Rod S

I see them. They look great!!!

I am not aware of any magazines that cover everything you are looking for, unless there something out there in the flyfishing world. My favorites are as follows FLW Outdoors Bassmasters Bass Times Illinois Outdoor News does have fishing reports from Illinois lakes. A lot of their content and fishing reports you can get on line. Prarie State Outdoors has a fair amount of info online. http://www.prairiestateoutdoors.com/ Time on the Water shown on xfinity/comcast, covers lakes within driving distance from Chicago, especially if you like fishing with wacky worms. Probably not much help, but these are the media sources that I frequent.

I own numerous baitcasters and my favorite is the Bass Pro shops Johnny Morris Signature Series, they currently go for $119, I have three of them. They used to sell them for $169. Recently I spoke with a BPS salesman and he told me that they are changing the manufacturer of those reels for next year. I wouldn't be surprised if they're at close-out pricing in March. I also have the BPS Extreme which is OK for the money. I believe the quantum KVD series, which goes for $99, will be on sale this weekend, at BPS, for about $50, I like this one better than the extreme. You get what you pay for. If you fish a lot you'll be much happier buying a more expensive reel. Which ever reel you buy, I would make sure you can dial in the magnetic brake on the outside. It's a pain taking off the cover to adjust the brake.

I'm jealous. What color baits have been more successful?

I'm sorry I missed it. But I hope to make it to the next one.

I use a rubber skirt collar inserted after the hook. They also make a collar that goes over the trailer hook eye, but I don't care for them, the hook doesn't swing freely.

I was in Bass Pro shops a few weeks ago and spoke with one of the sales people about them. He told me that they had a higher return rate on the older model rods. Which, I believe, are the ones on sale.

Interesting thread. I generally use a trailer hook when throwing a buzzbait and sometimes with a spinnerbait,as long as it's not too weedy. I would not try to guess a percentage of improved hook up. But I have definitely caught fish that were only hooked on the trailer. I can't say that I recall gut or gill hooking a fish on the trailer hook yet. I would recommend it, especially if one is experiencing short strikes and changing speeds, cadence or color doesn't help.

Thanks for the suggestions. I forgot to check tackletour, great website. After reading their reviews I'm not sure which rod to buy. I'm not ready to plunk down $300+ for a rod, yet.

I'm looking to buy a crankbait rod. I've done some research but would like some additional input. I've looked at the Quantum KVD rod, TKVD7106M, but haven't settled on anything yet. Recommendations?

I have purchased a couple of their baitcasting rods and one of their baitcasting reels. The rods are decent. Nobody is going to confuse them with a St Croix rod but they're worth the money. I haven't used the reel much, yet. But so far, again it's worth the money paid. If your on a tight budget I would recommend Acadia, their rods are probably comparable to ones twice the price. I personally, enjoy using my more expensive tackle more. But that's at three to four times the cost.

Did you buy the rod in Bolingbrook or online? Are they still available?

I may be interested.

I purchased a baitcaster and received another one free, different size. For the money they're not bad rods. You may not confuse them with a St Croix, but they're comparable to a Bass Pro Extreme rod, which I have. I'm still using both of them. I also bought a baitcaster reel from them, which I'm still using.

This was my first outing and I had a great time. I fished with Scott F. Fishing wasn't the greatest. I believe Scot had a couple of smallies and a catfish, while I managed to catch one dink smallie using a twister tail. I learned a few things and am looking forward to another outing. Thanks again Scott