BrianA

Thank you one and all. The rods are gone, sold to BrianG and we had a good wading trip on the DuPage.

Another group of options to consider might be: Berkley Vanish Flourocarbon line in 6-8 pound test good vis above water, disappears under water Stren/Berkley Clear blue line, higher vis above water, moderate vis below water Cabela's Camo line, multi-colored above water red/green/clear- very low vis below water - tough line overall (I'm thinking of buying the 1000 yard spool Let me know what you think of these lines.

I'm sure not going to help matters but I'll put 2 cents in to make a few bucks (Irish Euphanism) I wet wade, some times in shorts, other times in old khakis. I'm a risk taker and say it like this "Life is a risk you take every morning you choose to get out of bed". Heck, the office air is killing me, the hydro carbon emissions in traffic are killing me, the chew is killing me, I might as well enjoy something that's potentially damaging. I know the KKK is pretty safe, big cats though, Gar possibly. I will wear the waders until I have to peel them off of me. I have wet waded the DuPage but think better of not doing it now so I keep the waders. I don't exactly consult my horoscope before I go out!

Very well said by many. Again, with Jonn Graham's recommendations I also use the McCoy. I took on P-Line under my own reports. Again, I will stress what others have said: 4-6 pound McCoy & P-Line are both great on spinning reels up to 2500 series. I have not used 8 pound but will on other reels of 3500 - 4000 series with the larger spools. Larger sizes typically handle well on bait casting gear as proven by tournament gurus. It flips and casts very well. It has been my experience that both lines up to 6 pound will handle smallies without fail. It is a super mono by make up and also by personal account. I landed a 3 pound smallie last week on a short string sight fishing and she gave me a hand-full but I landed the fish without overstressing her or the McCoy. They were nice, active post-spawn bronzebacks on the creek I fish. I am yet to experience line failure or twist when using my brains fishing for them!! Keep a tight line brother and Hail to the beloved Smallie!

As a fishing photo fooler, I have held out fish to give the appearance of larger but not to the extent of writing it bigger than it was. Case in point, my brother catches a fish easily of 4 pounds from a local subdivision pond in Burr Ridge,IL some years back. We did not have a scale or a measuring tape although I always carry the tape now, so we marked it on the rod handle by scratching w/ a hook. The L-M bass was easily between 19-20 inches w/ the mouth closed. The fish was not conducive to being held still either. Although we did not have the girth, estimates on the Northland Jigs fish card "averages" for gamefish put that fish over 4 pounds. Ok, I can live with that and we had a blown up picture mounted on the wall and the fish was released. I had a fella debate w/ me at great length that the fish was maybe 3 pounds or slightly more. I finally left it at "I guess if we'd have brought a tape measure and a scale, we wouldn't need a discussion". Hats off to your smallie. That fish is a hawg I'd be honored to reel in, especially in Illinois waters!!! My best is still only around 4 pounds from the KKK river.

Jonn, You're probably right, it's the 6'3 Avid. I was doing the shop and compare vs the G-Loomis Bronzeback rod of the same action, power and size. The Avid just felt really nice and had a great action to it. I was thinking of pairing it w/ either another Sedona Spinning reel or the Diawa Regal Xi I picked up. The Daiwa seemed like a lot of reel for $40. The 6' 2 rod I have is the Shimano Clarus, not bad for a better than average, entry level stick. I still won't part with it even if I've got newer, more expensive ones. It too has a nice action for being a Med/Lt rod. Thinking the Avid Md action w/ extra fast power might be a real sweet choice for the dough $$$$$$$$!

Jonn, I have been looking at the St Croix Avid in the 6' 2 model, medium spinning w/ fast action. This rod looks like the next one for my collection. Also, an admitted rod & reel and tackle junky, I don't want to fall into the trap. I may be able to get away w/ it for more than just creek and small river. I like that size now and the series is a step up from the Premiers' I already have. Any thoughts on that particular rod??

