bp_fowler

Hit up a small local pond today that has a reputation as a good crappie hole. Well apparently there’s more in there than crappie.

I only know them from the gun side of their business, but have nothing bad to say about them.

I’ve had a few issues, I mostly blame myself because I definitely fall into the “use too hard” category lol. Not wedded to Lew’s though. Either way I’ve got a few more options to mull over.

I’d like to keep it around $50. I could go as high as $75 if it’s a good value. My preference is for a medium or medium light/extra fast or fast depending on manufacturer. 6’6”-7’ ft, really just a multi purpose spinning outfit. The Lew’s was my first choice just because it was cheap(er) and was easily had at my local Wally world. However I’m certainly willing to entertain other options and you guys have given me a few suggestions.

I’m not an expert on the blank manufacturing process but I was kinda hoping that there wouldn’t be a difference. Just wanted some confirmation before I pulled the trigger.

Broke my spinning rod today. Was eyeing a replacement rod which is a Lew’s Hank Parker Speed Stick. It is readily available and within my budget. Through the search function I’ve seen that the casting version has a positive reputation on this board and wanted to ask if folks felt that the spinning version was an equal value.

I use 8# on my spinning gear throwing almost exactly the same stuff as you. I haven’t had any problems with it. Especially once I learned to spool it on correctly. Also I use the cheap stuff (Vanish/Basix).

Another vote here for big worms. Recently I’ve been using them on magnum shaky heads rather than Texas or Carolina rigs.

I pretty much only throw senkos and senko knockoffs weightless Tex rigged. Catches just as many for me as the traditional weightless wacky but seems to get hung up a lot less.

I like it!

I thought it would be interesting to pick everyones’ brains. Here’s the scenario: It’s early summer and you’re a bank angler at your favorite hole. You’re limited to two rods & reels and an average sized fanny pack to fill with what ever tackle you want. What are you taking, and why?

To me it’s not an either or proposition. They are complementary not competing styles. Just like a major league pitcher, even if you have a 100mph fastball you still need a change up.

I think the folks on here would need to know how much you’re willing to spend before they could give you recommendations.

First day without rain/thunderstorms since the weekend. I was off work so took my boy out fishing at a couple new spots. First two were pretty weedy, milfoil, Lilly pads, cattails, etc. and we managed to catch a few smaller fish throwing our Texas rigs into holes in the vegetation but this place was screaming for a frog and heavy braid and we really weren’t equipped for fishing heavy cover. Tried a third spot we’d never even heard on the advice of a fellow angler we met at the boat ramp. Ended catching a 2lbs 6oz LMB which is a pretty respectable fish around these parts.

The rod power (medium) generally has no bearing on whether or not it’s a casting or spinning rod. There’s both medium fast casting and medium fast spinning rods. Although most of your heavier power rods do tend to be casting and most of your lighter rods tend to be spinning since most folks will cast heavier lures with a baitcaster and lighter ones with a spinning rod. My M/F rod is a spinning rod, and I use it for the following : shaky heads, 5”unweighted senkos both wacky and texposed, 3/16oz 4” tubes, Rapala Original F11, 4” soft jerkbaits, Mojo Rigs, and in a pinch I’ve used it for Neko, Ned rigs, and drop shots. It really is a versatile rod. When selecting a rod I usually look at what weight lure it’s rated for and make my decision based on what lures I use in that weight range and go from there. For instance the lures I listed above are all within the 1/8-1/4 range so I know they will cast efficiently from my M\F rod that’s rated at 1/8-3/8 Oz. I think matching the weight is more important than whether it’s a casting or spinning rod. ***EDIT*** Also keep in mind that different manufacturers will rate their rods differently. What is a Medium rod for one may be a medium-heavy for another.

Went on a camping/fishing/hiking trip with my son this past weekend. Murphy seemed to be an uninvited guest as I had all sorts of equipment issues, hangups and ended up skunked. However my boy caught his PB of 2lbs 2oz so it was totally worth it. The last couple days here we’ve been dealing with crappy weather so I’ve been stuck inside listening to him talk smack about landing the biggest fish so far this year. Today however we were able to get on the water and reminded him that ‘ol dad can still walk the walk with my biggest fish this year at 2lbs 6oz. Now I’m looking forward to hearing about how I only beat his fish by 4oz. ?

Just being out there is good enough for me. If I catch something it’s just gravy. After all, my worst day fishing is still better than my best day at work. ?

Thanks!

One more question if you don’t mind. How much backing do you spool on?

Does it matter what lbs test the backing is is?

Even with all the money I’ve spent on gear and tackle, it’s still cheaper than therapy.

I’ve been fishing with my 15y/o son before but never specifically for bass. Started taking him this week and he did great the first time out!

So this is probably a dumb question but how big is “big”? Does it have to be 10 inches or larger?