one. They look good but do they catch fish?

WOW. Wish we could get us versions.

P-Line Flourclear #12

The Lucky Craft Sammy 100 is my personal favorite.

ReelMech, As always, thanks for the info. From now on when I purchase a new reel, I will make sure I clean it and relube it. FishTank

My favorites are PLine Flouroclear 10 and 15lb and Powerpro 30 and 50lb.

ReelMech, I have noticed this at four different stores; a BPS, two Dick's Sporting Goods, and a Gander Mountian. All of the reels where Shimano. I purchased five 201 Curados (2005 model), a 251 Calcutta, and 201A Calais each of these had oil. I have looked at some Chronarchs and some new Curados, not all had it but some did. Most were unopened, still seeled with a factory sticker. I could also feel it on the inside of the plastic bags they come in. The oil thing is not a big deal. I am just curious. I thought maybe it was on there for storage reasons.

Maybe a shimano calcuta 50B. I believe it has a 5.0:1 ratio.

Wow :o That was fast. Thanks

I was trying to add up how much weight I have been using on one of my rods and I discovered that I have no idea how much, on average, a 5 inch senko weighs. Thanks for any info.