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I’ve been building and repairing my own equipment for a little over a year and with all this time on my hands waiting to return to work I’ve picked up a a little extra cash doing repairs and upgrades for friends and family. A friend of a friend recently contacted me about building him a rod so it looks like I’ve picked up my first client. I started out with minimal equipment... the $80 MudHole kit with the cardboard hand wrapper, CRB rod dryer, basic tools, and one extra stand. It’s definitely done the job for me while I was learning, but it’s time to get some better equipment. I’ve upgraded a lot of my tools, but I’m wanting to get a new hand wrapper setup and a new dryer and stands. Something that I can use with a power wrapper if I decide to get one down the line. What are your recommendations? Thanks in advance for any advice. UPDATE.... Looking at the Batson line of equipment. Anyone have experience with their hand wrapper? And is the dryer any good?

I used to be into fishing more as a kid, my dad used to take me fishing all the time, however when he lost interest, I kind of put the hobby down for a long time. Now at 26, I'm starting to get into it again. There's a lake about an hour's bike ride from where I live, man-made, stocked, mostly bass. I've started to assemble a few of the things I need, with the goal being to essentially be able to just pick up, any day I want... ride my bike down to the lake (I don't drive), and just spend the day out there. With this said, I've run into some logistical problems with this idea. Namely... transporting equipment. I'm afraid my old school backpack won't quite suit my purposes. See... my largest concern is none other than the arizona sun. I don't want to get out there, finally bring in that big bass, only to discover that by the time I've made it home, the heat has already caused my catch to go bad. In addition to this - riding a bicycle with tackle, and a fishing rod, may prove problematic. Long story short? I'm looking for a backpack with the following traits: at least 2 storage pouches. One insulated - where I might stow a couple ice packs and anything I catch, effectively a cooler, and one smaller secondary pouch in which I can store a small container of tackle. Either molle, or a storage system which can be otherwise used to secure a fishing rod to the backpack, so I can ride a bicycle without hassle. If molle - I'm also having trouble finding a molle attachment for fishing rods. side netting which I could stow a waterbottle in. Water can be re-filled at the lake (no, not from the lake itself. There are drinking fountains), but I would like to have a bottle on-hand. This wouldn't be necessary if the backpack has a molle system (I can find molle waterbottle holsters easily enough). Anyone have any ideas? I've checked Amazon, Bass pro shop, and a generic google search, and haven't found something that meets that criteria fully.

I just recently purchased a 17' ProCraft 170 Combo Fish and Ski with a 90 HP Mercury Tracker Pro and had some questions for equipment advise and if anyone knows where to find the dang ladders for this boat. The receivers for the (from the pictures I've seen) stock ladder set up are at an angle toward the rear of the boat and I haven't been able to find any boating ladders at all that fit these receivers. I had a friend of mine recommend a collapsible rope ladder, and I found a few that look promising, but figured I'd ask around before I spent the $35. I've also noticed buttons for seat pads in front of the windows on the front casting deck, but have been unable to find any online or at my local shops that have bottom buttons like that for easy removal. I've just been using my throwable PFD for a booty pad for my lady, but would like to have the real thing. Last, but certainly not least, I have one of the base model Hummingbird fish finders that came with the boat, but would like to get a nicer one. The fish finder setup is located in front of the window, and is an SOB to see when the sun is in front of you. I guess I'll need to take the window off and move the receiver up on the console to make it easier to see. The Garmin Striker 4 was recommended to me by a friend, and it seems like a solid little rig, but I wanted to hear from someone who has some time with actual machine. ?

What do you guys think would be the best 1 rod setup for bass fishing, as well as the best overall line to choose.

I'm curious to see when some of you guys got your kids into bass fishing. I've taken my son bluegill and crappie fishing before and he keeps telling me he wants to land a "hog". Also, did you start them off on a spin cast reel? or go straight into spinning gear?

Going to buy new equipment and tackle for me is like a small child in a toy or candy store. I want just about everything there regardless of if I need it or not. However when it comes to buying rods and sometimes reals I feel a little bit in he dark. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there, who isn't the most experienced bass fisherman and doesn't have all of this figured out yet. So I'll go ahead and ask, what does all of this mean? When it it comes to rods there is the action, and the power, both of which use a lot of the same terminology. What's the difference and what do they mean? And once I know all of that how do I apply it to what I need? As for reels there is gear ratio's and bearings and drags and all of these different settings and such. What do all of these numbers mean? Once all of those make sense, why do they matter? I'm not completely lost on all of this but I feel like there may be someone out there who is, so if you all don't care to help with that I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated by all of the rookies out there.

What is up with companies not having a left handed model in every gear ratio?! So far, besides the Orra Winch, I can't find a reel with a lower gear ratio in a left handed model

I've been fishing for my entire life but just began to get serious about it in the past few years. I am now completely hooked (please excuse the pun). I want to start fishing tournaments but I'm completely at a loss for what I should have in the way of gear to begin fishing competitively. Is there any must haves and ideas for how to begin. Thanks to everyone who responds!

Hey guys, looking at getting some new rods for bass fishing, specifically casting rods and am ready to buy some quality stuff that is durable and technique specific for under $200. Any pointers?

If you had all of the equipment that the pros have and you were fishing the 2012 Elite Series, how do you think you would do for the season?