Never

In my fishing life I’ve had a lot of different rods and reels. Starting out the reels that I had utilized a one piece wire bail. The rod was a two piece solid glass medium action with a metal ferrule. I learned the basics of doing everything with one rod. Nowadays I wouldn’t consider doing everything with one rod but if punch came to shove I could get it done but might need an extra spool or two. Technology and availability has drastically changed what I fish with. I couldn’t hazard a guess as to how many I’ve had, but I can today, right now, make this statement with complete confidence. I’ve never owned a rod and reel combo that makes me happier than the Finetail Banshee 6’ and the Presso 1000s loaded with .15 Varivas braid. Today I picked it up and had to tell myself to use the others in the boat. I brought 6 and used 4 of them. None of the others compare for casting, sensitivity, overall function. It takes minimum effort to cast like the others I own that I have to work at. Lightweight and effortless to use.

But on to the trip this morning. Started from the house just before first light and for me , it was cool. The sweatshirt barely kept up and wasn’t enough when the wind picked up. My queen had bought me a frog togs raincoat a couple of years back and it usually just rides the storage box, but today it was just the ticket and I was glad to have it. Eventually the sun came out and it warmed up a little but the wind still had a bite.

The fish were kinda non plus today. If you dragged it across their nose they would eat but I don’t think chasing was in their things to do today. First fish was a 10” or so Crappie with no shoulders. Second was smaller than that but the third would’ve kept. I kissed him on the nose and flipped him back. Several places I worked through in the next 45 minutes only gave up a couple of tiny gills and the Crappie was gone. Disappointed I laid the rods down and stowed the electric and fixed the outboard for the first time today. There’s been an island in my mind for a few weeks now and I went to go see who was home. Second cast the line came tight and the rod bent serious. This fella had come to meet me.
Attachment 501128
Two casts later I got a serious smack and then my line started going everywhere. Very respectable. Attachment 501129
Not long down the bank I wasn’t getting much interest til this one sucked up my curl tail and really gave me a fun time. Rod tip in the water a few times and wanted no part of the net.
Attachment 501130
And of course, no trip around here is complete without the pretty boys showing up. I got a few of these but this was the star. Made the drag speak a couple of times.
Attachment 501131
It was about 10:30 and I had promised to be home early so I picked up and ran back to where I began to see about another crappie before calling it a day. And I found just one, but he was a good one. He rode the box for a few minutes but with no friends to join him I cut him loose.
Attachment 501132
The temps had risen and the crazy people were showing up so I was happy to call it done. I’m hoping that some of y’all’s weather is giving you a break and letting you get out some. Be careful when you go and tell us all about it when you’re done. Been a good one so far and it’s not done yet. Til next time……Skeet

Glad you’ve found a favorite. I’m still searching for that one special rod .
I don’t think I’ll ever find that “one” .
I agree there’s not one that can it all , if I find it , it’ll most likely be spooled with braid .
I enjoy fishing with 2# Floroclear, But there’s situations where I’d get in trouble with with the 2# mono.
You had a fun day with some nice ones . Thanks for sharing!

Sounds like an enjoyable trip. Some nice catches. Thanks for sharing

Nice variety day with a few good ones mixed in. I'd call it a good day. The way it's been going for me this year I'd consider the day you had a great day. Saw a robin yesterday, first of the year so we are getting close. I have a lot of quality rods but my favorite is still the first JDM rod I purchased in 2018 and it's the cheapest one of the bunch. My 7' Shimano Soare BB paired with a Stella C2000s is definitely #1. Even bought a spare rod and tips which I broke twice and you fixed for me. Caught a lot of fish with this combo and some memorable big fish catches as well. Nothing is safe with this rod. 50# grass carp, 10 # bass, 3# crappie and others just to name a few. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

we only like the rod we are using when we ketch fish in this part of the world .....just saying :Rofl

Good write up, skeet. Thanks for the ride along.
Bob

That would be a great day in these parts Tim. Life getting in the way of fishing right now for me, but seeing the light coming around the corner for that chance. My friend, thank you for a most enjoyable ride. Stay warm, and keep a line wet.

Sure beats sitting at home on the couch. Glad you got out and had that Frog Togg jacket on board. Thanks for posting