JustOneMoreCast

Something that has been mentioned to me by many builders is to take a look at the size of the level wind on your reel. That's a small hole. I have been using 10's and smaller on everything for a while and what I found is that placement of the first guide about 15" to 20" from the reel keeps everything moving smoothly. The other thing that I like to do when toying with new configurations is once the reel seat and handle are complete attach the guides temporarily and try new locations. Cast the rod, load up the rod, look at what the line is doing. You may be surprised that while conventional wisdom still works there are alternatives that might work better for you.

I have not tried the Gold, but fish two of the regular Carrot Stix. I've had one of them since they were introduced. I can't justify the extra money because I am happy with the weight and balance that I get with the standard. The biggest issue I have with my Carrot Stix is the sensitivity. I put them down and pick up another rod and I miss a fish or two before I figure out that my hands have been spoiled with the Carrot Stix.

The Kellogg Fishing Club of Houston Texas is beginning 2009 on Coletto Creek February 21. The Kellogg Fishing Club is 40 members strong and has been fishing Texas lakes for over a decade. We promote sportsmanship in bass fishing and share tips and techniques at each weigh in. We allow one guest tournament prior to joining the club, and have reasonable entry fees as well as optional side pots for big bass. I would encourage fisherman looking for a fair and positive club outing to look into this club. Please review the attached 2009 Tournament Schedule and contact me if interested

I wanted to welcome myself back to Bassresource, I've been away. 2009 looks to be a great year so here is what's up in Houston Texas area. Kellogg Fishing Club of Houston is my affiliation and we have a great schedule for 2009. Let me know if you are interested in some friendly club fishing. Carrot Stix....I have been building rods for 20 years and Ken Whiting has hit a winner with these things....not quite good enough to make me quit building rods, but these things spoil your hands.

I have not seen that exact reel seat either, but it does not look like it would be hard to duplicate. American Tackle sells skeleton components that would allow you to have something very similar. You can also buy some cheap reels seats, and sit down to play with your Dremel tool. SG

ReelMech hit it right on the head. If you want to get it as clean and right as possible a mixer is the way to go. Simple and inexpensive to make, they did detail it in Rodmaker Magazine as before mentioned. If you have to flame a wrap 99% alcohol in a lamp will do it best. (my opinion) or you can use some of the other rod finishes like glass coat. SG

I fish with the Kellogg Fishing Club out of Houston. Feel free to check us out. Scott http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=42879/*http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kelloggfishingclub Scott

I wanted to let everyone in the South Texas area know about the Kellogg Fishing Club. We are about 40 members strong and fish 9 tournaments per year. Lake Fork, Fayette County, Coletto Creek, Gibbons Creek, Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Nacogdoches and this year we have added Choke Canyon. We fish quite a few paper tournaments on slot lakes, and have scales for the lakes where you can bring fish to the ramp. We encourage friendly competition as well as catch and release. Lots of photos, lots of good times, and a pay out that can usually cover fuel etc.... Please feel free to check us out. We have a newly created group on yahoo. http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=42879/*http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kelloggfishingclub Scott