vernon

Hmm. Last I looked the mighty SEC west was 0-2 against the lil' ol' Big 12 in bowl games this year! And 3-3 overall ain't exactly domination. In fact, the NOT toughest half-conference had the exact same record! I can't believe I just did that but I did.......

Uh oh.

It's been over two years since my primary tackle bag was stolen out of the boat at the Kimberling Inn and I still haven't even come close to replacing everything. I've asked for and received tons oft advice on the forum, made lists, shopped, ordered on line, you name it but it still never fails that when I'm out on the water I discover something else that I don't have. I'd either forgotten or didn't realize I didn't have it anymore until I needed it again. Before, I knew where every, single, little thing was, how many I had of them, when I needed to restock, etc. but now it takes me twenty minutes to figure out where I put half of the new stuff. Not to mention all of those things that I'd had for over twenty or thirty years that can never be replaced. It's like trying to reinvent the wheel but you no longer have the plans or the parts list! In my experience, I've found that replacing rods and reels and electronics is relatively easy but terminal tackle and accessories not so much. Again, good luck putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. I don't envy you.

I know that's right! Have you seen that pile of schematic advantage out there? I say silent little prayers for David Beatty all the time but I'm not so sure that Trump doesn't have less of a mess to try and clean up! At least so far, I ain't heard nobody saying they're going to "Make KU Football Great Again"!

I'm pretty sure Charlie Weiss is available. Proven winner too!

Aww. I'm sorry. As everyone knows KU guys don't get many chances to throw rocks during football season so when we see even a little opportunity look out! Youre right though - I do NEED to go fishing to purge some of this festering animosity.

Man that blows. Been there done that. Several times unfortunately. Hopefully, insurance will cover it but there's always at least some out of pocket expense regardless plus it's a pain in the behind. Best of luck achieving resolution in the quickest and least painful/expensive manner.

I forget - does he coach basketball or track? Isn't Nebraska in the Atlantic 10 or something nowadays? I do kind of remember them though. Didn't they have that Turner Gill guy that ended up being a great coach for a while at Kansas?

No, no, no - not at all! No apologies necessary. You have to try WAY harder than that to pizz me off! I'm proud to say that I outgrew any sensitivity issues quite a few years ago. I've just been cursed/blessed all my life by being quite anal when it comes to taking care of my stuff and I've taken plenty of grief for it believe me! In fact, regardless of the intent of the accuser, I always take it as a compliment. Some would call that "denial" but whatever! One of the reasons that I almost exclusively fish Table Rock (actually there's a LOT of reasons) is that it's easy on my boat. I'll venture to Truman or LOZ once or twice a year but I'll typically be a nervous wreck the entire time worrying about putting a gouge in the side of the boat. A pitiful affliction but it is what it is I guess!

AND at high speed!

You know, I bought my first new one in 1975 and have had twelve more since and I've treated them all the same. I'm no different with my tow vehicles either. Can't stand em' dirty or messed up in any way. Believe it or not, there's been quite a few times that my first stop when I get to Table Rock for the week is the car wash! My grandpa's and my dad were always super meticulous about such things so I guess I got it from them. Not a bad thing but I'll never win a bass tournament either. Of course, I've never actually entered one so there's that!

Hey, you guys do realize that all of us "pretty boat" guys are right here listening don't you! I'm the first to admit, my boat costs me more fish than it adds. But, I'm fine with that and actually like it that way. I must or otherwise I wouldn't have the dang thing! Fortunately for boat dealers and manufacturers, there' enough of us to go around although I know plenty of pretty boats that ain't so pretty no more. Not everybody that gets one cares I guess.

That's kind of what I was getting at. I do prefer all of the handles to be the same as that does make a difference to me from one to the other but I know that's not always possible. And, usually after a half dozen casts or so, that's not really a factor anymore either. At least until I switch back! Thanks for the info.

