Columbia Craw

Very nice.

Eighty bucks. At 119.99 new and taking a third off, that's close.

I own both. I have the CT and CT type R as well as the MB and a handful of other Lews and Diawas. These are both great everyday work horse reels that cast and pitch well. If you have small hands the Lews may be more comfortable. The differences are very subtle. The Diawas have a different feel when reeling a bait. It's the cut of the gears I think. I feel more attached but that's just me. When the T wing clicks back in place, it's a bit harsh but not bad. You can't go wrong with either reel. The stuff out there right now is impressive.

Flashover Baits out of Kentucky is really good for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Outlaw Baits out of Florence Oregon makes an excellent tube and Cabin Creek in Idaho. Brad Schoenborn of Brad's Wigglers is a friend of mine. His Bait, although a STS staple is a great mid depth wiggle wart type bait with super finishes. There a soft bait maker who sells out of Phil's Propellers in Redding California. Incredible stuff there too. The list goes on forever. There's some real jewels out there we have never heard of.

Be prepared for this: Family law IS gender bias. Family law is AN INDUSTRY and your Attorney will bill you in six minute increments at an average of $21.50 per increment. The attorney will string the process out as long as they can. Stay out of court but, if the mother files a motion for a parenting plan, do not try and represent yourself Pro Se. You'll regret it. Be prepared to spend three to ten grand right off the bat. If the mother enters a motion for a temporary parenting plan and requests a guardian at litem, (GAL) research that person's back ground as there have been GAL's that actually were employed by the a mother's attorney's law firm. You have 30 days to file for impeachment if the GAL looks suspect. If you are assigned a GAL, they will conduct an " investigation" and get well paid for it and you will see a substantial portion of that fee. Your personal life will be an open book. The truth will mean little and context means nothing to some GAL's. I have read GAL reports that were an abomination as an objective investigation. A GAL report will most likely have recommendations for the parenting plan attached. Be prepared for a gender bias report. The recommendations will be from a template and only modified. Family law judges are often pro tem, commissioners and or family law attorneys themselves. The good old boy relationships are very real. Pick your attorney carefully. Father's attempting to speak in court are often cut off at the knees by the "judge." Your attorney will give you directives and advice in serving motions. Any legitimate attorney will have motions and accompanying paperwork served by a paid server. Don't serve paperwork or be present at a service. Remain above reproach. Try and come to a quick and equitable resolution outside of trial. The process will drain you emotionally, physically and financially. This information is not all inclusive. It's complex. Do not expect fairness. Now: Unless a Court has entered an Order limiting your parental rights.... You have exactly 50% of all parental rights and rights to custody of your child. Police cannot enforce civil Orders such as parenting plans or custody disputes outside of a valid Order denying your right to custody. Violations require a contempt motion. Orders such as Restraining Orders or No Contact Orders will have a criminal legend and violation can result in an/your arrest. Find someone you trust that has experienced this process and listen to them. Do your research well in advance. Document everything. Document everything. Document everything. Be patient and keep your calm. Don't allow resentment toward anyone effect your love for your daughter. AVOID social media going forward. I am not attorney. This is not legal advice, just a warning. Each state has their own constitution and may trump some of what I shared with you. I hope your situation will not get ugly. Some get very very ugly. Good luck young man.

Take a look at the Mustang 3087. It's a 35 LB rating and is a series V. It's portable, adjustable and comfortable.

You have to fish one for yourself to make that determination. " Dead " , some people say? I've not heard that. Over priced? I've heard that. I think Champions are fine rod and have fished them for about five years now. That series should at least be a consideration.

The Champion XP744C was developed for that application. I myself use the DX784ML but the XP was not yet available when I picked it up.. Sorry, mine's not for sale.

If you have line twist and don't want to drag the line behind the boat or don't have a boat...... connect a quality bearing swivel to a post, tree or other. Tie the line to the swivel and use your rod. Open the bail and walk off 10 to 20 yards beyond a max casting distance. Slowly reel yourself back to the swivel, watching the to see the swivel is spinning. Maintain some tension. This should remove the existing twist or at least 90 percent. It works pretty well.

Steelhead.

I don't do black Friday but was kicking around at a thrift store in town and found two new Pflueger President 6935 spinning reels for $26.40 each and an Abu Black max still in the clam pack for $18.60. Not exactly a Stella or Zillion but my god-son will be happy. What do you do

The Fury swimbait model hasn't been out very long and there isn't much written about it. A buddy of mine bought one. The first thing he commented on was it would double as his A-rig rod. He had planned on using the 765 Flip but the retail price was too affordable and he bought both. My experience with the Fury line is with a 735C and a 733C. My nephew picked up the 705CB and 765Flip. They are well made, balanced and sensitivity is is not Champion level but not that far from it. I would at least throw it in the mix. The price is right.

I've been a Seahawks fan since 1977. I can honestly say I know what it's like to be bi-polar.

yes and yes, a little

Luhr Jensen Speed Trap LC RC 1.5 Bomber Balsa B 6th Sense Crush 50 Norman's Fat Boy

Join a local club if one is available. In most cases, anglers like to help other anglers learn. The social benefits are many. Congratulations on your retirement.

I think the sweet spot is #8 but would not hesitate to use #6. My buddy likes #10 braid and a #6 leader on his. I am not a braid guy. I reel into my hook sets when I drop shot so #6 doesn't scare me. You have some good size spotted bass so the 742 should be, at least a consideration. My biggest bass on the DX742 was a 7 plus at Clear Lake Ca. It has tip and power. I just like it because of the range of use and weights. To be fair, I prefer longer rods than most people and some back bone. A 2 power no matter what you choose and you'll be gold. I hope this helps you.

The Dx Extreme is now the HP series. The blanks are made from 46 ton Torray. If you will fish to 45 feet, this would be the way to go. I can't comment on the exact model you ask about but the HP's are just a bit faster based on my casting model. I do have a 702 Champ and a Gen #2 DX742SF. The 702 is for lite (#6) line. The 742 can handle up to #10 without a hitch. It's a superb shakey head rod too. If I win the lottery, I would upgrade to all DX HP's.

Shimano "V" Diawa ? The companies are competing for your dollars as all manufactures are. Each reel, regardless of manufacture brings some impressive models to that price range. There is no best. Both models have a history of performance. This may be the time you apply the " what just feels good to me" factor.

I'm the new guy on this forum. I live in Washington. The quality of bass is better than you might think. I recognize the back drop in bassfash's photo.