Lucky Craft Man

I have two Quantum Energy PT's and I am not a big fan of them. Overall, I guess that are not a bad reels, but on a comfort level, they just don't palm right . I used to use one on my jerkbait rod, but a lot of hand cramping after using them for extended periods of time would occur. Now I use a Revo SC on my jerkbait rod, and it is much more comfortible. The Quantum Energy PT's have drawn duty on my Frog rod and Carolina rod (two rods I don't use much)

+2 +3

I saw that show and it could be a good rule to go by if you are starting out, but I got so used to my technique specific rods, that using any other rod for that lure feels weird to me. For example, I throw my senkos on a G Loomis BCR893 and if I try to throw a senko on any other rod, it takes me little while to adjust in my accuracy of casting with the new rod. So, I assume Rick Clunn is just saying that instead of trying to get used to or expanding into technique specific rods, just use the same rod you are used to and expand its function. (But if the bait monkey is a good friend of yours, and you were fooled into buying all technique specific equipment, just get used to it and you'll be fine)

Very good rods at a very good price (and they travel nicely) Casting: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59075_100002006_100000000_100002000_100-2-6 Spinning: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59069_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2 PS I would wait for a sale (which happens often on these rods). I purchased mine for $69.99 each.

x2 For example, I have a rod that is just for jerkbaits, which after the Spring, I don't carry with me until the Fall. I have a frog rod, that I only carry in the summer, etc. At one time, I may have 8 rods at the most in my boat.

He must have been expecting a very important call to leave his bluetooth earpiece in during his video.

I spent 12 years in college (Not working on just one degree - ended up with 4), and I really enjoyed it (until the end, where I finally started to get burned out). If you don't enjoy it and see no reason to be there, quit. But remember, what looks like a solution to a problem may only be a short term fix and could have long term effects.

Could you or does anyone fish the bluegill or any other swimbait on braid?

You can belong to either side: To group A who is ready to shell out the money for what looks to be a "good deal" specially when it comes to new products with absolutely no track record. To group B of skeptical selfish sobs who like to watch the fight from oustide the ring that don 't shell out a penny until group A has shelled the money getting and trying a product with absolutely no track record. Or Group C someone who got the reel brand new for half price and couldn't resist tring it out.

Greyhounds #133? I was about to adopt the two Greyhound dogs that finished #1 & #2 at the track last weekend winning me $130 on my Exacta.

I love this lure, but I will say, it sucks around any type of cover (both weeds and wood). It is my prefered lure running over submerged weedbeds (as long as I don't get it into the weeds) and around docks. My largest LM bass last year came on this lure (though, it was only a 5lb. 4 oz. LM bass, which is no record breaker).

I have the Viento, which has a twitching bar, and I just purchased the Megaforce. I actually don't use the twitching bar much, but the viento is a great reel. I purchased the Megaforce, because it seemed like a good reel for the money and not specifically for the twitching bar. You may have fun with it for a while, but in the long run, you may not use it much.

I think the absolute best spinnerbait rod out there is the G Loomis SBR812C (or the SBR813C if you tend to use a little larger bait). As far as reels go, I like the 100 version of the Citica and Curado. The 200 is just not as comfortible to me (and I don't like a high gear ratio for spinnerbaits), but it is a personal preference.

This is what I say, but I cast my vote for "There he is" (I figured it was close enough.)

I love Zona's Show! His show is by far better then some of these other shows (e.g. Fishing University, Beat Charlie Moore, etc.)

I use only Abu Garcia C3 and C4 reels for Muskie fishing. I know these aren't the top-of-the-line reels, but they are beasts and work very well for Muskie fishing (two of my Abu Garcia C3 reels are going on 12 years and are still working smoothly). If you are only planning on having one Muskie set-up, then I would get a C3 (it has a 5.3:1 ratio), but if you expand and get another Muskie rod, I would get a C4 as a second reel (it has a 6.3:1 ratio). That would be my suggestion.