No problem here - I get so danged confused going from one page back and forth to the previous model and then on to the other one that it's flat impossible to keep em' straight. I actually wrote them all down side by side in a list so I could at least try and make sense of them all. That's why I love asking you guys that have already sorted through them all and know what works and what don't! Think I'm probably gonna spring for the 172 as (similar to the McClleland that I have) it seems like it would be extremely versatile. I'm still debating on the weightless worm rod. Can't make up my mind whether I want to go for casting or spinning in that regard. Have typically thrown jerk baits on spinning tackle just because it seems easier when it's blowing a little although that might be entirely due to me using the wrong rod for the application. Plus, jerking on a spinning rod has just always seemed a little awkward to me. Like the idea of another decent topwater rod as well. I tend to favor the smaller top water baits and it sounds like this one would be great. Anyways, thanks a lot for the information - I'll probably be getting back to you before it's all said and done as I never seem to run out of questions. And I AM bored. And thanks to 1farmer as well. He actually seems to be a pretty smart guy for being a little feline challenged!

Thanks! Sorry though. I'm not sure that two cats qualifies you as an expert on anything. Doesn't it take like eleven or something? In fact, I'm certain that one of the reasons that I'm so inadequate in so many areas is due purely to my cat allergy! I'm just not getting the necessary karma or gamma waves (or whatever else it is that cats provide) from my chocolate lab! Hence, I shall continue to try and cherrypick whatever information that I can from the cat rich and, consequently, superior intellects! You, on the other hand, might want to head down to the animal shelter in order to top off your supply of smarts!

Johnny, meet Donald!

Another one to take a look at is Snell Golf. I think the Snells, Vice and Costco are all pretty similar although I think the Kirkland's at Costco are still considerably cheaper. I hope you like that reel! Mine's been awfully good thus far. I don't know if you'll agree here but I thought the Lexa felt a little heavy too until I put it on a rod and then I didn't notice it so much. Wondered if maybe it was more of a balance issue? Like, because of the larger spool maybe more weight is toward the front making it seem heavier? I don't know but thought it might be a factor. Not noticeable to me when fishing though. Just think though, now you have an entirely new purpose whenever you visit Costco! Instead of the same old boring trip for the usual stuff you can get a little excited kind of like an Easter egg hunt! Probably not, but thought it was worth a shot!

Man, I'm old! I need to look back to see if I can find the pictures it's been so long. I remember in 1980 or 81 I had matching 8 -10's that spring, one out of Table Rock on a jerk bait on a stump flat in Piney and one out of Beaver slow rolling a spinnerbait through a shallow brush pile when the water was clear as gin. Saw that moose come up out of there as if in slow motion and engulf that blade. I like to have a heart attack! Next was a 7 - 2 on a jig in Buzzard Branch in, I think, 92' and a 7 lb. even out of Woolly the following year. The single biggest bass I've ever seen on Table Rock was about five or six years ago up in the back of Trace Hollow. Again, the water so clear I could easily see the bottom 15-20 ft deep. I had pitched a little centipede up in one of the dock slips that belonged to the church camp up there and had about a pound and a half Kentucky grab it. As I was bringing him in, a bass that had to be well over ten pounds came out from under that dock and grabbed the spot! Having experienced this phenomena several times previously I tried to be patient enough to allow the big un' to get the smaller fish deep enough to land her. Unfortunately, after at least four or five times of taking the fish away from her and she coming back to grab it again and again, it finally either gave up or got spooked and went back under the dock. That poor Kentucky didn't have a scale left on it's body when I finally pulled it in. Needless, to say I spent the next three hours in that exact same spot and went back there every day for the rest of the week but never saw it again. What a thrill though! Will never forget that baby. Sadly, I don't remember anything else bigger than 5 1/2 to maybe close to 6 since then and even those have been far and few between. Apparently, my skills eroded dramatically as I got older! Although, realistically, for the last fifteen years or so my entire approach changed pretty dramatically and it shows. I spend WAY more time these days boat riding with my wife, squeezing in rounds of golf (NEVER used to even take clubs along) and even sleeping in some on days when I used to be on the water before sunrise. It might also be telling that all of those fish came from the James River arm when we used to stay up at Shadrack resort when Gene Larew was still alive. Since then, we're primarily in the Kimberling or Indian Point areas. While we venture up that way usually once per trip that's way different than spending an entire week there 4 or 5 times a year fishing 12-14 hour days. Old, lazy or lack of talent - take your pick!

