SPEEDBEAD.

You guys that are breaking CXX on a cast or hookset must be super human or doing something completely wrong. I throw 2 - 10 oz baits on the stuff and have never had a problem. I set the hook HARD on Hudds and other below surface baits and have not had issues. I've had nothing but good experiences with the CXX.

Wanted for impersonating a wildlife mascot (not very well, may I add). ;D

Lauren (my wife) wanted me to throw this one up for her. Anyone mind if she participates? Her pics will be much less fishing centered. ;D

The bay

How is the quality of these baits? I dont want to buy the best, but I also dont want to waste money on a poor quality bait? Also, can anyone give any input on the Tru-Tungsten Matt & Ish Tru-Life Swimbaits? I had good luck with the TT 5" this year. My first choice for a hard bluegill is always a Mattlures. When a smaller profile BG bait is needed, the TT gets the nod. I will warn you, the TT bait gets chipped easily. I have touched mine up with a black sharpie on the bluegill pattern. If at all possible, save your nickels and buy a Mattlures Hardgill before next spring. You will not regret it. If you get it and don't like it, someone will buy it in the flea market. Promise.

That one is a Nikon D40, 18-55mm Nikkor lense. Wife won't let me take the D5000 out. It shoots HD 720p video which would be REAL nice.

Welcome. Where exactly is Longswamp? Figured I would have heard about somewhere with a name like that. ;D

Any opinions on this reel? Never hear a bunch about it, mostly about reels on either side of it's price point (Symetre and Stradic). Let's hear 'em.

That is because you have learned to use your thumb on a baitcaster. Limp braid for me, all the way.

Big Ika Slimmer body profile https://store.baits.com/product.php?productid=43&cat=23&page=1

:-*

LOL, young 'un you don't know the first thing about Sheetz. You're in the new territory. I have eaten at Sheetz #1. ;D

I'd put it up against yours.

That's like peanut butter without jelly, Kool Aid without sugar and fries with no ketchup. It just shouldnt happen. ;D

Oh, got some connections here and there. ;D Still looking for the black and sissy.

Yep, it comes that way. Ito is a pretty distinguished designer. If I am not confusing him with another, he also does (or did) work for Megabass on some of their cooler looking baits. I have an Ito Pop Max that is just sick looking.

Was out a couple weeks ago and picked up a hitch hiker on one of the rods in the boat.

I thought you might like the shirt. I have family in Knoxville and cousins that went to Tennessee. It's a safe bet that I get a t-shirt when they see me. They get a kick out of a PSU grad wearing a UT shirt. ;D

Chronarch 51mg on a custom spiral wrapped Alpster rod, 6'8" MH Shikari pitching BEAST. ;D

Curado 301D on Okuma 7'6"H and a little 3:16 to wet your whistle.

Here is the rod paired with the STX. The bait is a 3:16 Freestyle Lavender Shad.

WHOA!!! Don't hurt yourself counting past 10 ;D

Change it? Sure, I get that. Do away with it? Sure looks like the ol' "bait and switch" to my untrained eye. But can't you walk into a Shimano dealer and trade over the counter?

I have a Pflueger president spinning reel and it has worked for me just fine. I bought it from Senko77 a while back and it is still catching fish. As for Muddy, he is still around. I just spoke to him the other day. He is doing his own thing and is perfectly content.

If that makes a difference to you, put an extra scoop of wheaties in your morning breakfast. ;D