Eric 26

I really enjoy the trip reports.

@Pat Brown After seeing many of your pictures I’m sure a hog photo will follow the fishing trip 😉

Hmmm 🤔 You sir are correct 😬I blame…..oh heck I can’t come up with anything on this one 🤪

Thanks to you and my local sports radio stations I am definitely coming around this season 👊🏻😋

I’m not sure how or why this post has been resurrected but I was able to sell a mint condition SLX for $65.00 and a mint condition BPS Carbonlite 2 combo to my local shop last year for $85.00. I didn’t mind the beating on the combo as I only paid $120.00 when I purchased it. My point is it’s worth a call if you have a local shop closer to you.

If I may ask, why do you feel this way? If I’m not mistaken they are both suffering from a rash of injuries. Not to mention they both beat the Patriots and both lost to the Giants🤔 And trust me I feel your pain as I’m a lifelong Chicago Bears fan that poor @Mike L has had to talk off the ledge more than once on this site😂

Me personally I’d be more than just upset although I’m not sure what course of action you can take from here.

Although I may be in the minority on this one I enjoy the “Bangles” covering “Hazy Shade Of Winter”.

@Mike L You and everyone else down there stay safe. My prayers are with you all for a much weaker storm than is being predicted.

Definitely a fun one. Albeit I haven’t watched much football so far this season ☹️ I will also add I really enjoyed watching my beloved Chicago Bears beat up on the hapless Carolina Panthers😃

I hope this doesn’t come across as ignorant or uninformed but which casting model Shimano comes in a 100 size? I only have 2 Shimano casting reels which are a SLX MGL 71 and a Curado 151 MGL which much like @FrnkNsteen I feel have more than enough line capacity for my fishing style, but I will add I own a 100 size Daiwa Tatula and (2) 80 sized Daiwa reels that both hold more than enough line for my style of fishing. It seems to me at least the Daiwa’s hold more line than the equivalent sized Shimano’s in the first place if that makes any sense.

I have zero anywhere near this man’s experience and knowledge but I know enough to know when he shares an opinion I listen.

Almost all of my baitcasters are spooled with either 10 pound big game which is budget friendly and readily available or 10 pound Suffix Advance Monofilament.

I’m not sure if you’ve found what you’re looking for yet but the Bass Pro Shop Crankin Stick comes In medium light in 6’-0”, 6’-6” & 7’-0” for $79.99. I have the previous version in 7’-0” and absolutely love it I throw everything from 1/8 ounce inline spinners, 1/16-1/4 ounce road runners and my favorite a Strike King KVD square bill in 1.0 (1/4oz) or 1.5 (3/8 oz), I currently have a Tatula 100 paired with it for reference.

Welcome from New Lenox Illinois.

This is a new one for me but I won’t be picking it up again based on the hazy tropical that I felt tried too hard with the fruit juice. The brain melter was my favorite of the 3.

We had a bit of a cool down mid week which cooled down my favorite retention pond with a 70 degree plus day yesterday which had the crappies up close to the shoreline 😃

If I’m not mistaken the Alphas has the same frame as the Tatula 80 which I own along with a SLX 71 MGL and if you feel the Shimano is too small you’ll hate the Alphas. I have short fat fingers and I myself love my Tatula 80 but in your case I would suggest maybe the new Tatula 100 or even a Tatula 150, either way you should be able to handle both at a tackle shop or better yet a BPS if there’s one near you. Best of luck and keep us posted on your purchase.

I should have added the Okuma I referenced above is marked as a moderate fast not a fast although they do have a 7’-0” medium fast. I will also add it is a very versatile rod with enough backbone for single hooked baits but enough “give” for treble hooked baits as well.

Regardless of what they’re supposed to be they are definitely good looking and would definitely catch bass in my beloved retention ponds.

I love my Okuma TCS-A in 7’-0” medium plus. Recommended by @MiceNReets and was reviewed on this site, a sweet rod for sure.

Oh my god I needed this thread so badly. I’m laughing out loud with every post 😃 Although my vote goes to A-Jay I wanted to give you all a like but I know I wouldn’t be able to so a group one is in order

I’m currently using Kastking monofilament in both chrome blue and rebel red in 4 pound test. Although the blue color faded really fast it hasn’t affected the performance, the red color has held up extremely well. I also bought a spool of fluorokote in 4 lb test a handful of years ago and haven’t had any issues yet. I’m not sure what you’re fishing for but I’m fishing small retention ponds for bluegill, crappie and small bass for what it’s worth.

Wow, absolutely beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing 😃