Thanks James! I was hoping you'd chime in. Do you know is the Jason Christie design you refer to the model CCB-5-172SJ S? I ask because I can't find anything that actually has Christie's name on it that matches your description. And, if so, do you think there's a discernible difference between that rod and the McClelland model swim jig that I like so much? As I mentioned earlier, I really like the McClelland for spinnerbaits and also found it surprisingly effective for some other stuff as well. The reason I ask is the specs (other than the micro treatment) listed on the Falcon webpage are identical for the two rods. Really, the only difference that I can spot is the $20 in the price. Certainly no biggie, mostly just curious and, I guess, a little bored! If you don't mind another one, do you find the weightless worm casting rod useful for any other applications besides the jerker? Duh, and weightless worms I guess. Thanks!

Thanks Jim. Your experience seems to parallel what I was wondering and I also gotta think that your mention of 20 years ago is important. Like I said, I don't mind paying extra for the best when there is a discernible difference but it really seems like the advantage gained by spending more is becoming less and less as years go by. Unless we're talking Snoopy Rods (and I saw a video a while back of a young lady landing a pretty danged nice bass on one of those too!), even the lower end of quality brands seems to be pretty dang good nowadays. Similarly, everything else from reels to outboards to boats to electronics seems to be improving at a remarkable pace. I used to split hairs constantly when choosing a brand/model of something trying to ensure that I got the absolute best of the best - and I still do although I'm beginning to wonder if it's really worth it anymore. EVERYTHING just seems to so dadgum good anymore that it's becoming more difficult to go wrong. One example might be that, like a lot of guys, I always thought that Ranger Boats was the undisputed Cadillac of bass boats and, while I still do, I'm also aware that it's actually more a matter of brand loyalty than an arguable fact. All the top boats out there right now are so good that it's more personal preference than a matter of quality. I guess that's what's at the heart of my question about the Falcon rods. Am I getting what I pay for or am I just spending extra cause I can. Thanks again for the advice - I really appreciate your insights.

I hear Champ188 LOVES him some Beaver Lake! Thinking about becoming a striper guide!

Never mind. Carry on. (You're gonna need a bigger boat though)

I find that offensive! Just kidding - actually, NOTHING offends me anymore! Young lady has talent! Well done and the Merriest Christmas of them all to you guys.

Holy cats! What are you goin' after? Tarpon? Merry Christmas nonetheless! I'm glad at least one of us is already happy with what's under the tree!

I have a rather subjective question regarding the Falcon rods referred to above. Are there really noticeable, practical use differences between the Lowrider, Cara and McClelland models for the money? On Mr. Babler's recommendation I have two of the McClelland Micro swimjig bait casters and two of the Jeff Kreit Squirrel Tail spinning rods and absolutely love them both. In fact, I like them both way more than my G.Loomis rods that cost a $100 more. That being said, I was gaining interest in the Cara's mentioned in this thread and upon further review noticed that there are lower priced models with the exact same spec's in the Lowrider. I even messed around with a couple of the Lowriders in the weightless worm and finnese jig models at Cabela's and thought that they felt surprisingly good in my hand. So, back to my original question - for practical purposes and in the hands of a mediocre recreational level angler like myself does the difference really justify the cost? I get that there are "measurable" technical differences in so far as materials used in construction but what's the REAL difference when the metal meets the meat? The forum is loaded with posts from guys that swear by their lower priced or off brand "specialty" rods that they wouldn't trade for all the tea in China. And, since I like the Falcon's that I have now more than the higher dollar Loomis' might I find the Lowriders to be the equal of the Cara's? I really don't care that much about the money as I have spent (no pun intended) my entire life always buying the "best" of whatever I could afford and I've always believed that you get what you pay for. If I can't afford the best I just don't buy anything until I can scrape together the bucks necessary to get whatever it is that I really wanted in the first place. I've been able to pretty much eliminate "buyer's remorse" with this philosophy and have seldom had any regrets. Again, I realize this is all pretty subjective but it is winter and other than Christmas what's there better to do to than discuss tackle? Thanks and the Merriest of all Christmas' to each and every one of you!