As I thin out some fishing rods I do not use much, I have to let the lesson sink in about choosing a rod that covers a multitude of fishing situations rather than a "specialty" rod. The tried & true will be debated much but not without helpful insights we will gain................. For larger flows, I like a rod up to 6'6 inch in a medium, fast action. This would be typical of the Kankakee, Fox, Rock, and some other rivers. For smaller flows, I like a 6' or 6'3 inch rod in light, moderate action or in medium-light moderate action best. These are creek/small rivers. Both small and large flow choices can fish jigs, soft jerk baits, and topwaters without much fuss. The larger flow choices I have are 6'6 - 1 pc. St Croix Premier and a 6'6 - 2 pc. Daiwa Heartland rod. The Daiwa has a bit slower action than the St Croix, you get what you pay for but they are sensitive enough. The smaller flow choices are 6' St Croix Premier - 1 pc. in moderate action, and a 6'2 - 1 pc. Shimano Clarus rod w/ moderate-fast action. Although all 4 rods cover a range in the pocket book, they have been useful tools for more fishing time and less fooling around. I can always pack the extra spools in my vest to switch up rather than 3-4 rods trying to look like Robin Hood!!

Gents, Wonderful feedback, it goes to show you about the same with some automobiles...... The difference between your Kia/Hyundai and your Toyota is all in the level of customer service. Sorry, American cars included to a point. I've fixed a lot of buyer's remorse @ the parts and service department counters over the years because of advertising promises... Off that soap box for now and onto fishing again. My Shimano reels include one black, graphite spinning w/ the original rear-fighting drag system......Great, dependable reel. I also own 2 Sedona 2500's (cousin of the Sahara??) and they have been excellent. Good reel for $50. I got my crowning jewel last year on a consignment sale, gently used: Calcutta CT-50 for light bassin'. I also have Abu Garcia reels I swear by, not at that have been faithful for some time now, mostly Cardinal series. I have my original UL spinning reel is a Gold Max w/ all the writing warn off but it still cranks like mad! This reel is almost 20 years old. In contrast, I spoke w/ guides that swear by South Bend musky reels in cold, damp weather (sorry...) rather than their Abu 5500's that would seize up. I have never had any serious problems w/ any of the Abu Garcia or Shimano reels. I still purchase and own both. My worst luck has been w/ Quantum/Zebco reels but they quickly corrected them by replacing the whole reel rather than repairing it! The debate continues.....................................

Looking like Jonn to thin my herd, love that description as it crossed my mind between widdling a stick and putting out to pasture! Berkley Series 1 - 6'6 Med/Hvy casting rod 1 pc. This rod is a few years old but in excellent shape Rarely used by me, new retails for $100. Asking $50. Let's talk if we're in the neighborhood as its stored in my rod travel tube. Bass Pro Shop Crankin' Power Pro 6'6 Medium action casting rod 1 pc. This rod is over 5 years old, still looks new. May have used it 3 times. New retails $39.99 @ BPS. Make an offer $$$$ I have a few others not listed that I could also part with but not high end stuff. I can ship it but it will have to cost you the actual price to do that through the post office or UPS. Members in the Chicagoland region, give me an excuse to come fish w/ you and I'll deliver them!! I live in Darien,IL off I-55 & Cass Avenue.

This year, it's only going to be 2 "new" lures for me. This way I don't start overpacking again!!! The Berkley Blade Dancer in 1/16 oz size on the little creeks near me for starters. Also, an old standby of Green bassin'; the buzzbait. These are spring early summer options and early morning instead of always throwing a baby Chug Bug and Rebel Pop R's. Once the sun rises in the summer, it's back to polishing rocks w/ the weighted Keeper Hooks and Slider Jigs w/ plastics. I've considered the jig-n-pig but never get my timing down to put them to good use. Keep a tight line and keep it simple have to be the best wisdom I can carry with me that's not in my wading vest.

Lots of wisdom in these fellas, that's what I love about the club! I listen and learn more. I have also found tremendous results and less snags with the Weighted Keeper Hook as well as the Sliders. Both are staples of mine. I have victimized myself year after year by being a pack mule rather than an angler. I cover toooooo many what if's! With that said, I believe I will be widdling down the tackle I pack and keep the tried and trues, along with a couple new baits like buzzbaits and small spinner later on (operative word being couple). I didn't buy the Cabelas wadin/back support belt for no reason. It's because I'm too stubborn to change at times (call it the Irish in me) That vest right now must weigh over 5 pounds, easy. The best investment by far has been the River Quiver because an extra rod and reel is handy. It also beats the extra tackle I don't need to lug around.

That sounds great Jonn. I'll pack and ship them soon! Headed to the BPS Opener tonight, it should be a zoo.

Jonn, I've got an ugly purple Storm bait, another regular sized Chug Bug (also ugly), a few Normans. Interested in swapping or painting them to make them fish catchers?? Brian J Athern