I would suggest a Medium Power, Fast Action 7' rod (though, since you are fishing small ponds and streams, you may want a little shorter rod, like a 6'6" or 6'. Length is usually what you are comfortable with)

Here is what I use: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat600036_TGP&id=0036308120691a&navCount=2&podId=0036308&parentId=cat600036&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600036&hasJS=true I purchased the 3600 model and it fits right in the front pocket of my tackle bag. I placed all the hooks in the zippered pockets on the binder, and all my weights, extra skirts, split rings, clips, Carolina Rigging items, etc. in the zippered pages. It works very good for me and I don't have to worry about the split rings or clips going all over the place.

I organized a bachelor party once for a buddy of mine who was a fisherman. We planned an informal fishing tournament (there was no weigh in, it was just based of length measurements) where those who had a boat would take some who didn't and those who needed a boat were able to rent one. We fished for about 5 hours and then met back and had a big barbeque. If was a lot of fun fishing with all these guys I didn't get to see much. Even a few guys who never really fished had fun.

I faced the same question a while back. I had the Cabelas telescopic rod (I had 3 of them) and really didn't like it. It was way too soft for any serious fishing. A great travel rod at an affordable price is Bass Pro's Extreme travel rods (you can get them on sale for $60 if you wait). They are 3 pieces and come in a very durable tube. I think their overall length is 28", which is slightly longer then what you are looking for, but they are worth the trouble the added 2 inches will cause. I have three of these rods (2 baitcasting and 1 spinning) and take them with me when space in the vehicle is an issue. Bass Pro has a great customer service and will stand behind their rods. These rods would be my suggestion.

I have the 100 and had the 200. I ended up trading the 200 in for another 100, because I didn't like how big it was. It just wasn't comfortable to fish with, so in my opinion, if it's uncomfortable to fish with all those other extras aren't worth it.

I use the GLX BCR854C for t-rigs and I love it. I would recommend the Mossyback equivalent if you are going to use braid. I also have the MBR844C IMX, which I use for pitching and have it matched with braid and the MBR843C IMX, which I use for tubes and flukes and have it matched with hybrid. The MBR844C is a little stiffer then the BCR854C, but is good for heavy cover. If you are going to fish heavy cover, then the MBR844C may not be a bad option. If not, the the MBR854C (or even the MBR853C) would be a good choice.

For shallow crankbaits, I actually use a 7.1:1 ratio reel (31 IPT), because it doubles as my jerkbait rod and I like a high ratio reel for jerkbaits. For medium running crankbaits, I use a 6.3:1 ratio reel (28 IPT) and for deep diving crankbaits, I use a 5.8:1 ratio reel (23 IPT). I have got used to these ratios for the various type crankbaits and I think that you may find a comfort zone as well. Though, I don't think I would ever use a 7.1:1 ratio reel for deep diving crankbaits. That would wear me out. If this is a dedicated shallow running crankbait rod, then a 6.2:1 ratio reel would be fine (the Curado 100D was a very good suggestion)

To answer you question specifically, I have a buddy who has the 7'0" Shimano Compre Crankbait rod and uses if for jerkbaits. I assume he is pleased with it, because he hasn't said he wasn't. I use a G Loomis Bronzeback 6'9" Crankbait Rod (SMR814C-CB) and I couldn't imagine a better jerkbait rod. It is the perfect length and has just the right action (enough moderate action to help keep the fish hooked up with those trebles during the fight, but fast enough to work the bait effectively and can handle those 1 oz. LC Pointer 128 jerkbaits). Whoever designed this rod knew what he was doing (or maybe he didn't, since it is classified as a crankbait rod and not a jerkbait rod)

I asked this question not too long for replacements on my LC Pointer 100. From the various answers, I have found that Cabelas now sells VMC and Gamakatsu treble hooks in size 5 (which is the size on the LC Pointer 100SP). They have them in red as well.